Shot Blocking and Positioning Drill
Defense
Legend
- player
- defender
- ball
- movement path
How it works
Develop proper shot-blocking technique and positioning to reduce high-danger shots against.
What you need
- hockey stick
- puck
- ice
- goalie
Your focus
Shot blocking is one of the most physically demanding defensive commitments in hockey, requiring technical precision to be safe and effective. Players who block shots correctly , taking away lanes rather than blindly diving , reduce dangerous rebounds and protect their goalie. Developing shot-blocking willingness and technique is a significant differentiator for elite defensive players.
Attacker sets up at the blue line for a point shot; defender positions between the attacker and net.
Attacker telegraphs shot direction by a slight weight shift.
Defender reads the telegraph and moves into the shot lane, dropping to one knee with the inside skate forward.
Attacker shoots; defender attempts to block; 10 reps each, rotating roles.
Goal
You've got it when you get your body in front of the shot and it hits you cleanly, no flinching, no partial blocks.
Helpful cues
- Stay between the shooter and the net, angle is everything
- Drop knee to the same side the shot is coming from
- Keep your head down on the shot, block with your body, not your face
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Attacker uses a foam puck or very soft shot for comfort building.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add a live penalty kill scenario where shot blocking is required under full power play conditions.No account needed
Build a practice plan
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