Defensive Zone Gap Control
Positioning
Legend
- player
- cones
- movement path
How it works
Skate to correct gap-control positions in the defensive zone in response to puck location cues.
What you need
- cones
Your focus
Gap control is the single most important defensive positioning concept in hockey. Getting to the right gap before the puck arrives forces attackers into low-percentage plays.
Mark three defensive positions: strong side, center lane, weak side, with cones.
Parent points to a cone (simulating puck movement).
Skate immediately to the correct gap position for that puck location.
Pause 2 seconds in correct stance, then parent points to next position.
15 reps. Focus on beating the puck to the position.
Goal
You've got it when you reach the correct gap position and hold your stance for a 2-count before the parent points again, 13 of 15 reps.
Helpful cues
- Beat the puck to the position, if you're reacting after it's already too late
- Stay between the puck and the net, always
- Don't overcommit: maintain a gap you can skate through quickly
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Parent points to cones slowly, focus on the correct position, not the speed.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Parent calls two consecutive positions, skate to one, touch it, immediately skate to the next.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.