I would say discipline, positioning and timing is the key to solid defence. When I started playing I was skating around way too much - trying to pick up speed for a great tackle but missing my target most of the time. The truth is you can pretty much be still when checking - you just need to make your move when the opponent is close enough.
Just skate backwards slowly (skate-stop-skate-stop), position yourself in the line between the attacker and your own goal and let the defender near you. When he's right in front of you - bodycheck, poke or lift his stick.
With this in mind - control the slot and don't let your opponent sneak up from behind the net and score an easy goal, near post.
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Another great post, but I get confused when thumbing through the different options that you can use for Defense. 1-2-2, 2-1-2 low, 2-1-2 high.
Is there a certain Defense for a certain attack?
This is great advice. I usually play defense and this change in my game has put me in position to prevent a lot of goals. A big check to take away the puck near the blue line is very satisfying, but missing that check often results in a goal.
Yes I know... often when I get frustrated, when behind late in an online game, I start bodychecking alot and most of the time I end up loosing with a couple of goals. The thing with bodychecks is you dont know where the puck will end up afterwards. A lot of times the puck will end up behind you and with you being out of position the opponent will get a good scoring chance if he snatches the puck.
this is a pdf about forechecking: http://www.hockeyplayerdeveloper.com/TIPS/OFFENSE/OFFENSE_%20WhichForeChecking.pdf
Great post! Took your advice and snapped a 3-game losing streak last night w/ back-to-back wins! Go Caps!!!!