1. Protect the middle lane. If you can keep your opponents wide, along the boards, they are less likely to score.

2. Limit the amount of time and space available to your opponent. The faster you can get to the puck carrier, the less time and space the player has to make a play. Know who your check is, and stay no more than two stick lengths away, even when your check doesn't have the puck.

3. Keep between your check and the net in the defensive zone, and
between your check and the puck in other areas of the ice.