Tag: Hockey Coaching

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 116: How Defencemen Track Players Behind the Net

IHM Academy

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 116: How Defencemen Track Players Behind the Net

Date: September 14, 2026
By: IceHockeyMan Academy | Author: Mark Lehtonen

Coach Answer

Defencemen track players behind the net with short hand-offs and clear post responsibility. They should not both follow the same attacker and leave the crease unprotected.

Why This Matters in a Real Game

How Defencemen Track Players Behind the Net matters because defensive-zone coverage is a five-player job. A technically good individual action can still damage the structure if it leaves a more dangerous attacker or lane unprotected.

What the Defender Is Reading

Puck location
Inside position
Most dangerous attacker
Support responsibility
What space opens if you leave

The Coverage Rule

Protect the higher-danger responsibility first, then support the puck if the structure allows it.

How It Plays Out

An attacker circles behind the goal. The near defenceman calls the hand-off early, the partner takes the new side and the first defender returns to the front.

What Changes the Read?

Puck location and speed
Inside body position
Where the second attacker is moving
How much support is behind the first pressure
Fatigue and recovery distance

Common Coverage Mistake

Leaving the first responsibility too early to help a teammate who already has the situation under control.

Recovery Rule

If the first responsibility is lost, recover toward the middle before chasing the puck again. Rebuild inside position, identify the nearest dangerous stick and then restore normal pressure.

Edge Case

Opponent size, handedness, fatigue and puck speed can change the exact technique, but the priority of dangerous space remains the same.

Mark Lehtonen Insight

Defensive-zone roles are not fixed spots on the ice. They are responsibilities that move with the puck and the attackers. The important question is always the same: who owns the most dangerous space now?

Quick Q&A

What is the main idea behind how defencemen track players behind the net?

Defencemen track players behind the net with short hand-offs and clear post responsibility. They should not both follow the same attacker and leave the crease unprotected.

What should the player read first?

Read the puck and the most dangerous attacker, then check whether your first responsibility is already covered by a teammate.

What is the coverage rule?

Protect the higher-danger responsibility first, then support the puck if the structure allows it.

Should defenders always attack the puck immediately?

No. Pressure is useful only when the dangerous space behind it remains protected.

What happens when a role changes?

Communicate early, hand off clearly and make sure the new dangerous space has an owner before leaving the old one.

Key Takeaways

Defencemen track players behind the net with short hand-offs and clear post responsibility. They should not both follow the same attacker and leave the crease unprotected.
Protect the higher-danger responsibility first, then support the puck if the structure allows it.
Net-front and slot responsibility must always have an owner.
Supporting the puck should never create a larger opening in the middle.
After a breakdown, recover inside before rebuilding pressure.

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 115: How Centres Track Late Arrivals

IHM Academy

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 115: How Centres Track Late Arrivals

Date: September 14, 2026
By: IceHockeyMan Academy | Author: Mark Lehtonen

Coach Answer

Centres track late arrivals by scanning away from the puck before the attacker reaches the slot. Early information lets the centre gain inside position instead of reacting after the pass is available.

Why This Matters in a Real Game

How Centres Track Late Arrivals matters because defensive-zone coverage is a five-player job. A technically good individual action can still damage the structure if it leaves a more dangerous attacker or lane unprotected.

What the Centre Is Reading

Puck location
Inside position
Most dangerous attacker
Support responsibility
What space opens if you leave

The Coverage Rule

The centre protects the middle first and supports whichever low problem becomes most dangerous.

How It Plays Out

The puck is below the goal line and the centre shoulder-checks. He sees a defenceman joining late and gains inside position before the pass reaches the high slot.

What Changes the Read?

Puck location and speed
Inside body position
Where the second attacker is moving
How much support is behind the first pressure
Fatigue and recovery distance

Common Coverage Mistake

Following the puck to the wall and leaving the middle without a second layer.

Recovery Rule

If the first responsibility is lost, recover toward the middle before chasing the puck again. Rebuild inside position, identify the nearest dangerous stick and then restore normal pressure.

Edge Case

Opponent size, handedness, fatigue and puck speed can change the exact technique, but the priority of dangerous space remains the same.

Mark Lehtonen Insight

Quick Q&A

What is the main idea behind how centres track late arrivals?

What should the player read first?

Read the puck and the most dangerous attacker, then check whether your first responsibility is already covered by a teammate.

What is the coverage rule?

The centre protects the middle first and supports whichever low problem becomes most dangerous.

Should defenders always attack the puck immediately?

No. Pressure is useful only when the dangerous space behind it remains protected.

What happens when a role changes?

Communicate early, hand off clearly and make sure the new dangerous space has an owner before leaving the old one.

Key Takeaways

Centres track late arrivals by scanning away from the puck before the attacker reaches the slot. Early information lets the centre gain inside position instead of reacting after the pass is available.
The centre protects the middle first and supports whichever low problem becomes most dangerous.
Net-front and slot responsibility must always have an owner.
Supporting the puck should never create a larger opening in the middle.
After a breakdown, recover inside before rebuilding pressure.

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 114: How Wingers Defend the Points Without Opening the Slot

IHM Academy

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 114: How Wingers Defend the Points Without Opening the Slot

Date: September 14, 2026
By: IceHockeyMan Academy | Author: Mark Lehtonen

Coach Answer

Wingers should close the points from inside-out. That path lets them influence the shot or pass while keeping their body between the puck and the dangerous middle lane.

Why This Matters in a Real Game

How Wingers Defend the Points Without Opening the Slot matters because defensive-zone coverage is a five-player job. A technically good individual action can still damage the structure if it leaves a more dangerous attacker or lane unprotected.

What the Defender Is Reading

Puck location
Inside position
Most dangerous attacker
Support responsibility
What space opens if you leave

The Coverage Rule

Protect the higher-danger responsibility first, then support the puck if the structure allows it.

How It Plays Out

The point receives a pass. The winger approaches from inside-out, so the shot lane narrows without exposing a free pass into the slot.

What Changes the Read?

Puck location and speed
Inside body position
Where the second attacker is moving
How much support is behind the first pressure
Fatigue and recovery distance

Common Coverage Mistake

Leaving the first responsibility too early to help a teammate who already has the situation under control.

Recovery Rule

If the first responsibility is lost, recover toward the middle before chasing the puck again. Rebuild inside position, identify the nearest dangerous stick and then restore normal pressure.

Edge Case

Opponent size, handedness, fatigue and puck speed can change the exact technique, but the priority of dangerous space remains the same.

Mark Lehtonen Insight

Quick Q&A

What is the main idea behind how wingers defend the points without opening the slot?

Wingers should close the points from inside-out. That path lets them influence the shot or pass while keeping their body between the puck and the dangerous middle lane.

What should the player read first?

Read the puck and the most dangerous attacker, then check whether your first responsibility is already covered by a teammate.

What is the coverage rule?

Protect the higher-danger responsibility first, then support the puck if the structure allows it.

Should defenders always attack the puck immediately?

No. Pressure is useful only when the dangerous space behind it remains protected.

What happens when a role changes?

Communicate early, hand off clearly and make sure the new dangerous space has an owner before leaving the old one.

Key Takeaways

Wingers should close the points from inside-out. That path lets them influence the shot or pass while keeping their body between the puck and the dangerous middle lane.
Protect the higher-danger responsibility first, then support the puck if the structure allows it.
Net-front and slot responsibility must always have an owner.
Supporting the puck should never create a larger opening in the middle.
After a breakdown, recover inside before rebuilding pressure.

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 113: How Forwards Protect the Slot Behind Pressure

IHM Academy

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 113: How Forwards Protect the Slot Behind Pressure

Date: September 14, 2026
By: IceHockeyMan Academy | Author: Mark Lehtonen

Coach Answer

Forwards protect the slot by staying inside the puck pressure and tracking attackers arriving from higher areas. They are the second layer that stops one beaten defender from becoming an open chance.

Why This Matters in a Real Game

How Forwards Protect the Slot Behind Pressure matters because defensive-zone coverage is a five-player job. A technically good individual action can still damage the structure if it leaves a more dangerous attacker or lane unprotected.

What the Defender Is Reading

Puck location
Inside position
Most dangerous attacker
Support responsibility
What space opens if you leave

The Coverage Rule

Protect the higher-danger responsibility first, then support the puck if the structure allows it.

How It Plays Out

A defenceman attacks low and gets beaten by a quick cut. The centre is already inside the slot and becomes the next layer without the whole unit collapsing.

What Changes the Read?

Puck location and speed
Inside body position
Where the second attacker is moving
How much support is behind the first pressure
Fatigue and recovery distance

Common Coverage Mistake

Leaving the first responsibility too early to help a teammate who already has the situation under control.

Recovery Rule

If the first responsibility is lost, recover toward the middle before chasing the puck again. Rebuild inside position, identify the nearest dangerous stick and then restore normal pressure.

Edge Case

Opponent size, handedness, fatigue and puck speed can change the exact technique, but the priority of dangerous space remains the same.

Mark Lehtonen Insight

Quick Q&A

What is the main idea behind how forwards protect the slot behind pressure?

Forwards protect the slot by staying inside the puck pressure and tracking attackers arriving from higher areas. They are the second layer that stops one beaten defender from becoming an open chance.

What should the player read first?

Read the puck and the most dangerous attacker, then check whether your first responsibility is already covered by a teammate.

What is the coverage rule?

Protect the higher-danger responsibility first, then support the puck if the structure allows it.

Should defenders always attack the puck immediately?

No. Pressure is useful only when the dangerous space behind it remains protected.

What happens when a role changes?

Communicate early, hand off clearly and make sure the new dangerous space has an owner before leaving the old one.

Key Takeaways

Forwards protect the slot by staying inside the puck pressure and tracking attackers arriving from higher areas. They are the second layer that stops one beaten defender from becoming an open chance.
Protect the higher-danger responsibility first, then support the puck if the structure allows it.
Net-front and slot responsibility must always have an owner.
Supporting the puck should never create a larger opening in the middle.
After a breakdown, recover inside before rebuilding pressure.

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 112: How Defencemen Share Net-Front Responsibility

IHM Academy

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 112: How Defencemen Share Net-Front Responsibility

Date: September 14, 2026
By: IceHockeyMan Academy | Author: Mark Lehtonen

Coach Answer

Defencemen share net-front responsibility by communicating which player owns the immediate puck threat and which protects the crease. The roles can switch quickly, but the front should never be left without an owner.

Why This Matters in a Real Game

How Defencemen Share Net-Front Responsibility matters because defensive-zone coverage is a five-player job. A technically good individual action can still damage the structure if it leaves a more dangerous attacker or lane unprotected.

What the Defender Is Reading

Puck location
Nearest attacker's stick
Goaltender sightline
Second attacker
Rebound space

The Coverage Rule

Own inside body and stick position before trying to remove the attacker or loose puck.

How It Plays Out

The puck reverses behind the net. One defenceman becomes first pressure while the partner slides into net-front protection. The switch works because the front always has an owner.

What Changes the Read?

Puck location and speed
Inside body position
Where the second attacker is moving
How much support is behind the first pressure
Fatigue and recovery distance

Common Coverage Mistake

Becoming so focused on moving the attacker or loose puck that the defender loses the shot lane, second stick or goaltender sightline.

Recovery Rule

If the first responsibility is lost, recover toward the middle before chasing the puck again. Rebuild inside position, identify the nearest dangerous stick and then restore normal pressure.

Edge Case

Opponent size, handedness, fatigue and puck speed can change the exact technique, but the priority of dangerous space remains the same.

Mark Lehtonen Insight

Quick Q&A

What is the main idea behind how defencemen share net-front responsibility?

What should the player read first?

Read the puck and the most dangerous attacker, then check whether your first responsibility is already covered by a teammate.

What is the coverage rule?

Own inside body and stick position before trying to remove the attacker or loose puck.

Should defenders always attack the puck immediately?

No. Pressure is useful only when the dangerous space behind it remains protected.

What happens when a role changes?

Communicate early, hand off clearly and make sure the new dangerous space has an owner before leaving the old one.

Key Takeaways

Defencemen share net-front responsibility by communicating which player owns the immediate puck threat and which protects the crease. The roles can switch quickly, but the front should never be left without an owner.
Own inside body and stick position before trying to remove the attacker or loose puck.
Net-front and slot responsibility must always have an owner.
Supporting the puck should never create a larger opening in the middle.
After a breakdown, recover inside before rebuilding pressure.

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 111: The Weak-Side Winger’s Defensive-Zone Job

IHM Academy

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 111: The Weak-Side Winger's Defensive-Zone Job

Date: September 14, 2026
By: IceHockeyMan Academy | Author: Mark Lehtonen

Coach Answer

The weak-side winger protects the far-side threat before it becomes obvious. He tracks backdoor movement, late arrivals and the far point while staying connected to the middle.

Why This Matters in a Real Game

The Weak-Side Winger's Defensive-Zone Job matters because defensive-zone coverage is a five-player job. A technically good individual action can still damage the structure if it leaves a more dangerous attacker or lane unprotected.

What the Winger Is Reading

Puck location
Inside position
Most dangerous attacker
Support responsibility
What space opens if you leave

The Coverage Rule

Protect the far-side danger before following the puck across the zone.

How It Plays Out

Everyone looks toward the puck on the right side. The weak-side winger shoulder-checks and sees a late attacker drifting toward the far post, picking him up before the pass comes.

What Changes the Read?

Puck location and speed
Inside body position
Where the second attacker is moving
How much support is behind the first pressure
Fatigue and recovery distance

Common Coverage Mistake

Drifting too far toward the puck and opening either the point or the weak-side threat.

Recovery Rule

If the first responsibility is lost, recover toward the middle before chasing the puck again. Rebuild inside position, identify the nearest dangerous stick and then restore normal pressure.

Edge Case

Opponent size, handedness, fatigue and puck speed can change the exact technique, but the priority of dangerous space remains the same.

Mark Lehtonen Insight

Quick Q&A

What is the main idea behind the weak-side winger's defensive-zone job?

The weak-side winger protects the far-side threat before it becomes obvious. He tracks backdoor movement, late arrivals and the far point while staying connected to the middle.

What should the player read first?

Read the puck and the most dangerous attacker, then check whether your first responsibility is already covered by a teammate.

What is the coverage rule?

Protect the far-side danger before following the puck across the zone.

Should defenders always attack the puck immediately?

No. Pressure is useful only when the dangerous space behind it remains protected.

What happens when a role changes?

Communicate early, hand off clearly and make sure the new dangerous space has an owner before leaving the old one.

Key Takeaways

The weak-side winger protects the far-side threat before it becomes obvious. He tracks backdoor movement, late arrivals and the far point while staying connected to the middle.
Protect the far-side danger before following the puck across the zone.
Net-front and slot responsibility must always have an owner.
Supporting the puck should never create a larger opening in the middle.
After a breakdown, recover inside before rebuilding pressure.

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 110: The Strong-Side Winger’s Defensive-Zone Job

IHM Academy

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 110: The Strong-Side Winger's Defensive-Zone Job

Date: September 14, 2026
By: IceHockeyMan Academy | Author: Mark Lehtonen

Coach Answer

The strong-side winger connects low coverage to the point. He must be close enough to challenge high possession but disciplined enough not to open the slot behind him.

Why This Matters in a Real Game

The Strong-Side Winger's Defensive-Zone Job matters because defensive-zone coverage is a five-player job. A technically good individual action can still damage the structure if it leaves a more dangerous attacker or lane unprotected.

What the Winger Is Reading

Puck location
Inside position
Most dangerous attacker
Support responsibility
What space opens if you leave

The Coverage Rule

Close high threats from inside-out so point pressure does not open the slot.

How It Plays Out

The puck moves up the wall toward the point. The winger closes from inside-out, taking away the direct lane through the middle while still pressuring the point.

What Changes the Read?

Puck location and speed
Inside body position
Where the second attacker is moving
How much support is behind the first pressure
Fatigue and recovery distance

Common Coverage Mistake

Drifting too far toward the puck and opening either the point or the weak-side threat.

Recovery Rule

If the first responsibility is lost, recover toward the middle before chasing the puck again. Rebuild inside position, identify the nearest dangerous stick and then restore normal pressure.

Edge Case

Opponent size, handedness, fatigue and puck speed can change the exact technique, but the priority of dangerous space remains the same.

Mark Lehtonen Insight

Quick Q&A

What is the main idea behind the strong-side winger's defensive-zone job?

The strong-side winger connects low coverage to the point. He must be close enough to challenge high possession but disciplined enough not to open the slot behind him.

What should the player read first?

Read the puck and the most dangerous attacker, then check whether your first responsibility is already covered by a teammate.

What is the coverage rule?

Close high threats from inside-out so point pressure does not open the slot.

Should defenders always attack the puck immediately?

No. Pressure is useful only when the dangerous space behind it remains protected.

What happens when a role changes?

Communicate early, hand off clearly and make sure the new dangerous space has an owner before leaving the old one.

Key Takeaways

The strong-side winger connects low coverage to the point. He must be close enough to challenge high possession but disciplined enough not to open the slot behind him.
Close high threats from inside-out so point pressure does not open the slot.
Net-front and slot responsibility must always have an owner.
Supporting the puck should never create a larger opening in the middle.
After a breakdown, recover inside before rebuilding pressure.

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 109: The Centre as the Defensive-Zone Safety Valve

IHM Academy

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 109: The Centre as the Defensive-Zone Safety Valve

Date: September 14, 2026
By: IceHockeyMan Academy | Author: Mark Lehtonen

Coach Answer

The centre is the flexible safety valve of the defensive zone. He supports low battles, protects the slot, tracks late attackers and fills the space created when a defenceman has to leave the middle.

Why This Matters in a Real Game

The Centre as the Defensive-Zone Safety Valve matters because defensive-zone coverage is a five-player job. A technically good individual action can still damage the structure if it leaves a more dangerous attacker or lane unprotected.

What the Centre Is Reading

Puck location
Inside position
Most dangerous attacker
Support responsibility
What space opens if you leave

The Coverage Rule

The centre protects the middle first and supports whichever low problem becomes most dangerous.

How It Plays Out

The puck-side defenceman is pulled into the corner and the partner is occupied at the post. The centre drops into the slot, preventing the offence from turning a low battle into an open middle chance.

What Changes the Read?

Puck location and speed
Inside body position
Where the second attacker is moving
How much support is behind the first pressure
Fatigue and recovery distance

Common Coverage Mistake

Following the puck to the wall and leaving the middle without a second layer.

Recovery Rule

If the first responsibility is lost, recover toward the middle before chasing the puck again. Rebuild inside position, identify the nearest dangerous stick and then restore normal pressure.

Edge Case

Opponent size, handedness, fatigue and puck speed can change the exact technique, but the priority of dangerous space remains the same.

Mark Lehtonen Insight

Quick Q&A

What is the main idea behind the centre as the defensive-zone safety valve?

The centre is the flexible safety valve of the defensive zone. He supports low battles, protects the slot, tracks late attackers and fills the space created when a defenceman has to leave the middle.

What should the player read first?

Read the puck and the most dangerous attacker, then check whether your first responsibility is already covered by a teammate.

What is the coverage rule?

The centre protects the middle first and supports whichever low problem becomes most dangerous.

Should defenders always attack the puck immediately?

No. Pressure is useful only when the dangerous space behind it remains protected.

What happens when a role changes?

Communicate early, hand off clearly and make sure the new dangerous space has an owner before leaving the old one.

Key Takeaways

The centre is the flexible safety valve of the defensive zone. He supports low battles, protects the slot, tracks late attackers and fills the space created when a defenceman has to leave the middle.
The centre protects the middle first and supports whichever low problem becomes most dangerous.
Net-front and slot responsibility must always have an owner.
Supporting the puck should never create a larger opening in the middle.
After a breakdown, recover inside before rebuilding pressure.

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 108: The Defenceman Protecting the Net Front

IHM Academy

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 108: The Defenceman Protecting the Net Front

Date: September 14, 2026
By: IceHockeyMan Academy | Author: Mark Lehtonen

Coach Answer

The net-front defenceman protects the most dangerous central space while reading whether he can help the puck-side battle. He should control sticks, bodies and rebound lanes without drifting so far that the crease becomes available.

Why This Matters in a Real Game

The Defenceman Protecting the Net Front matters because defensive-zone coverage is a five-player job. A technically good individual action can still damage the structure if it leaves a more dangerous attacker or lane unprotected.

What the Defender Is Reading

Puck location
Nearest attacker's stick
Goaltender sightline
Second attacker
Rebound space

The Coverage Rule

Own inside body and stick position before trying to remove the attacker or loose puck.

How It Plays Out

The first defenceman battles in the corner while his partner stays near the crease. The partner controls the net-front stick, sees the puck and remains ready if the carrier escapes low.

What Changes the Read?

Puck location and speed
Inside body position
Where the second attacker is moving
How much support is behind the first pressure
Fatigue and recovery distance

Common Coverage Mistake

Becoming so focused on moving the attacker or loose puck that the defender loses the shot lane, second stick or goaltender sightline.

Recovery Rule

If the first responsibility is lost, recover toward the middle before chasing the puck again. Rebuild inside position, identify the nearest dangerous stick and then restore normal pressure.

Edge Case

Opponent size, handedness, fatigue and puck speed can change the exact technique, but the priority of dangerous space remains the same.

Mark Lehtonen Insight

Quick Q&A

What is the main idea behind the defenceman protecting the net front?

What should the player read first?

Read the puck and the most dangerous attacker, then check whether your first responsibility is already covered by a teammate.

What is the coverage rule?

Own inside body and stick position before trying to remove the attacker or loose puck.

Should defenders always attack the puck immediately?

No. Pressure is useful only when the dangerous space behind it remains protected.

What happens when a role changes?

Communicate early, hand off clearly and make sure the new dangerous space has an owner before leaving the old one.

Key Takeaways

The net-front defenceman protects the most dangerous central space while reading whether he can help the puck-side battle. He should control sticks, bodies and rebound lanes without drifting so far that the crease becomes available.
Own inside body and stick position before trying to remove the attacker or loose puck.
Net-front and slot responsibility must always have an owner.
Supporting the puck should never create a larger opening in the middle.
After a breakdown, recover inside before rebuilding pressure.

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 107: The Defenceman Closest to the Puck

IHM Academy

Defensive Zone Coverage Lesson 107: The Defenceman Closest to the Puck

Date: September 14, 2026
By: IceHockeyMan Academy | Author: Mark Lehtonen

Coach Answer

The defenceman closest to the puck is usually the first pressure player, but only if he can arrive under control. His job is to reduce the puck carrier's useful options while keeping the route toward the slot harder than the route toward the boards.

Why This Matters in a Real Game

The Defenceman Closest to the Puck matters because defensive-zone coverage is a five-player job. A technically good individual action can still damage the structure if it leaves a more dangerous attacker or lane unprotected.

What the Defender Is Reading

Puck location
Inside position
Most dangerous attacker
Support responsibility
What space opens if you leave

The Coverage Rule

Pressure under control; do not give up the inside lane to arrive half a second earlier.

How It Plays Out

The puck enters the corner and the nearest defenceman closes under control. He keeps his inside shoulder toward the slot, so the carrier can protect the puck but cannot step directly into dangerous ice.

What Changes the Read?

Puck location and speed
Inside body position
Where the second attacker is moving
How much support is behind the first pressure
Fatigue and recovery distance

Common Coverage Mistake

Leaving the first responsibility too early to help a teammate who already has the situation under control.

Recovery Rule

If the first responsibility is lost, recover toward the middle before chasing the puck again. Rebuild inside position, identify the nearest dangerous stick and then restore normal pressure.

Edge Case

Opponent size, handedness, fatigue and puck speed can change the exact technique, but the priority of dangerous space remains the same.

Mark Lehtonen Insight

Quick Q&A

What is the main idea behind the defenceman closest to the puck?

What should the player read first?

Read the puck and the most dangerous attacker, then check whether your first responsibility is already covered by a teammate.

What is the coverage rule?

Pressure under control; do not give up the inside lane to arrive half a second earlier.

Should defenders always attack the puck immediately?

No. Pressure is useful only when the dangerous space behind it remains protected.

What happens when a role changes?

Communicate early, hand off clearly and make sure the new dangerous space has an owner before leaving the old one.

Key Takeaways

The defenceman closest to the puck is usually the first pressure player, but only if he can arrive under control. His job is to reduce the puck carrier's useful options while keeping the route toward the slot harder than the route toward the boards.
Pressure under control; do not give up the inside lane to arrive half a second earlier.
Net-front and slot responsibility must always have an owner.
Supporting the puck should never create a larger opening in the middle.
After a breakdown, recover inside before rebuilding pressure.