D Zone Coverage Basics 

This is a great drill to start to teach defensive zone coverage basics. Players learn to back check to an area then how to rotate their positions when the puck switches sides.
🔹DESCRIPTION:
Coach chips the puck deep to C1 in the corner and five players move into their basic defensive positions. On the whistle, C1 moves the puck over to the other corner to C2 and the players shift their D positioning over to the other side. Next whistle, C2 releases the puck and the five players break out down the ice 5vs0. “Five on the Dice” defensive positioning.
🔹KEYPOINTS:
Players move into position quickly, the center in close support to the puck and puck side winger sealing the wall.
The weak side winger covers the low slot as Weak side D covers the net front at the first post.
Progression: Add checkers against break out.
🔹LEVELS:
15-16, 13-14, 11-12
🔹TAGS:
Tactics, Half Ice, Basics, D-Zone, Checking, End Zone