1 v 1 Gap Control and Angling Drill

Develop proper gap control by teaching defensemen to defend while skating forward, using good angles and an active stick to eliminate time and space. Description - This 1 on 1 drill teaches defensemen how to maintain a tight gap while defending with their feet moving forward. The defender starts by touching the blue line before closing space on the attacking forward, using proper angles, stick position, and body control to dictate the play. Setup & Execution - Coach spots a puck off the wall for the forward to retrieve. - The defender begins by touching the blue line before closing the gap. - The forward attacks the net while the defender skates forward to maintain a tight gap. - The defender uses proper angling and an active stick to take away time and space. - Transition and recover only when the attacker gains an advantage. - Play continues until the scoring chance is complete.