In the first article regarding on-ice effectiveness, I discussed how goalies, defensemen and forwards all have different roles to play on a team. They each need to have skills that allow them to perform well in their position. Coaches need to recognize the individual skills required for each position, and then, help players develop those skills.

Too often, forwards are asked to play defense with the goal of adding more offense to the lineup. This works for a while, but championships are won with solid defense. Quality defensemen are the best way to keep the opponents to 3 goals or less per game.

The view from the blue line is much different than from the forward positions. Defensemen have the luxury to view the game in front of them and react as needed.  Some players are much better suited to this position than playing forward.  Defensemen need different skills than forwards, and they need to work on them consistently to improve. 

The most important skill they need is skating: forwards, backwards, lateral backwards and transition skating. They need quick feet and acceleration. These skills need to be practiced over and over again.

Passing is also critical because the first pass initiates the counterattack, and it needs to be the right choice. Execute poorly and the play comes back again with pressure from opponents.

Shooting is another important skill that needs to be developed in defensemen. Specifically, wrist shots from the blue line and one-timers, the quicker the release, the better the results. The objective is to get the puck in the scoring area around the crease, even if it does not go in on the original shot. 

Gap control and body checking are other key ingredients for defensemen. Both require excellent skating skills and lots of practice. Gap control requires confidence in skating to keep up with the forwards, and the knowledge that their partner is backing up the play. Practice is the time to learn this.

Finally, on the skill side, is the courage to block shots. In order to block shots, a player must be willing to get in front of shots to prevent them from getting through. Many players pretend to block shots, but careful review of game tape show that they never were in the line of the puck.  There are proper ways of blocking shots that make the play successful. These skills need to be taught to all players.

In regards to decision making and backing up the other defenseman on the ice, these are skills that can also be learned and honed in practice. Things like playing between the dots, steering opponents to the outside, proper body position in front of the net and closing gaps sooner all need to be taught and learned.

In order to track development, markers for defensemen should be giveaways, takeaways, plus/minus and shots on goal. Penalties hurt the team so they need to be kept to a minimum.

For anyone interested in drills to help improve these skills, there are general skills and defense specific videos available in the coaches section.