The Horseshoe Defensive Gap Progression from Marty Wilford helps defenseman practice their gaps, timing, influence on pucks and skating forwards to defend. Coaches can start the drill without defenders using sticks, and after a few reps they can have their sticks, which will help them realize how important and helpful proper stick position can be for defending.

Setup

• Forwards and defenseman in opposite corners in each end of the ice.
• Important: If you have both ends go at the same time, it is critical to make a rule that forwards can not skate to the middle of the ice until they pass the center ice line. This will ensure there are no collisions in the neutral zone.
• Progression # 1: 
  • On the whistle, a forward and defenseman skates down the ice. The forward receives a puck from the other forward in the other end of the ice, while the defender skates forwards alongside the forward and work to keep them to the outside of the ice.
• Progression # 2:
  • Same setup as the first progression, but the defenders route changes. They skate up the boards and then pivot to the inside of the ice and work to keep the defender to the outside of the ice.
• After a few reps of each progression without using a stick, defenders can use their stick. They will quickly realize how important and helpful proper stick position can be for defending.

Coaching Points

• Forwards should try to gain middle ice on the defender. But are not allowed to cross the center of the ice until they pass the red line (if both ends are going at once).
• Forwards should not skate directly alongside the defender with same speed. They should consider changing up speeds, and not skating in a straight line (which is easier to defend)
• Defenders should work to match the offensive players speed and angle the forwards to the outside of the ice.

Variations

• Can start the drills by having defenders not use their sticks and after a few reps you can allow them to use their sticks. This will help them realize how important and helpful proper stick position can be for defending.