The Leaside Flames U11 Gold team has several games before their next opportunity for defensive-specific practice.

Whether the following is carried out by the Flames’ coaching staff, or Coaches Kylie & Noah, here are some suggestions and recommendations:

Suggestions and recommendations:

1. Gap control, angling and gaining/maintaining body position should probably be practiced in some form every practice there is an opportunity to do so
2. The “corners” drill #4 (from the 2nd defensive practice) can be progressed with a 2nd attacker in each corner, given adequate number of available skaters
3. The 2v1 and 3v2 drills (from the 1st defensive practice) can be progressed by adding in actual forwards to execute the rushes. It can then be further progressed by adding a 2nd phase into the drill (continuing to provide pucks for ongoing battles)
4. Passing, both stationary and moving, should be worked on with the defenders – especially being able to identify targets and increasing the strength of their passes
5. Additional drills for defense could be to retrieve and control the puck behind the net, react to pressure (from a forecheck) and make a breakout pass – then close the gap to a 1v1/2v1/3v2 rush
6. Other subsequent game situation ideas: regroups, holding the blueline, shooting from the point, etc.