Neutral Zone Transition Options for Defensemen
Quickly chasing down a loose puck in the neutral zone and getting the play moving up ice creates a strong offensive threat. Often times defensemen are the first to recover loose pucks in neutral ice – this video covers three basic options for D to transition the puck up ice effectively.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQQBoplgcDI
Option 1 – D to D Pass :: Key Points
- Protect the puck while passing
- Weak-side d should be staggered back 1-2 stick lengths from the puck to create a better passing angle (see diagram below)
- Don’t hesitate when making the pass – the longer you hold it, the more forecheckers will have time to pressure you
- Communicate with your D partner
- After passing to your partner, provide a support option for him/her
Option 2 – Open Up :: Key Points
- This is an option to be used when you have a bit more time
- Open up (pivot backward) and quickly scan the ice
- Keep the puck close to the body, and initiate passes from close to your skates in order to generate maximum power
Option 3 – Cross-Body Pass :: Key Points
- Protect the puck with your body
- Look prior to passing and arriving at puck
- Make a hard pass – you’ll have to attempt to pass extra hard to compensate for your body moving away from the pass
- If you are on your backhand, use a turning motion back up ice to help propel the puck
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