Item No

Game Summary and Tactical Evaluation For Defense - Neutral Zone Play

Defense Game Evaluation
Player: First and Last Name	Date: DD/MM/YYYY
(1 - poor 2 - fair 3 - good 4 - very good 5 - excellent

Neutral Zone Coverage - Defense Only
Explanation of Tactic: CAN / DO YOU:		Ranking
1	Skate hard into open lane if one was available.	1	2	3	4	5
2	Dump the puck in deep if no play available.	1	2	3	4	5
3	Maintain close proximity (gap) to forwards on attack (opposition is attacking)	1	2	3	4	5
4	Follow forwards up ice quickly (your team on the rush)	1	2	3	4	5
5	Eliminate passing to or across mid- ice in neutral zone in dangerous situations.	1	2	3	4	5
6	Use partner wisely on def to def passes.	1	2	3	4	5
7	Maintained proper depth (supported) for defensive partner in neutral zone.	1	2	3	4	5
8	Sell pass or look off pass to opposition checker (do not telegraph pass - showed checker where pass was going to go).	1	2	3	4	5
9	Did not pinch in neutral zone unless absolutely sure.	1	2	3	4	5
10	Change lines-mates intelligently.	1	2	3	4	5
11	Use neutral zone space wisely (gain blue-line or center to stretch play).	1	2	3	4	5
	Totals:	TTL			/ 55

Neutral Zone Coverage - Defense Only
Explanation of Tactic: CAN / DO YOU:		Ranking					Reason1
1	Skate hard into open lane if one was available	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
2	Dump the puck in deep if no play available	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
3	Maintain close proximity (gap) to forwards on attack	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
4	Follow forwards up ice quickly	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
5	Eliminate passing to or across mid- ice in neutral zone in dangerous situations	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
6	Use partner wisely on def to def passes	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
7	Maintained proper depth (supported) for defensive partner in neutral zone.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
8	Sell or look off pass to opposition checker (do not telegraph pass (showed checker where pass was going to go).	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
9	Did not pinch in neutral zone unless absolutely sure.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
10	Change lines-mates intelligently.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
11	Use neutral zone wisely (gained blue-line to stretch play)	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
	Totals:	score			/ 55		ttl	ttl	ttl

Neutral zone assessment - Defense Only
Item No.	Score (1-5)	Factor (U-M-S)			Item No.	Score (1-5)	Factor (U-M-S)
1	1-5	U	M	S	5	1-5	U	M	S
2	1-5	U	M	S	6	1-5	U	M	S
3	1-5	U	M	S	7	1-5	U	M	S
4	1-5	U	M	S	8	1-5	U	M	S

Item No. 1 - Skate hard into open lane if one was available		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition forecheck took away pass option leaving open lane.
2	Opposition is on penalty kill and has left lane open.
3	You beat opposition player one on one and lane was open.
4	Player battling on the wall kicked puck out and lane was open.
5	Goal-tender has moved puck up quickly to take advantage of opposition line change.
6	Quick Def to Def pass has left you with open lane wide.
Primary teaching point: The objective of offense is to first create and then take advantage of open lanes. If one comes open, move into it as fast as you can. CAN / DO YOU:
1	Possess the skating skills necessary to move into open lane with speed?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Possess the puck control skills to carry puck with speed into open lane?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Possess read and react skills to take advantage when an open lane frees up?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Jump into lane with head on a swivel looking for outlet play in the event that you encounter checking pressure?	X	V	G	F	P
5	Sell passes to create open lanes for yourself?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 2 - Dump the puck in deep if no play available		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition is maintaining a tight defense gap at their blue-line.
2	Opposition is maintaining man on man coverage.
3	Team-mates have gone on a line change and you have jumped up into open lane.
4	You are on the penalty kill.
5	Your team has momentum and you do not want to risk any turnovers at the opposition blueline.
6	Your team is utilizing a dump-in play (ring or corner bounce) to pressure opposition and force turnover situation.
Primary teaching point: Putting the puck deep when no option available maintains forward momentum on the attack as well as forcing the opposition to have to break-out from deep within their zone. Always a safe option. CAN / DO YOU:
1	Possess the read and react skills to recognize option?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Have knowledge of puck placement within the opposition's zone.?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Move puck quickly so as not to put forwards off-side?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Know when to use option and when to carry and maintain possession?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 3 - Maintain close proximity (gap) to forwards on attack		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition maintains strong backcheck - need to add backside support to attack.
2	Opposition players are weak on transition, allows you to read off of play and pick up wayward passes.
3	You have offensive skills that the attack can utilize.
4	In a must win situation, all players join attack to pressure opposition.
Primary teaching point: The backside player off of the rush is one of the most dangerous players in offense. Always maintain a strong offensive posture whenever possible (as long as defensive posture in not compormised) CAN / DO YOU:
1	Possess the necessary speed to join the attack?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Possess the read and react skills necessary to capitalize on option?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Know when to join the rush and when to hold up?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Have strong defensive transition skills in the event that the attack breaks down?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 4 - Follow forwards up ice quickly		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition angle well from the inside out - need backside outlet.
2	Opposition back-checks hard - need to add backside support to the attack.
3	Opposition is great on transition to offensive - eliminate high option passes to open lanes (proper gap).
4	Running a set play on the attack - delay option to backside defense joining rush.
Primary teaching point: Keeping a tight gap on the forward attack eliminates open lanes in the neutral zone that the opposition can capitalize on as well as allows you to take advantage of any offensive opportunities that may arise off the back-side of the play. CAN / DO YOU:
1	Possess the necessary acceleration skills to follow forwards on the attack?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Possess the necessary read and react skills to recognize when to join rush?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Understand width and depth of the attack and how to fill support lanes?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Know how to read off opposition's attack in the event that your team loses puck and they counter quickly (know responsibilities)?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 5 - Do not make low percentage (dangerous) plays across mid-ice in neutral zone.		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition forechecking players have deceptive speed.
2	Your team has momentum and you do not want to attempt any high risk plays.
3	Team is in a state of confusion - simple plays until they can regroup and refocus.
4	Opposition utilizes a weak side lock low pressure forecheck .
5	Team - mates in wide ice do not know how to get open proper so wide side attack option becomes high risk.
6	You are tired (perhaps end of shift) and may not read play properly.
Primary teaching point: Knowing when to risk high reward options such as passes to wide ice become critical to a team's success when forming or creating a successful attack. However, while passes to wide ice spread out the opposition's defensive system, a bad turnover can be very dangerous. Know when to select option. CAN / DO YOU:
1	Possess the necessary read and react skills to read wide ice.?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Recognize opposition's forechecking systems?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Know how to read option players speed?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Know how to take advantage of alternate lanes if wide ice is not available.?	X	V	G	F	P
5	Communicate well with forwards so the know how to read off of you and jump into open ice?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 6 - Use partner wisely on def to def passes		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition uses an aggressive first forechecker - over pass is good option.
2	Puck has kicked back off of battle on wall - wide side D to D pass is open.
3	Opposition players have poor lateral mobility off of forecheck.
4	Opposition has poor neutral zone forecheck which can be capitalized on by D to D passing.
5	Your forward have been caught deep and puck has been moved back to regroup.
6	Coach wants you to initiate attack from high defensive zone off of D to D puck control passing.
Primary teaching point: Coordinating your attack off of the neutral zone can be very effective providing that the defense work well with each other (knowing each others limitations and strengths). This type of play can catch the opposition forechecking momentum going the wrong way opening up attack lanes and outnumbered situations within the neutral zone which can create great scoring opportunities. CAN / DO YOU:
1	Pass well across ice while retreating backwards?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Communicate well with your partner so as to know when to jump and when to retreat to open up more ice?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Recognize or read off of opposition's forecheck so as to know when to use Def wide side outlet pass?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Make play selection's off of pressured forecheck while skating backwards?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 7 - Maintained proper depth (supported) for defensive partner in neutral zone.		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition is utilizing a one man forecheck in the neutral zone.
2	Opposition is trying to eliminate D to D pass - must have depth below forecheck.
3	Coach wants defense to open up space inside the neutral zone so as to generate successful counter attack.
4	Opposition is weak off of neutral zone counter.
5	Your team is trying to slow game down by controlling puck.
6	Your team is trying to run down clock (penalty kill) and keep possession for as long as is possible.
Primary teaching point: Maintaining proper depth of support in the neutral zone amongst defenseman is absolutely critical in maximizing neutral zone counter attacks. Staggering or, use of depth helps in creating open ice for outlet pass in the event that your partner is under high pressure. CAN / DO YOU:
1	Possess adequate backward skating skills so as to support properly?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Read and react to the forecheck properly?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Able to receive and control puck under high pressure?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Have patience to control play and not overreact (shoot the puck down the ice un-necessarily)?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 8 - Sell or look off pass to opposition checker (do not telegraph pass (showed checker where pass was going to go).		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition reads off of puck carrier very well.
2	Opposition forwards are very deceptive .
3	Need to create more open ice so as to generate a better attack through better pass option.
4	Offensive players are greedy (want to jump to offense and fall for fakes easily).
5	Opposition is down a few goals and is reacting to passing plays quickly (trying to anticipate pass outlet early).
Primary teaching point: A skill utilized by exceptional play makers. Selling or looking off any pass maximizes the open ice that is available to you for an option out (wide or pre-designated receiver). Use often. It keeps the forecheck off balance and makes your attack unpredictable. CAN / DO YOU:
1	Possess adequate peripheral vision to utilize this skill?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Select alternate pass off of sell?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Remain calm under high pressure?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Think quickly in the event that the opposition player does not react to sell so as to select alternate option?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 9 - Did not pinch in neutral zone unless absolutely sure.		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition has momentum - no high risk plays.
2	Your team-mates are not good at covering for pinch.
3	Opposition players are excellent at converting on defensive mistakes.
4	Opposition forwards are deceptive - hard to read off of puck control.
5	Your team is down and you cannot afford any offensive opportunities for the opposition.
Primary teaching point: Timing is everything as is team communication and responsibilities. Expecting a forward to cover for you in the event of a missed pinch is often a fatal mistake. Most defensemen use this option when caught in bad ice. They often attack forward in the hopes of creating a turn-over but instead end up with a odd man attack against. Leave the high neutral zone work to the forwards unless absolutely sure and gap is correct and success is ensured. CAN / DO YOU:
1	Possess adequate backward acceleration skills?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Take the man in the event of a missed block pass?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Know when to pinch and when to hold ice?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Know how to read off of offensive attack so as to not be drawn into this situation?	X	V	G	F	P
5	Communicate well with team-mates so that your butt is covered in the event that you do pinch?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 10 - Changed line-mates intelligently		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition uses a fast wide ice attack on line changes.
2	Opposition counters quickly on neutral zone attack.
3	Team is slow to change off of bench.
4	You make mistakes when tired - keep shift short.
Primary teaching point: Fast break plays or quick counters are designed to catch teams off guard. Always be aware and do not give up and scoring opportunities off of needless BAD mental mistakes. CAN / DO YOU:
1	Know when to change properly?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Skate hard to the bench to limit down time?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Communicate well with bench so team-mates are ready for change?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Know how to read opposition's fast break play so as to counter properly in the event that your team-mates initiates a change?	X	V	G	F	P
5	Play with head on a swivel in the even of a broken play and opposition counters?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 11 - Use neutral zone wisely (gained blue-line or center line to stretch play)		X	V	G	F	P
	Possible reasons for open are:
1	Opposition is slow to react to puck movement.
2	Your team has speed and you want to maximize ice.
3	Running with a small bench - need to maximize puck movement.
4	Capitalize on opposition's poor spatial control - open up lanes due to poor forechecking system.
5	Opposition is aggressive on the forecheck - use puck movement to tire them out.
Primary teaching point: It is always advantageous to maximize ice (time and space). Utilizing "zone" space forces the opposition to spread out their defense which opens up skating and passing lanes. CAN / DO YOU:
1	Read ice well, know where you are?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Know how to maximize zone ice?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Pass quickly and accurately so as to not create off-side plays?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Read off of forechecking systems well?	X	V	G	F	P