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ExeR · 10-16-2020, 06:34 AM

Tactical Settings

Reminder that I don't know how exactly things work in engine. And from the start, goal wasn't to find exploitative tactics that won't survive one updater or version change.
Info below is for better understanding of how things supposed to work for each tactical option.

OZ Attacking

Once an attacking team has possession in the offensive zone, the brilliant coaches in the great game of hockey really turn on the creative juices. The goal of every attacking team is to create offensive chances. What constitutes a “chance” differs from coach to coach, but in essence, a chance is a shot taken from inside the scoring area. There are three general philosophies to create these offensive chances:
1. Shooting through traffic
2. Creating separation
3. Creating deception
Cycle

The cycle works best when the player with the puck deep in the offensive zone begins to bring the puck up the boards toward the blue line.
https://i.imgur.com/FAmjMqb.png
Generally a defender will press this puck carrier toward the boards and work to remove the puck. The key to the cycle setup is the second offensive forward. This forward mirrors the positioning of the puck carrier but stays 10 or 15 feet (3.0 to 4.6 m) away from the puck carrier on the boards, toward the goal line. This player calls for the puck.The tendency is for players to pass into open ice, but the cycle doesn’t work best this way. It works best when the puck is angled off the boards, away from the defender’s stick, so it bounces off the boards and onto the stick of the second offensive forward.
The purpose of the cycle is to keep possession of the puck and take it to the net to create a scoring chance. If the initial player with the puck can gain a lane to the net, he shouldn’t cycle—he should take the puck to the net.
The three forwards should move in sequence from the boards to the slot to the net and back to the corner.The goal of the cycle is to pull a defender out of position and then attack the net or the seams with a quick pass to the open player. Opponents often get their coverage confused because of the quick rotation of players who cycle with the puck then lay it to the corner and work to get open. The cycle is not easy to continuously defend, and when defending the cycle a missed assignment means an offensive chance.
Slot Overload

Taking shots through traffic (players in front of the goaltender) will obviously distract the goaltender or deny him the opportunity to see the puck. Goalies are so good these days that a shot without traffic between the shooter and the goalie in many instances is a giveaway. All of the top offensive teams make sure that one player is always in the net area and moving across the sight lines of the goaltender or planted in front of the goaltender. Often this tactic results in the opposition trying to clear the net by moving this player which results in a double screen or possibly a penalty. Both favor the offensive team.

Behind Net

In the separation tactic, the puck carrier creates the time and space needed to make successful plays and create shots. Players away from the puck have to work to get open and separate from their check. They should move to areas where they can receive a pass and be ready to one time the puck or shoot quickly.
Sometimes players off the puck can move into an area and then push off their check or push back into an open space. It sounds like a simple principle to separate from your check but I find that a lot of offensive players off the puck skate into their check and essentially “check themselves”. When you watch smart players they always seem to be able to get open and as a result they always have the puck.
Gaining offensive positioning behind the net opens up many opportunities for direct-shot (high %) chances. When a pass is made to the back of the net the offensive team will always get there first because the defensive team never overplays this area. Using the back of the net forces the opposing defense and goaltender to focus on that area while losing track of where players are in front. Sometimes two defenders can be drawn into
this area; if the defensemen are unsure of who should be covering the player behind the net, both may jump in at the same time. Now at least one offensive player will be open in the dangerous scoring area in front of the net.
https://i.imgur.com/4nnSCz0.png
One of the most effective plays from behind the net occurs when an offensive defenseman skates hard from the point (blue line) looking to receive a pass in the slot. If the defenseman pressing the net is unable to receive a clear pass, the second option off of this play becomes very dangerous. As this defenseman moves to the front of the net—pulling as many defenders with him as possible—the boards-side forward steps into this “soft spot” vacuum and often gets to take a dangerous shot through the traffic created by the pressing defenseman.
https://i.imgur.com/KSnFnwM.png
The second play selection from behind the net is also hard to defend. The big decision that defenders must make about the offensive player standing behind the net with the puck is when or how they should flush him out from behind the net. If the defending defenseman attacks the offensive player from one side of the net, two options open up.. The first is that players in highpercentage scoring areas may be left open. The second option is for the player with the puck to reverse the flow and create some “back-door” deception. When flushed out, the player with the puck angles the puck (similar the half-boards cycle) to a teammate filling this flushed-out position. Defenders who were focused on the player being flushed out must now divert their attention back toward the other side of the net. This refocus often opens up backdoor or back-side plays.
Stretch the Zone

https://i.imgur.com/vragXxN.png
Offensive players with the puck make a quick pass to the point (F1 to D1) when they get the puck low or possibly recover a loose rebound in the corner. D1 can now make a decision to shoot, move the puck to D2, or pass back to one of the forwards. Having the puck move from down low to the blue line creates a gap in the defensive alignment because the defensive wingers try to rush to their point coverage, leaving space between them and their defense. When all five defensive players are down low, the scoring area is crowded; getting the defensive wingers to move out high creates more space in the slot. Each time defenders scramble to defend the high blue line area, there is opportunity for offensive players to find more time and space to create better offensive chances low. Also, the shot from the point, through traffic, is still a primary option to create scoring chances.
Triangle

https://i.imgur.com/USn03T7.png
Triangle has same philosophy as Forwards High breakout, where Forwards do all the skating while Defenders feed them puck.
https://i.imgur.com/YennlB7.png
Key difference is that position of Forwards become random (illustrated in different colors) and all of them can go from Forward near net to initial passer near board.
One of the best things about this option is that if other team is unbalanced (one winger is much better defender than other) triangle will expose weak link. Another strength is that it's a good matchup vs Winger Down Low DZ system. Opp's center skating between Defenders accomplish nothing, since they're passers looking to recycle puck & restart triangle. And since puck doesn't get stuck and positions change all the time it's very tough for opp's Winger to trap puckhandler.
If it's center instead of winger down low (like in 2-3 DZ) then triangle suffers much more. Space is limited near the goal, so whole 3vs5 by our forwards won't work. Defenders will have to present shooting or driving danger.
Crash the Net

https://youtu.be/wVXpThucghQ?t=1087
Lane Positioning

1-2-1-1

2-3

DZ Coverage

2-3

"In this system, the two defensemen work with one forward (usually the center) to cover down low, while the wingers cover the slot and higher areas. While in the defensive zone, all players should have an “active stick,” meaning the stick is on the ice and it is moving. This takes away shooting lanes and leads to turnovers and transition opportunities."
https://i.imgur.com/f5zLAFV.png
Zones for 3 by position
Zones for 3
Hit Zone
In this area, the first defensive player quickly closes on the puck carrier and makes contact with the opponent’s body. By containing the defensive player holds his position briefly then cautiously goes at the puck carrier. Containing means keeping he puck carrier in a set space by holding inside position and not letting him get to the net. Once the puck is moved or opp loses possession, defender stays with his check until that player is no longer a passing option.The desired goal is for all defending players to keep their positioning between the opposing players and the goal you are defending.
Support Zone
In this zone, the defensive player is aware of both the puck carrier and the closest passing option. Make sure the puck carrier cannot walk to the net if the first player gets beaten or falls down, and be ready to take away the opponent’s closest passing option. Give yourself some space to react to the movement of players and the puck. At all times, try to stay above the goal line in support coverage. Because not many goals are scored by opposing teams from behind the goal line, your defensive positioning should not have you rushing into this area.
Net Zone
One player, usually a D, must always be in this zone. Be aware of the third offensive player, and play halfway to any overload shooters (the offensive player on the half of the ice where the puck is). If there are any breakdowns, be patient and don’t leave this area unless replaced by a teammate. Keep your stick on the ice. Stay out of the blue crease area, allowing the goaltender to have free movement."
Zones for 2
"Strong-Side Top Zone
F2 holds inside position at the top of the slot. F2 must be ready to slide out tighter to his point if the puck carrier has the ability to pass there or cover him tight if he comes into the slot.
When players cycle up high out of the corner, F2 must hold the top of the circle and deny inside access. Once a pass is made out to the point, F2 must approach the defenseman in the shooting lane so as to take away a direct shot on net.
Back-Side Slot Coverage
F3 slides down lower on the back side. If the net D is caught out of position, F3 will protect the low slot. Be aware of the back-side point sliding in. If F3 loses sight of where the backside defenseman is then he will have an opportunity to move into a dangerous scoring area for a wide pass outside the vision of the goaltender. F3 must always have his head on a swivel."
Collapse to the Net

"In this system, all five defensive players collapse in tight and basically play the opponent five on three low.
https://i.imgur.com/9URbNxm.png
The theory is that you take away all plays to the slot by outnumbering the opponent and clogging up the scoring area. Most NHL teams use this collapse around the net style of play when the puck is below the goal line or after a point shot. Once the puck is passed back to the defenseman, the wingers who have collapsed in tight now move out to block the shooting lane.
Playing Low Five on Three
Low 5-on-3 coverage
D1, F1, and D2 work together and play the three low zones (hit zone, support zone, and net zone). The first forward back assumes the position of F1. Most of the time you want your center in this position, so an exchange may be made when appropriate. The other two forwards sink in tight as well. The adjustment from the 2-3 system is that D2 can now move to the strong-side post F3 plays close to the net, covering the low slot while F2 (who is also collapsed below the dots) tries to deny
passes back to the point.
High Zone Coverage
https://i.imgur.com/zo2hWh9.png
When the offensive team moves the puck back to the point, F2 expands out in the shooting lane. F2 should move quickly but be under control when the defenseman is ready to shoot. Get into the shooting lane when you anticipate a shot. At times it will be necessary to slide and block the shot. F3 holds the slot by moving out slightly and then when the opponent passes the puck D-D, F3 will move out in the shooting lane and F2 will
rebound back to the low slot."
Half Ice Overload

In this system, the defensive group basically splits the rink in half, trying to squeeze the offensive team to one half of the ice.
https://i.imgur.com/Hjlha2E.png
Plays to the back side are given up but made difficult because of the number of bodies in the way and how tough it is to make the long cross ice pass. D1, F1, and D2 take care of the strong-side corner and at times will be playing the opponent three on two in that area. These three defensive players squeeze the offensive space the opponents have to work in, and once the puck is recovered, they either quickly move it up the strong side or escape out the wide side.
If the defensive team has three players down in the corner, then the most important player off the puck is F3, who covers the slot but also shading to the strong side. F3 must be aware of the opponent’s third forward and cover anyone who comes to the front of the net while at the same time be looking to see if the opposing back-side defenseman is moving into the scoring area. The opposition will try to sneak a defenseman down the back side, so F3 has to be aware and alert. F2 takes away the strong-side defenseman by playing much closer to the boards, therefore denying a pass out to the strong-side point. F2 needs to start inside the circle and then move out to cut off players cycling up the boards and having an active stick to cut off passes to the point.
The advantage of this system is that it is very difficult for the offensive team to find room to move and make plays on the strong side. A lot of teams like to cycle and then attack the net, but with this system, space to cycle is all but eliminated. When offensive players play against teams that use the half-ice overload, they often complain that they have no time! The one disadvantage is that quick plays to the net may result in a two on one on F3 if the opposing defensemen drives to the front of the net, but this is a difficult pass to make."
Man on Man

"This system relies on constant puck pressure and denying time and space to the opponent. D1 starts by pressuring the puck carrier and then, after a pass is made, sticks with that player as he tries to get open. The only place D1 won’t follow the player when he doesn’t have the puck is out to the blue line; D1 has tight coverage on any players in the slot. F1 now pressures the pass and once again if the puck is moved sticks to his man.
https://i.imgur.com/FWPRBzL.png
This continues with D2 in the low zone area while F2 and F3 have responsibility for the opposing defensemen. F2 and F3 cover the defensemen whether they move in through the slot or slide down the boards.
There is no confusion with the man-on-man system with regard to who a player is covering, but if the opposition is fairly creative and incorporates lots of motion, then it becomes harder to stay with your check. The new rules preventing clutching and grabbing have made it harder to play a true man-on-man system, but it can be very effective if the defenders are good skaters because the offensive team has minimal time with the puck before being pressured, and players away from the puck have trouble finding space to get open for a return pass.
Wingers Down Low

https://i.imgur.com/23Yq3ig.png
"In this system the center is responsible for taking away the strong side defense on both sides. This allows the winger to help out down low and should give you a 4 on 3 advantage down low.
The strong side defense and the strong side winger should be on the puck. The weak side defense and winger should be in front of the net. If the puck goes to the other corner, one player can release right away, the other player waits until the wing or defense returns to the front of the net, then they can release to the strong side. The center, on both sides is making sure to take away the pass away from the strong side defense."
Strict Zonal

https://www.coppernblue.com/2012/4/4...1-zone-defence
https://i.imgur.com/xjl4DUk.png
"As the puck moves around the zone, the defensive player who is pressuring the puck drops back into the zone and another player takes up pursuit of the puck. Generally what you see is a W or a D pressuring the puck around the zone, with the C covering for them, only pressuring when his teammate is transitioning back into the box.
The drawbacks are that it’s often a low pressure system. It can be hard to pressure the puck and cause a turnover because you generally only send one man at a time. This system also requires discipline, meaning you really have to hold your zone and positioning. It breaks down when the wrong person chases the puck, or chases it too far without resetting. It relies on the next teammate over being in the right place and switching at the right time."
Sagging Zone

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVGnwpOAvbw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7VIKTj7Ip8
Defensive Zone Coverage: Sagging Zone in Action
Man advantage near goal, constant switch in adjustment to attacking situation (so def read, position & teamwork is very important), puts pressure on opp defenders to do something in short time span or opp forwards to create danger from "safe" zones

10-16-2020, 06:34 AM	#8
ExeR Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 48	Tactical Settings Reminder that I don't know how exactly things work in engine. And from the start, goal wasn't to find exploitative tactics that won't survive one updater or version change. Info below is for better understanding of how things supposed to work for each tactical option. OZ Attacking Once an attacking team has possession in the offensive zone, the brilliant coaches in the great game of hockey really turn on the creative juices. The goal of every attacking team is to create offensive chances. What constitutes a “chance” differs from coach to coach, but in essence, a chance is a shot taken from inside the scoring area. There are three general philosophies to create these offensive chances: 1. Shooting through traffic 2. Creating separation 3. Creating deception Cycle The cycle works best when the player with the puck deep in the offensive zone begins to bring the puck up the boards toward the blue line. https://i.imgur.com/FAmjMqb.png Generally a defender will press this puck carrier toward the boards and work to remove the puck. The key to the cycle setup is the second offensive forward. This forward mirrors the positioning of the puck carrier but stays 10 or 15 feet (3.0 to 4.6 m) away from the puck carrier on the boards, toward the goal line. This player calls for the puck.The tendency is for players to pass into open ice, but the cycle doesn’t work best this way. It works best when the puck is angled off the boards, away from the defender’s stick, so it bounces off the boards and onto the stick of the second offensive forward. The purpose of the cycle is to keep possession of the puck and take it to the net to create a scoring chance. If the initial player with the puck can gain a lane to the net, he shouldn’t cycle—he should take the puck to the net. The three forwards should move in sequence from the boards to the slot to the net and back to the corner.The goal of the cycle is to pull a defender out of position and then attack the net or the seams with a quick pass to the open player. Opponents often get their coverage confused because of the quick rotation of players who cycle with the puck then lay it to the corner and work to get open. The cycle is not easy to continuously defend, and when defending the cycle a missed assignment means an offensive chance. Slot Overload Taking shots through traffic (players in front of the goaltender) will obviously distract the goaltender or deny him the opportunity to see the puck. Goalies are so good these days that a shot without traffic between the shooter and the goalie in many instances is a giveaway. All of the top offensive teams make sure that one player is always in the net area and moving across the sight lines of the goaltender or planted in front of the goaltender. Often this tactic results in the opposition trying to clear the net by moving this player which results in a double screen or possibly a penalty. Both favor the offensive team. Behind Net In the separation tactic, the puck carrier creates the time and space needed to make successful plays and create shots. Players away from the puck have to work to get open and separate from their check. They should move to areas where they can receive a pass and be ready to one time the puck or shoot quickly. Sometimes players off the puck can move into an area and then push off their check or push back into an open space. It sounds like a simple principle to separate from your check but I find that a lot of offensive players off the puck skate into their check and essentially “check themselves”. When you watch smart players they always seem to be able to get open and as a result they always have the puck. Gaining offensive positioning behind the net opens up many opportunities for direct-shot (high %) chances. When a pass is made to the back of the net the offensive team will always get there first because the defensive team never overplays this area. Using the back of the net forces the opposing defense and goaltender to focus on that area while losing track of where players are in front. Sometimes two defenders can be drawn into this area; if the defensemen are unsure of who should be covering the player behind the net, both may jump in at the same time. Now at least one offensive player will be open in the dangerous scoring area in front of the net. https://i.imgur.com/4nnSCz0.png One of the most effective plays from behind the net occurs when an offensive defenseman skates hard from the point (blue line) looking to receive a pass in the slot. If the defenseman pressing the net is unable to receive a clear pass, the second option off of this play becomes very dangerous. As this defenseman moves to the front of the net—pulling as many defenders with him as possible—the boards-side forward steps into this “soft spot” vacuum and often gets to take a dangerous shot through the traffic created by the pressing defenseman. https://i.imgur.com/KSnFnwM.png The second play selection from behind the net is also hard to defend. The big decision that defenders must make about the offensive player standing behind the net with the puck is when or how they should flush him out from behind the net. If the defending defenseman attacks the offensive player from one side of the net, two options open up.. The first is that players in highpercentage scoring areas may be left open. The second option is for the player with the puck to reverse the flow and create some “back-door” deception. When flushed out, the player with the puck angles the puck (similar the half-boards cycle) to a teammate filling this flushed-out position. Defenders who were focused on the player being flushed out must now divert their attention back toward the other side of the net. This refocus often opens up backdoor or back-side plays. Stretch the Zone https://i.imgur.com/vragXxN.png Offensive players with the puck make a quick pass to the point (F1 to D1) when they get the puck low or possibly recover a loose rebound in the corner. D1 can now make a decision to shoot, move the puck to D2, or pass back to one of the forwards. Having the puck move from down low to the blue line creates a gap in the defensive alignment because the defensive wingers try to rush to their point coverage, leaving space between them and their defense. When all five defensive players are down low, the scoring area is crowded; getting the defensive wingers to move out high creates more space in the slot. Each time defenders scramble to defend the high blue line area, there is opportunity for offensive players to find more time and space to create better offensive chances low. Also, the shot from the point, through traffic, is still a primary option to create scoring chances. Triangle https://i.imgur.com/USn03T7.png Triangle has same philosophy as Forwards High breakout, where Forwards do all the skating while Defenders feed them puck. https://i.imgur.com/YennlB7.png Key difference is that position of Forwards become random (illustrated in different colors) and all of them can go from Forward near net to initial passer near board. One of the best things about this option is that if other team is unbalanced (one winger is much better defender than other) triangle will expose weak link. Another strength is that it's a good matchup vs Winger Down Low DZ system. Opp's center skating between Defenders accomplish nothing, since they're passers looking to recycle puck & restart triangle. And since puck doesn't get stuck and positions change all the time it's very tough for opp's Winger to trap puckhandler. If it's center instead of winger down low (like in 2-3 DZ) then triangle suffers much more. Space is limited near the goal, so whole 3vs5 by our forwards won't work. Defenders will have to present shooting or driving danger. Crash the Net https://youtu.be/wVXpThucghQ?t=1087 Lane Positioning 1-2-1-1 2-3 DZ Coverage 2-3 "In this system, the two defensemen work with one forward (usually the center) to cover down low, while the wingers cover the slot and higher areas. While in the defensive zone, all players should have an “active stick,” meaning the stick is on the ice and it is moving. This takes away shooting lanes and leads to turnovers and transition opportunities." https://i.imgur.com/f5zLAFV.png Zones for 3 by position Zones for 3 Hit Zone In this area, the first defensive player quickly closes on the puck carrier and makes contact with the opponent’s body. By containing the defensive player holds his position briefly then cautiously goes at the puck carrier. Containing means keeping he puck carrier in a set space by holding inside position and not letting him get to the net. Once the puck is moved or opp loses possession, defender stays with his check until that player is no longer a passing option.The desired goal is for all defending players to keep their positioning between the opposing players and the goal you are defending. Support Zone In this zone, the defensive player is aware of both the puck carrier and the closest passing option. Make sure the puck carrier cannot walk to the net if the first player gets beaten or falls down, and be ready to take away the opponent’s closest passing option. Give yourself some space to react to the movement of players and the puck. At all times, try to stay above the goal line in support coverage. Because not many goals are scored by opposing teams from behind the goal line, your defensive positioning should not have you rushing into this area. Net Zone One player, usually a D, must always be in this zone. Be aware of the third offensive player, and play halfway to any overload shooters (the offensive player on the half of the ice where the puck is). If there are any breakdowns, be patient and don’t leave this area unless replaced by a teammate. Keep your stick on the ice. Stay out of the blue crease area, allowing the goaltender to have free movement." Zones for 2 "Strong-Side Top Zone F2 holds inside position at the top of the slot. F2 must be ready to slide out tighter to his point if the puck carrier has the ability to pass there or cover him tight if he comes into the slot. When players cycle up high out of the corner, F2 must hold the top of the circle and deny inside access. Once a pass is made out to the point, F2 must approach the defenseman in the shooting lane so as to take away a direct shot on net. Back-Side Slot Coverage F3 slides down lower on the back side. If the net D is caught out of position, F3 will protect the low slot. Be aware of the back-side point sliding in. If F3 loses sight of where the backside defenseman is then he will have an opportunity to move into a dangerous scoring area for a wide pass outside the vision of the goaltender. F3 must always have his head on a swivel." Collapse to the Net "In this system, all five defensive players collapse in tight and basically play the opponent five on three low. https://i.imgur.com/9URbNxm.png The theory is that you take away all plays to the slot by outnumbering the opponent and clogging up the scoring area. Most NHL teams use this collapse around the net style of play when the puck is below the goal line or after a point shot. Once the puck is passed back to the defenseman, the wingers who have collapsed in tight now move out to block the shooting lane. Playing Low Five on Three Low 5-on-3 coverage D1, F1, and D2 work together and play the three low zones (hit zone, support zone, and net zone). The first forward back assumes the position of F1. Most of the time you want your center in this position, so an exchange may be made when appropriate. The other two forwards sink in tight as well. The adjustment from the 2-3 system is that D2 can now move to the strong-side post F3 plays close to the net, covering the low slot while F2 (who is also collapsed below the dots) tries to deny passes back to the point. High Zone Coverage https://i.imgur.com/zo2hWh9.png When the offensive team moves the puck back to the point, F2 expands out in the shooting lane. F2 should move quickly but be under control when the defenseman is ready to shoot. Get into the shooting lane when you anticipate a shot. At times it will be necessary to slide and block the shot. F3 holds the slot by moving out slightly and then when the opponent passes the puck D-D, F3 will move out in the shooting lane and F2 will rebound back to the low slot." Half Ice Overload In this system, the defensive group basically splits the rink in half, trying to squeeze the offensive team to one half of the ice. https://i.imgur.com/Hjlha2E.png Plays to the back side are given up but made difficult because of the number of bodies in the way and how tough it is to make the long cross ice pass. D1, F1, and D2 take care of the strong-side corner and at times will be playing the opponent three on two in that area. These three defensive players squeeze the offensive space the opponents have to work in, and once the puck is recovered, they either quickly move it up the strong side or escape out the wide side. If the defensive team has three players down in the corner, then the most important player off the puck is F3, who covers the slot but also shading to the strong side. F3 must be aware of the opponent’s third forward and cover anyone who comes to the front of the net while at the same time be looking to see if the opposing back-side defenseman is moving into the scoring area. The opposition will try to sneak a defenseman down the back side, so F3 has to be aware and alert. F2 takes away the strong-side defenseman by playing much closer to the boards, therefore denying a pass out to the strong-side point. F2 needs to start inside the circle and then move out to cut off players cycling up the boards and having an active stick to cut off passes to the point. The advantage of this system is that it is very difficult for the offensive team to find room to move and make plays on the strong side. A lot of teams like to cycle and then attack the net, but with this system, space to cycle is all but eliminated. When offensive players play against teams that use the half-ice overload, they often complain that they have no time! The one disadvantage is that quick plays to the net may result in a two on one on F3 if the opposing defensemen drives to the front of the net, but this is a difficult pass to make." Man on Man "This system relies on constant puck pressure and denying time and space to the opponent. D1 starts by pressuring the puck carrier and then, after a pass is made, sticks with that player as he tries to get open. The only place D1 won’t follow the player when he doesn’t have the puck is out to the blue line; D1 has tight coverage on any players in the slot. F1 now pressures the pass and once again if the puck is moved sticks to his man. https://i.imgur.com/FWPRBzL.png This continues with D2 in the low zone area while F2 and F3 have responsibility for the opposing defensemen. F2 and F3 cover the defensemen whether they move in through the slot or slide down the boards. There is no confusion with the man-on-man system with regard to who a player is covering, but if the opposition is fairly creative and incorporates lots of motion, then it becomes harder to stay with your check. The new rules preventing clutching and grabbing have made it harder to play a true man-on-man system, but it can be very effective if the defenders are good skaters because the offensive team has minimal time with the puck before being pressured, and players away from the puck have trouble finding space to get open for a return pass. Wingers Down Low https://i.imgur.com/23Yq3ig.png "In this system the center is responsible for taking away the strong side defense on both sides. This allows the winger to help out down low and should give you a 4 on 3 advantage down low. The strong side defense and the strong side winger should be on the puck. The weak side defense and winger should be in front of the net. If the puck goes to the other corner, one player can release right away, the other player waits until the wing or defense returns to the front of the net, then they can release to the strong side. The center, on both sides is making sure to take away the pass away from the strong side defense." Strict Zonal https://www.coppernblue.com/2012/4/4...1-zone-defence https://i.imgur.com/xjl4DUk.png "As the puck moves around the zone, the defensive player who is pressuring the puck drops back into the zone and another player takes up pursuit of the puck. Generally what you see is a W or a D pressuring the puck around the zone, with the C covering for them, only pressuring when his teammate is transitioning back into the box. The drawbacks are that it’s often a low pressure system. It can be hard to pressure the puck and cause a turnover because you generally only send one man at a time. This system also requires discipline, meaning you really have to hold your zone and positioning. It breaks down when the wrong person chases the puck, or chases it too far without resetting. It relies on the next teammate over being in the right place and switching at the right time." Sagging Zone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVGnwpOAvbw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7VIKTj7Ip8 Defensive Zone Coverage: Sagging Zone in Action Man advantage near goal, constant switch in adjustment to attacking situation (so def read, position & teamwork is very important), puts pressure on opp defenders to do something in short time span or opp forwards to create danger from "safe" zones Last edited by ExeR; 10-16-2020 at 01:53 PM.