Coach Blasi presents some of the finer points of hockey that give players and teams the edge needed for success. Blasi begins by discussing angling techniques for driving the puck carrier to the side. He teaches players to be stick on stick and body on body, with hand down to separate the man from the puck. Body checking takes good technique and execution. Players must be in good athletic position with the stick down and in control. When taking the hit, you should continue moving with your knees bent. Embracing the hit by using the hands and arms will soften the blow. Drills for angling and body checking include the angling wall drill with four drill variations, the shoulder check drill. Puck protection is an essential part of hockey. Key points are keeping your body between the puck and your opponent, keep your head up with knees bent, and use arms and hips to shield your opponent from the puck. The one-on-one keep away is an excellent drill to develop balancing skill. All five puck protection drills shown will help increase your puck protection skills!

31 minutes. 2007.