Gap is the distance between defender and attacker. Too close, the attacker dekes around. Too far, the attacker shoots or passes freely. The right gap is 5-7 feet, close enough to pressure but not so close they get beat. This drill builds gap control.
What you need: Sticks, puck, two players in full gear, ice rink.
Setup: Attacker at one blue line with the puck. Defender at center ice, facing the attacker.
How to run it:
- Coach blows whistle.
- Attacker skates forward with the puck.
- Defender skates backward, keeping a 6-foot gap.
- As the attacker tries to dek around, the defender mirrors with backward skating.
- At the other blue line, defender either pokechecks or stays in front. Reset.
What to watch: Gap distance. If the defender gets closer than 5 feet, they get faked out. If further than 8 feet, the attacker has space to shoot.
If they’re struggling: Slow the attacker. Or limit the dek moves.
If they’ve got it: Allow the attacker to use a teammate (2v1). The defender has to read pass vs. dek.