Techniques for Shielding the Puck
We’re always grateful for those who take advantage of our Ask The Coach feature — besides being able to help our fellow hockey coach, parents or adult players, their questions also help me to keep in touch with their needs. So, that’s now the case with a Canadian based coach after submitting the following…
~ Dennis C
Hello Marcel, as a new head coach at the Atom level in Montreal, Canada, focusing on puck protection is one of the smartest choices you can make for your team. Shielding the puck, or learning how to keep it safe from defenders, is a foundational skill that every great hockey player develops early. Teaching this concept to young players is less about complicating things and more about making the process fun, engaging, and repeatable so that it becomes second nature as they grow in the game. When players learn how to use their bodies, their sticks, and their awareness to keep possession of the puck, they build confidence and control that will give them a real advantage in every game.
The first coaching point to stress is body position. Players need to stay low in a balanced hockey stance with a wide base, which makes it difficult for opponents to knock them off the puck. Puck placement is equally important. If the pressure is coming from the left side, the puck should be positioned on the right, with the player’s body acting as a natural shield. Young athletes also need to use their free arm and leg strength to protect their space. That doesn’t mean throwing elbows or fouling an opponent, but rather creating a buffer zone and driving through contact. Finally, heads-up play is essential. Players should learn to “feel” where the pressure is coming from, instead of staring at it, so they can stay aware of teammates and the overall play while protecting the puck.
Drills are what bring these concepts to life. One simple introduction is what I call the “Protect the Puck” station. Players work one-on-one behind a cone with a puck while a defender tries to poke it away. The goal is to survive for ten to fifteen seconds using body position, their stick, and their free arm to protect possession. This drill is fun, easy to understand, and helps players feel how important their stance and awareness are in shielding the puck.
From there, you can build into movement-based exercises. A great option is the “Angles and Pivots” relay. Players skate down a channel while a coach applies light pressure, forcing them to recognize the angle of attack, pivot to the safe side, and continue forward while protecting the puck. This drill adds motion and decision-making, encouraging players to adjust their body position on the fly instead of just standing still. It also teaches them to keep their feet moving through turns, which is a vital skill in real game situations.
Eventually, young players need to apply what they have learned in a game-like environment. A simple “Battle Zone” drill is a perfect way to do this. Two players compete in a small corner area, battling for possession of a puck. Once one player wins control, their task is to hold it for several seconds by shielding it from their opponent. The confined space forces players to get low, use their legs, and constantly adjust their positioning. It is competitive, fast-paced, and gives kids a taste of what real battles along the boards feel like in a game.
As a new coach, it is also important to remember that practice at this level should always stay fun and energetic. These drills can easily be presented as “superhero strength” challenges or “battle drills,” which makes kids excited to compete. Keep the drills short, run them for just a few minutes at a time, and always use demonstrations to show both the right and wrong ways of doing things. Positive reinforcement goes a long way at this age, and using both English and French commands in Montreal can help ensure that every player understands what to do while also making your practices more inclusive.
If you consistently integrate these drills, your Atom players will quickly develop the ability to protect the puck with confidence. They will feel stronger on the ice, make better plays under pressure, and gain an edge in game situations that can often decide who wins or loses. Puck protection is a skill that follows players all the way through their hockey careers, so giving them this foundation now will set them up for long-term success.
And of course, if you want even more ideas and personal guidance, don’t hesitate to seek the help of old Coach Chic.
