A hockey defender's main role is to stop the attack, regain possession of the ball and pass the ball to a fellow player to begin an attack from the back.
The defending training videos and drills below will hone your players' defensive skills both as individuals in 1v1s and as a team.
The art of defending is broken down into various techniques including channelling, blocking, jab tackling stealing and moving in pairs to cover each other.
The first weeks of the season decide whether a junior or new player sticks with adult hockey. Here is how to keep them safe, give them a clear job and build their confidence from the very first bully.
Most tackles are lost before the stick goes down. Teach your defenders to channel, wait and choose the right tackle, and you will win more ball and give away fewer cards.
England Hockey's rule guidance for 2026/27 takes effect from 1 September. Here are the changes that will actually alter how you coach, and how to brief your squad in one pre-season session.
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