Stick Techniques To Improve Your Defensive Game!
Great roller hockey defensive players have many skills and techniques to shut down their opponents. You need to be very strong with your stick, and listed here are some techniques that will help you become a better defensive player.
Stick Lift
Very simple, yet very effective and the title is self-explanatory. Lift your opponent's stick off the puck by putting your stick underneath his and lifting. With your opponent's stick off the floor, he can't receive a pass, stickhandle the puck or even take a shot. If your quick enough, you can steal the puck after you lift the stick.
Poke Check
The poke checker will lunge out with their stick, poking the puck away from the carrier. Only your top hand will be on the stick, allowing for maximum extension. The poke check technique will keep enough distance between you and your opponent, making it quite difficult for someone to stickhandle around you. The puck carrier will be forced to make the first move or you will be able to stop his attack. If the puck does get by you, there will be enough time for you to recover. When playing defense, it is better to play the body than the puck, because the puck moves a lot faster than a player.
Sweep Check
The sweep check is a move where the defenseman lays the shaft of his stick on the ground and sweeps at the puck, knocking it away from the puck carrier's stick. This technique can also be used to defend against a 2 on 1 attack. The stick can be used to knock the puck away and /or block the pass to the open attacker. Remember, during a 2 on 1 attack, the defenseman has to make sure that the puck carrier doesn't make the pass to the open man, as well as cut down the angle. It is the responsiblilty of the goalie to take the puck carrier and the shot.
In Front Of The Net
A defenseman's responsibility in front of the net is probably his most important role during a game, and his job can be made easy by tying up his opponent's stick. The stick lift will be very useful in front of the net. Your stick can be used to clear your opponent away from the front of the net. Your opponent may be screening the goalie or may be in the position to tip in a shot. It may be difficult to forcefully move your opponent because he is trying his hardest to make sure he isn't moved. There is a simple technique to move someone from in front of the net. Get behind your opponent and place your stick underneath his buttocks. Lifting your stick will lift your opponent and casue him to be off balance, then just push him forward. No matter how big or strong he may be, he won't be able to stay in position.'