GET ABOVE THE PUCK.™ Recover Above the Puck when possession changes so you can rebuild defensive position instead of chasing blindly. Coach Joey™ teaches Players to recover with purpose.
COACH JOEY™ BY AGE
U5-U7 • U8-U10 • U11-U14 • U15-U18 • Junior
U5-U7 + U8-U10 — Get Between the Puck and Your Net
When the other Team gets the puck, skate back toward your net side instead of chasing from behind.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
Where should you try to get after losing the puck?
U11-U14 — Recover Inside First
Take a route that protects the middle of the ice. Once you are back inside the play, you can pressure or support without giving away the most dangerous lane.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What should you protect first during recovery?
U15-U18 + Junior — Recover to Structure, Then Pressure
Read who has pressure, who needs support, and where the next threat is developing. Sprint to the position your Team needs before chasing the puck carrier.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What is the first goal of an advanced recovery?
Why Recovery Routes Matter
A Player can skate hard and still recover poorly. Chasing directly from behind may leave the middle open. By contrast, recovering to the defensive side can remove a dangerous option before applying pressure.
Protect the Inside
The middle of the ice usually offers the shortest route to the net and the best shooting lanes. Therefore, recovering inside first often reduces the opponent’s best options.
Communicate While Recovering
Talk with teammates about who has the puck carrier and who is supporting. This prevents two Players from chasing the same opponent while another threat is left open.
5 Smart Ways to Recover Above the Puck
Recover Above the Puck by getting back to the defensive side of the play. The goal is not simply to skate toward the puck; it is to regain a position that protects dangerous ice and supports teammates.
1. React Immediately to the Turnover
The first seconds after possession changes matter. Turn, move your feet, and begin recovering before the attacking Team has time to organize.
2. Protect the Middle First
Do not automatically chase the puck from behind. Recover through useful defensive ice and help take away direct routes to the net.
3. Identify the Most Dangerous Player
Look beyond the puck carrier. The most dangerous option may be a middle-lane attacker or weak-side Player arriving without coverage.
4. Communicate While Recovering
When you Recover Above the Puck, short communication can help teammates identify coverage and avoid two defenders chasing the same option.
5. Rejoin the Play With Structure
Once you recover, stay connected to the Team’s defensive system. Good recovery should make the next defensive decision easier, not create another scramble.
Practice Recovery Routes
Use transition drills where possession changes unexpectedly. Reward Players for recovering to useful defensive ice, communicating, and identifying the greatest danger before trying to win the puck back.
Continue with Backcheck Better and Reset After a Mistake. For more defensive-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Joey’s Takeaway
Do not just skate back. Recover to a position that helps. GET ABOVE THE PUCK.™
Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
GET ABOVE THE PUCK.™
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.