This is one of a series called Hockey 101, addressing the basics of hockey positioning and systems appropriate for a beginner to intermediate player and their team.
Even Strength Defensive Zone Positioning: Wingers
This post describes a “Sagging Zone” defensive system, which is a common and simple system for defensive positioning, used by teams at all levels, including NHL and International competition.
The position of wingers in the defensive zone is the most offensively focused and least complicated, but there are still several important defensive zone responsibilities.
- Cover the opposing defensem*n
- Be available to initiate zone breakouts and offensive transition.
- Be a safety valveto help or prevent passes to opposing attackers.
Some advanced systems have wingers cover slightly lower to help cover seams and support defensive positions. This sacrifices the ability to initiate breakouts, unless wingers are very fast skaters.
The defensive role of wingers varies depending on which half of the rink the puck occupies. The ‘strong side’ is the side with the puck and the ‘weak side’ is the side away from the puck.
Strong Side Position
The wingers’ primary role is to prevent pucks passed to the strong side defenseman on the point. He should also be able to grab any puck moving up the boards to the point and to be ready to initiate the breakout at any time.
Weak Side Position
In this system, on the weak side, the winger has a split role. First, to loosely cover the opposing weak side defenseman and second, to prevent shots and puck movement in the scoring zone, or passes through the slot. He is closer to the center of the zone than the blue line to be a safety valve to protect the net and potentially pick up long rebounds.
Breakout
A critical part of the wing’s position is to be available to execute a breakout. The winger should remain close enough to the half-boards to intercept any pucks rimmed up the boards, and be able to reach pucks sent up the boards by defensem*n after a turnover.
For more information about breakouts, read:
Related
FAQs
Hockey Winger Positioning
The wingers will remain on their respective side of the rink whether they're playing offense or defense. Hockey winger positioning is usually between the hash marks and the blue line on defense on your side of the ice.
What is the weak side winger in the D zone coverage? ›
Key points
Players move into position quickly, the center in close support to the puck and puck side winger sealing the wall. The weak side winger covers the low slot as Weak side D covers the net front at the first post.
What does the left winger do in hockey? ›
The left and right wingers are at the center's side. They support the center and score goals. Wingers are attackers in hockey, but also know how to defend the puck. The forwards playing on the left or right side of the ice and are referred to as the left winger and right winger.
How to break out as a winger? ›
Breakout Tips (Strong Side Wingers)
There are three situations listed below but on all situations the wingers should do the following three things: look up ice to see what the defense is doing. get to the wall before the puck gets to your spot. get separation from the wall so you have more options.
What does f mean in hockey? ›
F. Forward. Any centers, left wingers, or right wingers. D. Defenseman.
What side should a right-handed defenseman play on? ›
One reason is because on power plays, teams can move right-handed defensem*n to the left side of the ice and lefties to the right, allowing both players to take shots more easily from the middle of the ice. In a power play, therefore, it is especially beneficial to have at least one righty shooter on the ice.
Where do you put your weakest player in hockey? ›
Hockey CoachCoach
- Weaker attack player on the left side, more attacks go over the right side and as attacker it is easier to score from the left side. Also the stronger players set-up the actions over the right side, needing the skills to do that, weaker players don't get through.
What does a winger need to be good at? ›
The winger position is all about taking wide attacks. These players are on either side of the field, playing close to the sidelines. It's their job to attack, cross, and pass the ball into the most active areas. Because of this, wingers have to have incredible stamina and ability.
What is the zone defense position? ›
The 2-3 zone defense involves two players across the top of the zone near each high post; these players are referred to as the 'guards' (1 and 2), two players a step outside of each block; known as the 'forwards' (3 and 4), and a player in the middle of the key referred to as the 'center' (5).
How to be a better center in hockey? ›
Staying low will help the center be in a great defensive position and be in a position to support their teammates when needed. Support your defense and wingers: Always be ready to support your teammates! Keep your head on a swivel to see where everyone is (including the opposing team).
If your players want to be successful wingers, it can't just be about possessing the skills and pace to play an offensive game - they also have to be aware of their defensive responsibilities too, and have great stamina to combine the two duties.
How do you play winger on defense in soccer? ›
Defensive Responsibilities
While your primary focus is on creating opportunities, a winger must also contribute defensively: Track back and help your team: When your team loses possession, work hard to recover and support your teammates in winning the ball back.
What important role does the winger play defensively? ›
Traditionally speaking, wingers are also expected to perform defensive tasks. In formations such as 4-4-2, wingers need to be able to track back and help out the full-back behind them, marking, tackling, and intercepting the ball from opposition players.
What do football scouts look for in a winger? ›
Skills and physique. Football scouts look for players with innate ball skills. They look at different details depending on the player's position. A midfielder will need to be cautious and put the ball at the foot of a team-mate, while a winger will need to be able to dribble and dribble to impress the scout.
This post describes a “Sagging Zone” defensive system, which is a common and simple system for defensive positioning, used by teams at all levels, including NHL and International competition.
Strong Side Position