D zone strategies for forwards

Question
our defense has been weakened by injury and are doing poorly
what strategies can I use to utilize our forwards more to help
out our D

Answer
Hello Larry ...  The simplest system to use and the most effective is to have your wingers play low.  That is in each corner the winger will help the D regain possession of the puck.  If your kids are young say under 10 - just say defensemen bumps the body - i.e. gets in between the other player and the puck - focusing only on the player and the forward goes after the puck.  (if they are older - it will be first player in takes body and 2nd player goes after puck).  The center always moves to the puck strong side and covers the point and high slot areas.  In front of the net the D will take the low forward  and the other winger will watch for outlet pass.

If the puck swings sides then the other pair does the same job and the center just floats over to watch other high side and high slot.

This way you always have 4 guys ready to defend low.  The center must also be ready to be the outlet guy - though your general rule for when the puck possession is regained by your player is to pass the puck up along the boards.  NEVER THROUGH THE MIDDLE!

Make sense...

Feel free to ask follow up question on this if you wish!

Practice this a few weeks and your boys will be almost unbeatable down low!

Good Luck!

Martial