danielb 0 Report post Posted June 16, 2009 I'm looking to join my first hockey league this summer (Duffers in Vancouver) and its a 4 on 4 league during the summer season. I've been skating and playing hockey with friends from work for about eighteen months now, so this will be my first experience of organised hockey games with referees etc. I usually play defense and I'd like to know what changes in a 4v4 game for the defenseman and their role in the game. I've played 4v4 a couple of times in our pick up games where it seems a lot faster paced with more open ice but I am wondering what else is different from 5v5? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
porky45 1 Report post Posted June 16, 2009 be prepared for more 2 on 1's..... you usually get that 2nd defenseman that wants to hope into the play with the fowards or trail in. As soon as the puck gets turned over, it's almost always a 2 on 1 or 1 on 1. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Brokensticks 0 Report post Posted June 16, 2009 As a defenseman, you or your partner will want to drop down low to help support your forwards maintain puck possession. That doesn't mean you need to be screening the goalie, but if the two of you hang out high all the time, the other team will make it extremely hard for your two forwards to set any quality chance up unless it's off the rush. Communication with your partner is key and recognizing the opportunity of when you can jump in safely and when not to. Also, be prepared to hustle back on defense and break plays up from behind. It's not as easy to hide a poor skater on D when playing four on four. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
danielb 0 Report post Posted June 16, 2009 I usually only enter the offensive zone once all the opposing players are in it, mostly to try and prevent breakaways. I also stay near the blue line 99% of the time unless I'm very sure no one will get past me, mostly as I"m not as fast as some of the forwards I play with. So it sounds like I will need to adapt my play style a bit for 4 on 4, which is no bad thing as I'd been wanting to become more involved offensively. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sickwilly 37 Report post Posted June 16, 2009 I think it'd be helpful for you to take a quick peek to make sure one of your teammates is in position to drop back to cover for you before jumping in offensively.+1 to the other comments about more rushes, one of the D-men joining rushes, etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
