Defensemen Summer Camp/Clinics (10-12yrs)

 

Who This Camp Is For?

This camp is designed primarily for defensemen who want to think faster, defend with confidence, and become the player their teammates trust in every situation.

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But it's not just for defensemen.  It's also for forwards who want to better think the game.

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Forwards who want to become more complete hockey players often leave this camp with an entirely new understanding of the game. By learning how defensemen read pressure, retrieve pucks, manage gaps, and start breakouts, forwards become smarter forecheckers, create more turnovers, support the puck more effectively, and learn how to attack defenders by understanding exactly what they're trying to accomplish.

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Whether your player is a defenseman looking to elevate every part of their game or a forward who wants to become more difficult to play against, this camp develops hockey IQ that carries into every shift.

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Don't let the title fool you. Every summer, forwards leave this camp saying they understand the game in a completely different way.

 

From a parent of a forward:

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"Just want to let you know how much my son enjoyed and appreciated the Defense Development camp this past week.  He thought you and the other coach were great on a lot of levels (including being fun to be around).  

 

Peter is a forward that was reluctant to do a defensive camp, but on Day 2 he asked if can do it again next year.  That's the clearest measure that you're doing the right stuff in the right way.

 

Thanks very much and here's hoping he can connect with you from time-to-time again soon (and definitely next summer!)."

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What We’re Working On at Defense Camps & Clinics​

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Skating

• Heavy Skating Emphasis
  Building the foundation for elite defensive play through strong, efficient movement.

• One-Legged Propulsion & Balance
  Developing powerful, efficient strides and true edge control.

• Quick Transitional Footwork
  Improving forward-to-backward mobility and gap control.

• Mohawks & Punch Turns
  Enhancing agility, recovery, and the ability to stay in front of the play.

• Reverse Soft Drags (Defense-Specific)
  Managing pressure and creating space under forecheck pressure.

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Puck Handling

• Puck Handling Confidence (Heads-Up Play)
  Teaching defensemen to stay composed and make plays under pressure.

• Evasion & Escape Techniques
  Using movement and deception to beat forecheckers cleanly.

• Heel Turns & Soft Drag Technique
  Maintaining possession while changing direction under pressure.

• “Shim Sham” Double Punch
  Advanced footwork and deception to escape and transition play.

• Blue Line Offense & Walking TechniquesCreating lanes, changing angles, and becoming a threat in the offensive zone.

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Passing & Hockey IQ Development

• Passing Refinement
  Improving accuracy, timing, and decision-making.

• Advanced Passing Skills
  Including saucer passes, indirect (bank) passes, and one-touch execution.

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1 vs 1​

• 1 vs 1 Defensive Technique
  Positioning, angling, and controlling opponents effectively.

• Body-First Positioning & Aggressive Patience
  Teaching defensemen how to defend with confidence, control, and timing.

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Training Approach​

With a low coach-to-player ratio, each defenseman receives focused coaching and a high number of repetitions designed to build confidence and decision-making under pressure.

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Training sessions emphasize defensive skating, puck management, blue line play, and the ability to stay calm when forecheck pressure arrives.

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Our goal is simple:

Develop defensemen who play with confidence and control the game from the blue line.