Game version
Shadow skate: stay between your partner and the net with your stick on the ice, with no contact. Swap often.
1-on-1 Gap Control
Defend a live rush while skating backward.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Your partner attacks from center.
Core: Skates. Beat your own run of steady shadows.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Stick, ball or puck, net, partner
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Defense
The steps
How it works
- Your partner attacks from center.
- Match their speed backward and keep a tight gap.
- Force them wide and take away the middle.
- Defend 8 rushes each.
Coaching point
Protect the middle first.
Safety: Only with a coach, in full gear. Stick checks and body position only: no body checking under 14U or in girls' hockey.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (partner glides), Core (skates), More (changes direction). Beat your own run of steady shadows.
Story
You are a shadow that sticks to its owner.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own run of steady shadows. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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