Poke check and Transition Drill for Defensemen
Having an active stick is crucial for defenseman. This drill works on the defenseman attacking the puck with their stick, but not relying on it. The defender closes the gap to puck and then throws a poke check, with the stick extending from the defenseman’s hip. Players must be careful to not lunge with chest.
While throwing the poke check, the defenseman simultaneously retreats, so that if the poke check misses, the defender can still play the body with their momentum moving back with the play.