A “one-on-one” is often something other than a puck-carrying forward bearing down on a defenseman. But that’s what most people think it is.

There are other confrontations a defenseman encounters during a game that are just as important and can have a significant affect on the outcome of a game. Most players have been taught how to handle a rushing forward.

In this article, we’re going to look at corner play, front-of-the-net positioning and puck management in the defensive zone. Many games are won or lost there, and usually, the team that wins the one-on-one battles will prevail on the scoreboard, as well.

First rule
Always know where you are on the ice. This will help you gain the upper hand in one-on-one battles and force the opposing player to do what you want him to do.

Controlling one-on-one play in the corners may require physical force or positioning finesse that forces the opposing player out of normal scoring range.

If the puck has been dumped into the corner and the forward is headed there, your first line of defense is to cut off as much of the ice surface as possible, giving him less room in which to maneuver.

Once you have angled him to the boards, don’t allow him to accelerate and skate behind the net, which might result in a scoring chance.

If you have a chance to chase down a puck that has been dumped into the corner, remember to keep your feet moving so you can remain a stride or two ahead of the forward and can buy yourself valuable time in which to decide what to do with the puck.

If the opposition is making a line change, you may have time to set up behind your net and give your teammates a chance to get into position for a break-out.

Most of the time, however. aggressive forechecking is going to force you to react quickly. Stay calm. If you panic and rush to make a play, you’re more likely to lose control of the puck or unload a bad pass.

Your mind should be sifting through the different scenarios and plays your team has practiced. Do you take the puck and turn it up ice yourself? Pass it to your defensive partner? Pass to a winger posted along the boards or to a center cutting diagonally across the zone?

Regardless of which option you take, your goal should be the same: Safely moving the puck out of your defensive zone. Practice these tactics so you will feel comfortable with them in the heat of a game.

Battling in front of the net
“Clear ’em out” is a phrase commonly used in the slot and around the crease, but how are you going to do this without drawing a penalty or screening your goalie?

There is no simple answer. For starters, never, ever turn your back to the play. If you do, you will lose sight of the puck and the action around you.

Keep your feet moving and use your balance and strength to keep the forward from spinning around you. Know where the puck is at all times and anticipate where it is going. That will enable you to establish and maintain proper position – between your opponent and your net.

Second, keep your opponent out of your goalie’s line of vision. Lift his stick off the ice to lessen the chance of a tip-in or a swipe at a rebound.

Third, contain the opposing forward without getting a penalty. Don’t retaliate or succumb to reckless play. By keeping your feet moving and your head up, you will be able to stay with the opposing player and will not be forced to use your stick or arms to try to control him.

Puck management
The more effective you become in moving the puck out of your zone, the greater your chances for eliminating one-on-one battles there. For instance, if you make a bad pass that is intercepted and dumped back into the defensive zone, a one-on-one battle will result.

Passing the puck to an open teammate or skating it out of your zone will eliminate scoring chances for your opponent.

If you resolve to win the individual one-on-ones in the defensive zone in every game you will see an increase in your overall performance as well as your team’s.

One-on-one battles shape and define how a game is played. By winning them, you limit your opponent’s scoring chances and enable your team to gain momentum and control the game.