08/21/2026
Mastering the 10-2 | Part 3: Tactical Application 🔥
The best players use the 10-2 to protect the puck, manipulate pressure, and create time and space when defenders think they've taken it away.
1️⃣ Build a Wall & Protect the Puck
The 10-2 is one of the most effective puck protection tools in hockey. Move the puck to your backhand, rotate your hips, and use your body to build a wall between the defender and the puck. Keep the puck between your feet, not extended outside your body, allowing you to stay protected while continuing to attack open ice.
2️⃣ Use Pressure to Create Space
When a defender leans into your hip or matches your skating lane, use the 10-2 to push off your edges, rotate through the movement, and let their momentum work against them. Instead of trying to beat defenders with speed alone, use their pressure to create separation, attack the space they've opened, and come out of the turn ready to make a play.
The defender thinks they're closing the gap but you're using their pressure to create offense.
3️⃣ Turn Technique Into a Game Skill
The 10-2 isn't just a drill—it's a skill you should recognize and use every game.
Look for opportunities to apply it:
🏒Recovering loose pucks.
🏒Collecting rimmed pucks on your backhand.
🏒Attacking with pressure on your hip.
🏒Protecting the puck off the rush.
🏒Escaping defenders below the tops of the circles.
🏒Creating passing and shooting lanes coming out of turns.
🏒Walking the blue line to create new attack angles.
🏒The more you recognize these situations, the more instinctive the movement becomes.
