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LESSONS FOR DEFENSEMEN – KEEP IT SIMPLE!

By Enio Sacilotto

These clips of Conor Timmons highlight fantastic examples of fundamental defensive play, showing how simplicity and awareness are critical at all levels:

  1. Clip 1: Timmons demonstrates an essential skill with a shoulder check, reading where his teammates are to make a safe, high-percentage play. He ensures controlled puck movement and a structured breakout by finding the center swinging low.
  2. Clip 2: He closes the gap effectively in the corner, using his body to eliminate space and maintain defensive control while also reaching in with his stick to disrupt puck movement—a classic example of gap control and physical presence.
  3. Clip 3: Timmons’s patience in front of his net emphasizes the importance of positioning, staying square to incoming threats and blocking passing or shooting lanes.
  4. Clips 4 & 5: The simplicity of his breakout stands out here. With quick, efficient passes—over and up—he initiates a five-second breakout, reinforcing that defence doesn’t always need to be flashy, just efficient.
  5. Clip 6: Timmons’s offensive awareness shines through as he maneuvers on the blue line and gets a low shot on net. This play shows defensemen the value of getting pucks through traffic, generating scoring chances even from the point.

For defensemen of all ages, these clips are a masterclass in simple, effective play—reminders to stay aware, control space, and make quick, purposeful decisions.