4+1/5 Card D Zone Coverage

OVERVIEW

the 4+1, also known as a 5 Card D Zone Coverage (DZC) is the most basic of hockey defensive coverage concepts. While it is technically a 2-1-2 variation, it relies more on containment and rotation than attack of more aggressive 2-1-2 systems.

SET UP

The basic set up of this DZC is 2 D low, one forward in the middle (we’ll call them F1) and two forwards high (F2 & F3). Players should move in unison acting as if they are on a tether to the players next to them, especially F1. In this system they are the workhorse and it is why many teams put this on the shoulders of the center.

As the puck moves out to the corner, the primary responsibility falls on the D. The F1, will then take their “corner” spot, strong-side low in the slot. When the puck moves up to the half board, F1 is the attacker, D moves back to the slot, and F2/F3 contains high passing lanes. F2 and F3 will also be responsible for picking up any bonus players in the slot area that the D cannot cover.

When the puck moves up to the point, this is the job for F2 and F3. On wider point plays, F1 will take F2/F3’s corner, on plays closer to center, F1 will take more of a central spot, allowing them to go in any direction and help pick up the junk in front.

For plays behind the net, the D will, ideally, chase to release to the other D. F1 will pick up the vacated corner of whichever D is pressuring. F2 & F3 will look for extra bodies in front. If there are none, they will remain high to cover points and passing lanes.

Since this positioning relies on reading plays and rotation, it’s important to note that the closest forward may be the best option, as long someone covers their spot and supports the play. For instance, if the puck moves from the point (3, 4, 5, 6) the high forward may be the best to attack down to the side board depending on pace and angle of play.

POINTS OF EMPHASIS

Players MUST work together and in unison. If players get selfish or antsy, trying to do too much themselves, players will end up out of position or we will end up with too many players leaving us vulnerable. As we need to create time and space for ourselves, we also need to limit the other team’s time and space.

POINTS OF CONCERN

While this is a simple, basic DZC, for advanced teams it can be problematic as more traffic goes through the slot. This system can also lack aggressiveness. It can be a great system for biding time, minimizing passing lanes, and blocking shots from the point, but can break down more easily down low.

Please watch the below video for a basic overview of where to be when. Please note, the player labels have remained the same simply for animation ease. Your first attacking forward is always F1, support forward is F2, and weakside/slot forward is F3.