A lot of every game is played while the other team has the puck. Players who can take it back spend more time in possession, get more confident on the bottom, and give the team something to build on. Learn these three before you collect fancy moves.
Stick work that sets tackles up lives in Puck Handling. Two players closing on one carrier is a pinch. Beating one defender with a teammate is a two-on-one.
Punch
A punch is the first tackle most beginners can actually use. It needs little strength. Loop a hair tie or rubber band around a finger and the stick so the stick stays in your hand. Keep the band on a finger.
Hit the puck before the arm is fully straight. A fully extended arm arrives late and weak. Practice against the pool wall until the contact is firm, then punch a puck for a width. On every second punch, turn the palm up. That version matters on the wall, where you often meet the puck from underneath.
A punch that is shown and not finished is a useful fake later. At the start, finish the hit.
Steal
Beginners often end up stick-to-stick with the puck trapped between them. Twist the wrist so the puck kicks onto your stick side. Or relax suddenly so the other player shoves it away. A sharp push upward can also pop the puck over their stick. Do that from flat on the bottom, and do it quickly. A long pushing contest favors whoever is stronger.
Turn and shield
A punch works early because many new players give the puck up when they are hit. Better players keep it. The lasting tackle is a turn that takes the puck and then protects it with the body, especially the shoulder.
Swim over the puck. Pulling it back toward you leaves it in the open. Stay flat and drop the shoulder through the turn. Rising during a tackle lets the carrier swim through, and it costs more air to finish the job.
Practice both directions. One useful order:
- You carry the puck toward a partner, then turn away while they try to take it. This teaches the shield.
- They carry, and you tackle with the turn.
- Repeat head-on on the wall, turning on the wall, and chasing on the wall.
Once the turn is reliable it stops being a panic move. Use it when you are under pressure. If you can outswim the defender or pass them, do that instead of turning for its own sake.
While you are defending
Make the carrier do something you are ready for. Show the stick on your weak side. Feint a punch so they move early. If they turn, turn the other way and chase the flick. If a pass goes behind you, get the puck under control before you look for the counter.
Further reading
WUHA Schools Coaching Manual, sections 7.2.1 and 8.2 (tackling and individual defending).
Practice Drills for circle tackling.