How to Play D on Your Off Side

Workshop 50 Recording

As I wrote last year, rush defense and DZ retrievals are two non-negotiable tasks for modern defensemen.

Both responsibilities are made more difficult by playing on one’s off side (RD for lefties and LD for righties).

Against the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs D-man Morgan Rielly is turnstiled after mis-timing his pivot.

Jack Han @JhanHky

TOR44 sets a decent gap initially, but gets burned on his pivot.

Later in the same game, Timothy Liljegren makes a costly turnover on his backhand when attempting to break the puck out on his off side.

Jack Han @JhanHky

TOR37 winds up on his backhand, makes a high turnover and NYR scores coming down the back side vs 2 Fs.

Without a doubt, playing D on one’s off side is a significant challenge.

At the same time, it is also an opportunity for players young and old to earn more ice time and to add a new dimension to their game.

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Stuart Percy is a former Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman and a current Czech league pro.

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Recently, Stuart reached out for advice on how to more effectively play the right side as a left-handed D.

With his permission, I am sharing the two tips I gave him with you.