Centers will spend part of the time working on face-offs with offensive coach, and then they will join shoot-check drills as defenders. They will play defense at the shallow slot.

In general, the defensemen will play defense at each slot location, but we also want to let the forwards take a turn at the shallow slot defense also...

The general idea is that the forward with the pucks takes shots on goal while the other forward near the crease attempts to screen and tip the shots.

The defender at the shallow slot hits the forward every time he touches a puck, and the defender in deep ties up the attacker's stick and body, while also trying to prevent him from screening the goalie (box him out).

It is good for goalies and defenseman and centers to talk about this to see whether the goalie wants the defender to drop for a block, get out of the way, etc... Some goalies would rather see the shot even if it means the forward may be free to tip it.