2) Don�t turn your back on the play as a one-on-one unfolds. Develop quick feet, good balance and keep skating backward.

3) As you accelerate going backward, move your arms back-and-forth beside your body. Think of a sprinter moving the arms in a parallel pattern. Don�t move your arms side-to-side in front of your chest.

4) Watch the opponent�s chest. The opponent can�t go anywhere without it.

5) Don�t become mesmerized by the puck. Don�t focus on the puck during a one-on-one.

6) Good Lateral movement. Your opponent is trying to go around you. You need to be able to skate where he goes.

7) Don�t always go for the big check. Doing so can cause you to lose your balance and be out of position.

8) Develop a strong lower body. Powerful legs will not only help with skating, but it enables a defenseman to contain strong opponents in the corners.

9) Focus on playing defense first before worrying about points. Jamie Allison was drafted by the Calgary Flames after a season in which he didn�t score a goal in 61 regular season games.