diff --git a/src/systems/BehaviorNodes.ts b/src/systems/BehaviorNodes.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..48d6461
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/systems/BehaviorNodes.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,86 @@
+import type { Player } from '../entities/Player';
+import type { GameState, PlayerAction } from '../types/game';
+
+/**
+ * Base class for all behavior tree nodes
+ */
+export enum BehaviorStatus {
+  SUCCESS = 'SUCCESS',
+  FAILURE = 'FAILURE',
+  RUNNING = 'RUNNING',
+}
+
+export abstract class BehaviorNode {
+  abstract tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): BehaviorStatus | PlayerAction;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Selector node - Returns SUCCESS on first child that succeeds (OR logic)
+ * Used for choosing between alternative behaviors
+ */
+export class Selector extends BehaviorNode {
+  constructor(private children: BehaviorNode[]) {
+    super();
+  }
+
+  tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): BehaviorStatus | PlayerAction {
+    for (const child of this.children) {
+      const result = child.tick(player, gameState);
+      // If child returns an action or non-FAILURE status, return it
+      if (result !== BehaviorStatus.FAILURE) {
+        return result;
+      }
+    }
+    return BehaviorStatus.FAILURE;
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Sequence node - Returns SUCCESS only if all children succeed (AND logic)
+ * Used for chaining conditions and actions
+ */
+export class Sequence extends BehaviorNode {
+  constructor(private children: BehaviorNode[]) {
+    super();
+  }
+
+  tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): BehaviorStatus | PlayerAction {
+    let lastResult: BehaviorStatus | PlayerAction = BehaviorStatus.SUCCESS;
+    for (const child of this.children) {
+      const result = child.tick(player, gameState);
+      if (result !== BehaviorStatus.SUCCESS) {
+        return result; // Return FAILURE, RUNNING, or PlayerAction
+      }
+      lastResult = result;
+    }
+    return lastResult;
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Condition node - Evaluates a predicate function
+ */
+export class Condition extends BehaviorNode {
+  constructor(private predicate: (player: Player, gameState: GameState) => boolean) {
+    super();
+  }
+
+  tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): BehaviorStatus {
+    return this.predicate(player, gameState) ? BehaviorStatus.SUCCESS : BehaviorStatus.FAILURE;
+  }
+}
+
+/**
+ * Action node - Executes a behavior function and returns a PlayerAction
+ */
+export class Action extends BehaviorNode {
+  constructor(
+    private action: (player: Player, gameState: GameState) => PlayerAction
+  ) {
+    super();
+  }
+
+  tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): PlayerAction {
+    return this.action(player, gameState);
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/systems/BehaviorTree.ts b/src/systems/BehaviorTree.ts
index 32e04c2..d62f415 100644
--- a/src/systems/BehaviorTree.ts
+++ b/src/systems/BehaviorTree.ts
@@ -1,136 +1,60 @@
 import type { Player } from '../entities/Player';
-import type { Puck } from '../entities/Puck';
-import {
-  GOAL_LINE_OFFSET,
-  GOALIE_RANGE,
-  SHOOTING_RANGE,
-  SHOOTING_ANGLE_THRESHOLD
-} from '../config/constants';
-import { MathUtils } from '../utils/math';
 import type { GameState, PlayerAction } from '../types/game';
+import { BehaviorNode, Selector, Sequence, Condition } from './BehaviorNodes';
+import { GoalieBehavior } from './behaviors/GoalieBehavior';
+import { SkaterBehavior } from './behaviors/SkaterBehavior';
+
+// Re-export base classes for convenience
+export { BehaviorNode, BehaviorStatus, Selector, Sequence, Condition, Action } from './BehaviorNodes';
 
 /**
- * Simple behavior tree for player decision making
+ * BehaviorTree system for AI decision-making
+ *
+ * This system uses a behavior tree pattern to make tactical decisions for players.
+ * The tree is evaluated every tick (60 FPS) and produces actions based on:
+ * - Game state (possession, positions, threats)
+ * - Player attributes (Hockey IQ, Skill, Speed)
+ * - Tactical context (offensive/defensive situation)
+ *
+ * The tree is structured by role (goalie vs skater) at the top level,
+ * then by game context (offensive/defensive/transition) for skaters.
+ *
+ * @example
+ * const tree = new BehaviorTree(player);
+ * const action = tree.tick(gameState); // Called every frame in GameScene.update()
  */
 export class BehaviorTree {
+  private root: BehaviorNode;
+
+  constructor(private player: Player) {
+    // Root selector: Choose between goalie and skater behaviors based on position
+    this.root = new Selector([
+      // Goalie behavior (checks position internally)
+      new Sequence([
+        new Condition((p) => p.playerPosition === 'G'),
+        new GoalieBehavior()
+      ]),
+      // Skater behavior (default for all other positions)
+      new SkaterBehavior()
+    ]);
+  }
+
   /**
-   * Evaluate player behavior and return action
+   * Evaluates the behavior tree and returns the next action for the player
+   * Called every frame (60 FPS)
+   */
+  public tick(gameState: GameState): PlayerAction {
+    const result = this.root.tick(this.player, gameState);
+    // Result should always be a PlayerAction from our structure
+    return result as PlayerAction;
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Static helper to evaluate any player
+   * This maintains backward compatibility with existing code
    */
   public static evaluatePlayer(player: Player, gameState: GameState): PlayerAction {
-    const { puck } = gameState;
-
-    // Check if player is goalie
-    if (player.playerPosition === 'G') {
-      return this.goalieLogic(player, puck);
-    }
-
-    // Check if player has puck
-    if (puck.carrier === player.id) {
-      return this.skateWithPuck(player, puck);
-    }
-
-    // Check if puck is loose
-    if (puck.state === 'loose') {
-      return this.chasePuck(player, puck);
-    }
-
-    // Default: idle (stay at current position)
-    return {
-      type: 'idle',
-      targetX: player.gameX,
-      targetY: player.gameY
-    };
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Goalie stays near net and tracks puck Y position
-   */
-  private static goalieLogic(player: Player, puck: Puck): PlayerAction {
-    // Stay near goal line
-    const goalX = player.team === 'home' ? -GOAL_LINE_OFFSET : GOAL_LINE_OFFSET;
-
-    // Track puck Y position (clamped to goal width)
-    const targetY = Math.max(-GOALIE_RANGE, Math.min(GOALIE_RANGE, puck.gameY));
-
-    return {
-      type: 'move',
-      targetX: goalX,
-      targetY: targetY
-    };
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Chase loose puck
-   */
-  private static chasePuck(_player: Player, puck: Puck): PlayerAction {
-    return {
-      type: 'chase_puck',
-      targetX: puck.gameX,
-      targetY: puck.gameY
-    };
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Skate with puck toward opponent's goal
-   */
-  private static skateWithPuck(player: Player, _puck: Puck): PlayerAction {
-    // Determine opponent's goal X position
-    const opponentGoalX = player.team === 'home' ? GOAL_LINE_OFFSET : -GOAL_LINE_OFFSET;
-
-    // Check if player has a good shot opportunity
-    if (this.hasGoodShot(player)) {
-      console.log(`${player.id} is shooting!`);
-      return {
-        type: 'shoot',
-        targetX: opponentGoalX,
-        targetY: 0  // Aim for center of net
-      };
-    }
-
-    // Skate toward opponent's net (slightly randomized Y to avoid going straight)
-    return {
-      type: 'skate_with_puck',
-      targetX: opponentGoalX,
-      targetY: 0
-    };
-  }
-
-  /**
-   * Evaluate if player has a good shooting opportunity
-   */
-  private static hasGoodShot(player: Player): boolean {
-    // Determine opponent's goal position
-    const opponentGoalX = player.team === 'home' ? GOAL_LINE_OFFSET : -GOAL_LINE_OFFSET;
-    const goalY = 0;
-
-    // Calculate distance to goal
-    const distance = MathUtils.distance(player.gameX, player.gameY, opponentGoalX, goalY);
-
-    // Check if within shooting range
-    if (distance >= SHOOTING_RANGE) {
-      return false;
-    }
-
-    // Calculate angle to goal (in radians)
-    const dx = opponentGoalX - player.gameX;
-    const dy = goalY - player.gameY;
-    const angleToGoal = Math.atan2(dy, dx);
-
-    // Calculate player's direction of movement
-    const moveX = player.targetX - player.gameX;
-    const moveY = player.targetY - player.gameY;
-    const angleOfMovement = Math.atan2(moveY, moveX);
-
-    // Calculate angle difference
-    let angleDiff = Math.abs(angleToGoal - angleOfMovement);
-    // Normalize to 0-π
-    if (angleDiff > Math.PI) {
-      angleDiff = 2 * Math.PI - angleDiff;
-    }
-
-    // Good angle if within threshold
-    const reasonableAngle = angleDiff < SHOOTING_ANGLE_THRESHOLD;
-
-    return reasonableAngle;
+    const tree = new BehaviorTree(player);
+    return tree.tick(gameState);
   }
 }
diff --git a/src/systems/behaviors/GoalieBehavior.ts b/src/systems/behaviors/GoalieBehavior.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..39eec2d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/systems/behaviors/GoalieBehavior.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,32 @@
+import { BehaviorNode } from '../BehaviorNodes';
+import type { Player } from '../../entities/Player';
+import type { GameState, PlayerAction } from '../../types/game';
+import { GOAL_LINE_OFFSET, GOALIE_RANGE } from '../../config/constants';
+
+/**
+ * Goalie-specific behavior tree
+ *
+ * Goalies have unique behaviors:
+ * - Stay near goal line
+ * - Track puck Y position
+ * - Challenge shooters (future)
+ * - Make saves (future)
+ */
+export class GoalieBehavior extends BehaviorNode {
+  tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): PlayerAction {
+    // Stay near goal line
+    const goalX = player.team === 'home' ? -GOAL_LINE_OFFSET : GOAL_LINE_OFFSET;
+
+    // Track puck Y position (clamped to goalie range)
+    const targetY = Math.max(
+      -GOALIE_RANGE,
+      Math.min(GOALIE_RANGE, gameState.puck.gameY)
+    );
+
+    return {
+      type: 'move',
+      targetX: goalX,
+      targetY: targetY
+    };
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/systems/behaviors/SkaterBehavior.ts b/src/systems/behaviors/SkaterBehavior.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..3ac2ad5
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/systems/behaviors/SkaterBehavior.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+import { BehaviorNode, Selector } from '../BehaviorNodes';
+import type { Player } from '../../entities/Player';
+import type { GameState, PlayerAction } from '../../types/game';
+import { PuckCarrierBehavior } from './offensive/PuckCarrierBehavior';
+import { OffensiveSupportBehavior } from './offensive/OffensiveSupportBehavior';
+import { DefensiveBehavior } from './defensive/DefensiveBehavior';
+import { TransitionBehavior } from './TransitionBehavior';
+
+/**
+ * Skater behavior tree - Context-based decision making
+ *
+ * The selector evaluates children in priority order:
+ * 1. PuckCarrier - If this player has the puck (highest priority)
+ * 2. OffensiveSupport - If teammate has puck (support offense)
+ * 3. Defensive - If opponent has puck (play defense)
+ * 4. Transition - Loose puck or neutral situations (fallback)
+ *
+ * Each subtree handles its own conditions and returns FAILURE if not applicable,
+ * allowing the selector to try the next branch.
+ */
+export class SkaterBehavior extends BehaviorNode {
+  private tree: Selector;
+
+  constructor() {
+    super();
+
+    // Build context-based behavior tree
+    this.tree = new Selector([
+      new PuckCarrierBehavior(),      // Has possession
+      new OffensiveSupportBehavior(), // Team has possession
+      new DefensiveBehavior(),        // Opponent has possession
+      new TransitionBehavior(),       // Loose puck/neutral (always succeeds as fallback)
+    ]);
+  }
+
+  tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): PlayerAction {
+    return this.tree.tick(player, gameState) as PlayerAction;
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/systems/behaviors/TransitionBehavior.ts b/src/systems/behaviors/TransitionBehavior.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e5d766c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/systems/behaviors/TransitionBehavior.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+import { BehaviorNode, Selector, Action } from '../BehaviorNodes';
+import type { Player } from '../../entities/Player';
+import type { GameState, PlayerAction } from '../../types/game';
+
+/**
+ * Transition behavior - Loose puck and neutral situations
+ *
+ * This behavior handles:
+ * 1. Chasing loose pucks
+ * 2. Neutral zone positioning
+ * 3. Faceoff positioning (future)
+ * 4. Line changes (future)
+ *
+ * This should always succeed as the fallback behavior
+ */
+export class TransitionBehavior extends BehaviorNode {
+  private tree: BehaviorNode;
+
+  constructor() {
+    super();
+
+    this.tree = new Selector([
+      // Chase loose puck
+      new Action((player, gameState) => {
+        if (gameState.puck.state === 'loose') {
+          return {
+            type: 'chase_puck',
+            targetX: gameState.puck.gameX,
+            targetY: gameState.puck.gameY
+          };
+        }
+
+        // If not loose puck, idle at current position (fallback)
+        return {
+          type: 'idle',
+          targetX: player.gameX,
+          targetY: player.gameY
+        };
+      })
+    ]);
+  }
+
+  tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): PlayerAction {
+    return this.tree.tick(player, gameState) as PlayerAction;
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/systems/behaviors/defensive/DefensiveBehavior.ts b/src/systems/behaviors/defensive/DefensiveBehavior.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fa0a776
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/systems/behaviors/defensive/DefensiveBehavior.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,47 @@
+import { BehaviorNode, Sequence, Condition, Action, BehaviorStatus } from '../../BehaviorNodes';
+import type { Player } from '../../../entities/Player';
+import type { GameState, PlayerAction } from '../../../types/game';
+
+/**
+ * Defensive behavior (Phase 6 - Future)
+ *
+ * When opponent has the puck, this player should:
+ * 1. Apply pressure to puck carrier
+ * 2. Block passing lanes
+ * 3. Cover open attackers
+ * 4. Backcheck to defensive zone
+ * 5. Position for shot blocks
+ *
+ * Currently: Placeholder that returns FAILURE to pass control to next behavior
+ */
+export class DefensiveBehavior extends BehaviorNode {
+  private tree: BehaviorNode;
+
+  constructor() {
+    super();
+
+    this.tree = new Sequence([
+      // Check if opponent has puck
+      new Condition((player, gameState) => {
+        const { puck } = gameState;
+        if (puck.state !== 'carried') return false;
+        if (puck.carrier === player.id) return false;
+
+        // TODO: Check if carrier is opponent (requires team roster access)
+        // For now, just fail - will implement in Phase 6
+        return false;
+      }),
+
+      // Defensive action (future implementation)
+      new Action((player) => ({
+        type: 'idle',
+        targetX: player.gameX,
+        targetY: player.gameY
+      }))
+    ]);
+  }
+
+  tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): BehaviorStatus | PlayerAction {
+    return this.tree.tick(player, gameState);
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/systems/behaviors/offensive/OffensiveSupportBehavior.ts b/src/systems/behaviors/offensive/OffensiveSupportBehavior.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..354b3cc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/systems/behaviors/offensive/OffensiveSupportBehavior.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,46 @@
+import { BehaviorNode, Sequence, Condition, Action, BehaviorStatus } from '../../BehaviorNodes';
+import type { Player } from '../../../entities/Player';
+import type { GameState, PlayerAction } from '../../../types/game';
+
+/**
+ * Offensive support behavior (Phase 5 - Future)
+ *
+ * When a teammate has the puck, this player should:
+ * 1. Get open for a pass
+ * 2. Move to scoring areas
+ * 3. Screen the goalie
+ * 4. Provide passing options
+ *
+ * Currently: Placeholder that returns FAILURE to pass control to next behavior
+ */
+export class OffensiveSupportBehavior extends BehaviorNode {
+  private tree: BehaviorNode;
+
+  constructor() {
+    super();
+
+    this.tree = new Sequence([
+      // Check if teammate has puck (not this player, not opponent)
+      new Condition((player, gameState) => {
+        const { puck } = gameState;
+        if (puck.state !== 'carried') return false;
+        if (puck.carrier === player.id) return false;
+
+        // TODO: Check if carrier is teammate (requires team roster access)
+        // For now, just fail - will implement in Phase 5
+        return false;
+      }),
+
+      // Action to support offense (future implementation)
+      new Action((player) => ({
+        type: 'idle',
+        targetX: player.gameX,
+        targetY: player.gameY
+      }))
+    ]);
+  }
+
+  tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): BehaviorStatus | PlayerAction {
+    return this.tree.tick(player, gameState);
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/systems/behaviors/offensive/PuckCarrierBehavior.ts b/src/systems/behaviors/offensive/PuckCarrierBehavior.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..314f924
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/systems/behaviors/offensive/PuckCarrierBehavior.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,103 @@
+import { BehaviorNode, Sequence, Condition, Action, BehaviorStatus } from '../../BehaviorNodes';
+import type { Player } from '../../../entities/Player';
+import type { GameState, PlayerAction } from '../../../types/game';
+import {
+  GOAL_LINE_OFFSET,
+  SHOOTING_RANGE,
+  SHOOTING_ANGLE_THRESHOLD
+} from '../../../config/constants';
+import { MathUtils } from '../../../utils/math';
+
+/**
+ * Puck carrier behavior tree (Phase 4)
+ *
+ * Decision priority when carrying the puck:
+ * 1. Shoot if good opportunity
+ * 2. Pass to open teammate (future - Phase 4)
+ * 3. Carry puck toward net (default)
+ *
+ * Future enhancements:
+ * - Deke/stickhandle under pressure
+ * - One-timer pass opportunities
+ * - Look for trailer for pass
+ */
+export class PuckCarrierBehavior extends BehaviorNode {
+  private tree: BehaviorNode;
+
+  constructor() {
+    super();
+
+    // Build decision tree for puck carrier
+    this.tree = new Sequence([
+      // First check if this player has the puck
+      new Condition((player, gameState) => gameState.puck.carrier === player.id),
+
+      // Then choose action (in future, this will be a Selector with shoot/pass/carry options)
+      new Action((player, gameState) => this.decidePuckCarrierAction(player, gameState))
+    ]);
+  }
+
+  tick(player: Player, gameState: GameState): BehaviorStatus | PlayerAction {
+    return this.tree.tick(player, gameState);
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Decide what to do with the puck
+   * Currently: Shoot if good opportunity, otherwise carry toward net
+   */
+  private decidePuckCarrierAction(player: Player, _gameState: GameState): PlayerAction {
+    const opponentGoalX = player.team === 'home' ? GOAL_LINE_OFFSET : -GOAL_LINE_OFFSET;
+
+    // Check for shooting opportunity
+    if (this.hasGoodShot(player, opponentGoalX)) {
+      console.log(`${player.id} is shooting!`);
+      return {
+        type: 'shoot',
+        targetX: opponentGoalX,
+        targetY: 0 // Aim for center of net
+      };
+    }
+
+    // Default: Carry puck toward opponent's net
+    return {
+      type: 'skate_with_puck',
+      targetX: opponentGoalX,
+      targetY: 0
+    };
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Evaluate if player has a good shooting opportunity
+   */
+  private hasGoodShot(player: Player, opponentGoalX: number): boolean {
+    const goalY = 0;
+
+    // Calculate distance to goal
+    const distance = MathUtils.distance(player.gameX, player.gameY, opponentGoalX, goalY);
+
+    // Check if within shooting range
+    if (distance >= SHOOTING_RANGE) {
+      return false;
+    }
+
+    // Calculate angle to goal (in radians)
+    const dx = opponentGoalX - player.gameX;
+    const dy = goalY - player.gameY;
+    const angleToGoal = Math.atan2(dy, dx);
+
+    // Calculate player's direction of movement
+    const moveX = player.targetX - player.gameX;
+    const moveY = player.targetY - player.gameY;
+    const angleOfMovement = Math.atan2(moveY, moveX);
+
+    // Calculate angle difference
+    let angleDiff = Math.abs(angleToGoal - angleOfMovement);
+    // Normalize to 0-π
+    if (angleDiff > Math.PI) {
+      angleDiff = 2 * Math.PI - angleDiff;
+    }
+
+    // Good angle if within threshold
+    return angleDiff < SHOOTING_ANGLE_THRESHOLD;
+  }
+}