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As with any shot, you need to keep your head up. Having the confidence to keep your head up during a shot takes practice, but it is worth it. By keeping your head up you will be able to find the openings more effectively and increase the accuracy of your shot.
As with all shots, it is important to follow through with your wrist shot. Follow through increases accuracy and power. Also, make sure you move your bottom hand down on the stick to increase your leverage. A quick note: Knees bent, head up and back straight.
When a player gets to training camp in September and is out of shape, he will most likely be overlooked as a vital player. Off-season workouts are crucial to improving your hockey skills because they keep you in shape for the upcoming season.
Hockey Defense In the Defensive Zone * Cover the front of the net - always one man in front - tough. * Be alert for opposition face-off plays. * Finish all checks in the corners and beat your man back to the net. * On 3 on 3’s and 4 on 4’s one man take the shooter. * Avoid backing in. * When the puck at the point - clear the front of the net and control the opposition sticks by sealing them to the outside.
Defensemen In the Offensive End * Be ready to pinch if a forward is in position to cover for you. * Stand a few feet inside the blue line to prevent the puck from getting out. * Weak side defense play even with the far post if the puck is in far corner and then adjust to where the attackers are. * Be alert for breaking forwards and go with them, don’t gamble on knocking down the pass. * Shoot low, just above height of stick blade or on the ice hard, be sure to miss the first man. * When on your backhand at the point, shoot the puck into the corner. * Look for forwards uncovered off either post and try a shot pass wide of the net for a tip. * No unsafe stick handling as the last man, instead shoot the puck behind the net. * No blind point to point passes, you must be sure they are safe. * Keep the puck in front of you. * Jump into the far corner if your forward rims the puck to keep possession.
1 ON 1 SITUATIONS 1 - 1 offense * The goal is to have the puck carrier become a threat to score and force the defender to challenge him instead of allowing the defender to dictate the play. * In an outside lane, attack from the side of defender and use change of pace and big moves. At the offensive blue line read if the defender gives up the blue line. If he backs in, cut inside, if he stands up or is slow then go wide. * Using various moves, and speeds forces the defender to think of various ways to defend and this slows his reaction and gives the attacker the advantage.
1 - 1 defense * Try to stop the attacker as far as possible from the defensive zone. * The goal is prevent the attacker from getting a shot from the slot. * If attacker is very fast give room wide rather than back in. * When the attacker is in an outside lane turn when he is parallel to you and flare out square to attacker, then angle him to the corner and finish. * Stay on defensive side blocking way to net or angling attacker into corner. * If the attacker delays you must stay with him and continue 1-1 beating him back to the net if he passes.
A big change in hockey today is that the first back checking forward chases the puck carrier and creates back pressure through the neutral zone. In the old days this player would cover the wide offensive wing.
If the backchecker has a checking angle he/she finishes the check. If the attacker is too far ahead then he will cover a supporting forward.
The wide defender covers the attacker in the wide lane. The last two players coming back must beat the attacking defensemen up the ice and if possible get back quickly to outnumber the attackers by the red or defensive blue line.
The coverage varies depending on the forchecking system being used by their hockey team.
COACHING PRINCIPLES FOR PLAYING DEFENSE DEFENSEMEN Neutral Zone - defensively Diagrams and descriptions of team play. These are diagrams of many of the systems described below. http://hockeycoachingabcs.com/index-8.html * Weak side defenseman covers the wide winger unless the backchecker has him. * Stay up at the blue line if the wingers are covered. * Try to meet the play before the blue line on a 2 on 2 and 3 on 3. * Turn and go with an uncovered breaking winger. * On a one on one always look through the play and your man, eyes up looking at chest or eyes. * Talk to forwards and defense partner all the time. * Don’t let an opponent coming out of your zone hang behind you uncovered.
Many people think that if you play a sport, you’ll be in shape in no time. This is partly true, but with hockey, like any other sport, you need other exercise as well as healthy eating to develop a stronger build.
PLAYING A 1-2-2 TRAP FORECHECK 1-2-2 Trap * First player force puck to the outside lane. * Strong side forward play body on the puck carrier. * Weak side forward fill the middle lane. * Strong side defenseman, stand up and defend red and blue line. * Weak side defenseman cover the weak side forward. * Outnumber the offense in the neutral zone, dividing ice in half, weak side defenseman cover wide winger. * When defenders regain the puck, the wide winger should break through the middle for a penetrating counter attack pass.
Defensive Zone Coverage All systems use the man on and a box behind coverage as described before.
COACHING PRINCIPLES FOR AN AGGRESSIVE 2-1- 2 PLAYING SYSTEM WITH A PINCH ON A RIM 1.Forechecking A 2-1-2 forechecking system and it’s variations focus on causing turn-overs and regaining the puck in the offensive zone by pressuring the opponent and limiting their time and space to make plays. To do this the team must be good skaters and hard working in order to put constant pressure on the defense. * The closest checker should create immediate pressure and steer the puck wide angling off back shoulder and make contact. Skate to the mid slot when the puck is passed away from you. This is important as the original number one must now become either the second or third forechecker and he can read this situation from the mid slot area. * The second checker skate to the middle lane and read to get the loose puck if the first checker makes contact, cover the other defenseman on a to D to D pass or give back pressure on a rim. * The third checker should mirror the play from the mid slot and check the winger on the boards if he gets a pass. When the weak side defense pinches the third forward covers the mid point area and must play as a defenseman if the opposition breaks out. * The fourth man supports from the far post and should pinch on a rim with the rule that "both the attacker and the puck cannot get over the blue line". * The fifth man, support from the strong side point, and slide across and cover the other point when number four pinches.
1-2-2 TRAP FORECHECK WITH A SWING When the offensive player stops with the puck behind the net. * First checker, forward one, swing in front toward to other side and replace forward two just above the face off circle. * Forward two swing in front the other way and if the puck carrier stays behind the net he replaces forward three who is above the other face-off circle. * If the puck is still behind net the original forward would swing, etc. * When puck is moved from behind then trap as described in 1-2-2 trap. * In the neutral zone defend the same as 1-2-2 trap. Defensive Zone Coverage is the one man on and a box behind in all of these systems.
2 ON 1 SITUATION In Ice Hockey 2 - 1 offensively * Challenge the defenceman and use forehand passes whenever possible. This forces the goalkeeper to expect either a shot or pass and creates good passing angles. * "One high one low one fast one slow," is a poem to remember about not allowing the defenseman to stay in between you and your partner. * Puck carrier must be a threat so defender cannot overplay pass. * Make first pass by the top of the slot, this makes second play possible. * Attack as quickly as possible to eliminate back checkers
2-1 defensively * Stay in middle of attackers, delay play as much as possible, goalie take the shooter defender deny the pass. * The most dangerous attacker is in the middle of the ice; so play him. If the puck carrier’s is on the off wing and his stick is in the slot he is the most dangerous attacker. * Don’t allow puck carrier to break in post to post but go to him if he cuts in. * On trailer in middle lane line up with trailer and rush him with the stick in the passing lane when a trailer pass is made,.
During a game the player is faced with many situations that he must solve. In most cases the defender has the advantage because of the goaltender. For the defender a 1 on 1 situation is really a 1 on 2 etc. This is why communication between the goalie and his team-mates is critical in order to maintain this advantage.
IN OFFENSIVE ZONE CARRY IN * When attacking the puck carrier should reach over blue line with the puck as Gretzky to prevent off sides if the play is close. * Gretzky and Kurri would often cross and drop just before the blue line and cause the defense to stand still. * Read what the defenders are giving up; * If they stand up at the blue line then go wide with puck, second player go to the net, third player trail, fourth attacker support from weak side high slot and fifth attacker support from blue line ready for drop or double drop pass. * If they back in; puck carrier, go to middle, second attacker cross behind, third player go to post, fourth player give weak side support and fifth strong side point. * Always stagger on the attack and don’t allow a defenseman to stay in between two parallel attackers. (one high one low, one fast one slow principle) * The defense should always be ready to join the attack when they see the opportunity. i.e. defenders backs are turned, or the forwards either over back check or don’t back check.
Each team practice should have a specific purpose or skill-building goal. If your team played poor defense last game, then focus on defense. Likewise, if they couldn’t score, be creative with drills. At the end of a practice, play a game so they can apply the skills. Give your players positive reinforcement if they show improvement in these areas.
As with most sports, scoring is the ultimate goal in hockey. This means you need a shot with quickness and accuracy. The best shot for this is the snapshot, which is the quickest shot in the game.
If you want to increase your ability to stickhandle through traffic, grab about ten pucks and place them about a foot apart in a straight line. Moving at a comfortable speed, stickhandle through the pucks trying not to hit any of the stationary pucks. If you find the distance between the pucks is too easy, move them closer together and see how close you can get them.
First forward into zone: * Play 3-3 with defensemen, usually as the support man. * Maintain defensive side positioning when they have two players fighting your defenseman for the puck in the corner. * Be in a position to maintain the defensive side and get immediate pressure if they pass to your man deep in the zone. * Mirror the puck on a breakout. * Give middle support on a pass to the winger. * Give close support to the winger and help to get the puck over the blue line on a pinch.
Second forward: * Back check to the mid slot area and cover the weak side point, with stick in the mid slot passing lane, * Collapse down and support if someone loses their one on one, the puck is below the goal line or on rebounds. * On the break out be ready for a quick rim pass to the boards. * On break out can also go wide or protect the mid slot, stretch or get a dump out. * On a D to D pass or rim get on the wide boards and get the puck out.
The most important element for children playing hockey is to have the support of their parents. Encourage participation in practices, good sportsmanship, and attend as many of the games as possible.
PLAYING AN AGGRESSIVE 2-1-2 FORECHECK WITH A STRONG SIDE PINCH The only change from the 2-1-2 with a pinch on a rim is that the third forechecker mirrors the play from the high slot area and fills for the strong side defenseman when he pinches. Number two usually becomes the third man in the high triangle. This is a more high risk style and is used when you need a goal. The risk is that forwards are the last defenders back. If a team is going to play this style the forwards must be good at defensive one on one’s.
Backchecking Forwards * Lock (skate through) the centre up to red line and create back pressure by pursuing the puck carrier. If you have a good angle on the puck carrier then finish the play, if you cannot catch him then play a 2 on 2 with the strong side defenseman. * Communicate and be sure of who is covering who by the red line. * If the first back checker is pursuing the puck carrier then the weak side defenseman cover wide winger. * When the back checker is behind the attacker by more than a stick length then leave the puck carrier for the defense and pick up a trailer. Don’t check from behind. * If the first forward is caught up ice giving up a 3-2 then back check to the middle (slot) area, otherwise cover the trailer. * The last two forwards pick up points; the second forward to the mid slot area and the third forward the puck side point. * Defenseman read the rush and call out coverage by the red line. On a three on three, if the forward is covering the weak side winger then the weak side defenseman slide to the middle and play a two on two with his defensive partner. * If the forward is covering the wide winger on a shoot in, hold up the winger then go high on boards for a possible rim. * Defense try to avoid backing in, if you fear the attackers speed give room on the outside rather than back in and give up the blue line.
1 ON 2 SITUATION 1 - 2 offense * If defensemen are parallel try to go between, they get confused about who they are covering. * Get puck in deep or shoot on the net if challenged. * Gain the blue line and wait for support. 1 - 2 defense * Strong side man play 1-1 * Weak side man check to see who next player entering zone will be, if it is a backchecker then come across and play body on the puck carrier, strong side defender support, if an opponent is the next player coming, stay in your lane as it is really a slow developing 2-2.
3 - 3 offense Play the same as the 3 on 2. 3 - 3 defense * Get as tight a gap as possible through the neutral zone. * Communicate and identify who is covering who by the red line. * If the back checking forward has an angle on the puck carrier he should finish the check; if the attacker is too far ahead then pick up the trailer. * If the back checker has picked up the weak side forward, then the weak side defenseman play a 2 on 2 on the strong side. * Take the attackers all the way to the net, stay on the defensive side and control their sticks.
3 - 1 offense * Attack as quickly as possible with the first pass made before top of the slot. * Use crosses and picks with the third man going to post. * Puck carrier must be a threat.
3 - 1 defense * Stay in the middle and delay the play, keeping skates in the lateral passing lane and maintain this positioning when puck is high * Attack shooter on a trailer pass when puck is in mid to low slot with stick in lane of most dangerous pass. * Take stick of attacker at the post after a wide shot.
PLAYING FORWARD IN THE NEUTRAL ZONE OFFENSIVELY * Always be ready to counter. * The closest forward support on the strong side boards, * The second closest forward give support in the middle lane and the weak side forward can stretch or give width. * Pass back to the defense and regroup if the defenders outnumber the attackers at the blue line, or shoot in the puck if a forward has speed on the weak side. * Have one player in each of the lanes and switch lanes if someone crosses into your lane, the key is the first forward give support on the strong side boards, he can only leave if the another forward replaces him. * General rule is to pass wide and skate to the middle with the puck, always try to beat a defender and force him to play you, a supporting forward should take the ice behind for a drop pass, cross or wide pass. * Always isolate the widest defender and create a 2-1 situation.
2 - 2 offense * Isolate one defender and create a 2 on 1, and then go wide or pick, cross or cross and drop * Sometimes two quick diagonal passes will create openings.
2 - 2 defense * From the defensive point of view a 2 on 2 is really two 1 on 1’s. Remember that the puck carrier is not the most dangerous attacker but the pass receiver is. This means the weak side defenceman must concentrate on the potential pass receiver and leave the puck carrier for his partner. * Try to establish an angle on the puck carrier as soon as possible. If you have an angle stay with the puck carrier. If no angle then switch when puck is high and play a 1 on 1 when it is deep. * The key to defensive play is to play as tight a gap as possible while skating backwards facing the opponent from the defensive side. If you approach the opponent too quickly then the defender will lose defensive side positioning and have to check from behind.
To improve stickhandling skills, take your hockey gloves off and place them on the ice about 3 feet apart. Stickhandle a figure-8 around the gloves, increasing speed when you begin to feel comfortable. This will not only increase stickhandling speed and control, but will build up strength in your forearms.
To maximize power and control with your backhand, start the puck off your back foot and sweep it through releasing just after the puck crosses your front foot. If you start with the puck too far in front, you will not maximize the weight transition. If you release too early, you will likely miss your target
3 ON 2 SITUATION 3 - 2 offense * Attack as quickly as possible and set up a 2-1 versus one defender. * Puck carrier try to go to net and force the defender to play you. * If defenders have backed in cross and drop or cross and pick. * On a straight attack the second attacker skate to the post, on a cross the third attacker skates to the post. 3 - 2 defensemen * Delay the attack and try to stand up at blue line. * Weak side defender take one attacker to the post and strong side defender play the 2-1 and pressure the third man if a trailer pass is made to the middle.
Many players think that playing defense means you can’t score. The best defensemen are the ones who can play good defense and be offensive minded at the same time.
The curve of a stick is a matter of preference. The more curve you have, the less control, and most players find that a smaller curve results in less power. If a curve is too big the puck often goes high and misses the net which obviously decreases your chance of scoring.
SHOOT-INS * Be sure to miss the defensemen. * Shoot the puck in so it bounces away from the goalie in the corner. * If shooting on the net keep the puck low so goalie will deflect the puck into corner. * Time the shoot-in for the best possible chance to recover the puck; e.g. when a teammate is breaking into zone * When you regain the puck form a triangle with number one on the puck, number two in front of the net and number three in the mid-slot as the high man. When the puck carrier is pressured pass the puck back to the corner and the closest supporting player get it. Always remember to rotate into the open position and always have a third man who is ready to shoot or backcheck on a turn over.
Never limit any young hockey player to one position at an early age. Let them experience all positions, even goalie, to find what they really enjoy. In addition, it is an asset to any team, at any age, to have a well-rounded player.
Penalty shots are handed out when a player makes illegal contact with another player who is clearly on a breakaway and has no legitimate chance of being caught without illegal infraction. Another scenario is when a player covers the puck with their hand in their own crease.
On Breakouts * The puck carrier should skate directly at the forechecker so he can’t create a good angle to steer him into a wide lane, this allows him to pass either way. * The most important concept in the break out is for the puck carrier to drive skate to open ice when you get the puck, this creates time, avoids checkers and creates new passing lanes. * The best play is a direct pass to a winger on the boards. * When pressured never hesitate to dump the puck out. * Always look for the quick breakout first. * Don’t leave men behind you on breakouts. * When under a lot of pressure move the puck quickly away from the pressure by using a counter, D to D bank, reverse or a rim. * Passes around boards must be hard. * To beat a pinch the forward should either swing very low and give and go with the defenseman or else be out high near the blue line for the pass and simply chip it over the blue line behind the pinching defenseman.
The biggest difference between North American hockey and European hockey is that when the coach blows the whistle to end practice in North America, everyone grabs a puck and works on their breakaway move. In Europe, they play keep away. This technique is very apparent in the professional leagues as it is the Europeans that are often the most effective and creative with one-on-ones. Also, when you think about it, what do you do more in a game - have a breakaway or try and keep an opposing player from stealing the puck?
Hooking is a penalty that is considered "stupid." It is when a player uses his stick in a way that it wraps around another player and hooks him down to the ice. Avoid hooking; it is only for lazy players who can’t move their feet enough to catch up with the other player.
The best skates for beginners are the ones where the entire shoe goes into the skate boot. Children maintain their sense of "walking" as they develop their ice skating skills.
Youngsters can easily learn to play hockey by using a chair or something else to lean on for balance. This is very effective because it helps the kids begin working on their stride. The chair is similar to training wheels!
Most players think it’s okay to play without helmets or proper equipment. This is very dangerous. You should always wear the required equipment (and more!) when playing hockey.
Many players have trouble deciding the best way to tape their sticks. If you watch professional players, you’ll notice that they have only a bit of tape on their sticks. The best thing for a minor hockey player is to tape the entire blade of the stick.
Many ice hockey players should consider inline skating. It is recommended to stay in shape, but it can change your style of play. Be sure your inline habits don’t change your ice hockey playing style.
Don’t be tough and wear shorts and T-shirts when playing roller hockey, especially if you are just starting out. Rollerblades are different than skates and when there is normally an edge to support any sharp turns, there is now pavement to greet you. Wear sweat pants and knee pads (especially if you are blocking shots), elbow pads, and of course a helmet since most surfaces aren’t exactly sheets of glass.
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