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Dominate the competition with hockey’s best-selling playbook. In Hockey Plays and Strategies, Second Edition, Mike Johnston and Ryan Walter combine decades of experience to bring you the ultimate guide to control the ice and light up the net.
Hockey Plays and Strategies features plays, systems, and strategies for game play in the offensive, neutral, and defensive zones. With tactics for all players in each of the various zones, you can prepare players to hit the ice with confidence and dominate their opponents. You’ll find detailed plays on entering the offensive zone with a dump-in or chip-and-chase, covering shorthanded goals, and using hybrid icing as an offensive advantage. You’ll also find tips and 10 key strategies for winning face-offs.
The detailed instruction for specific skills, techniques, position responsibilities, and team player requirements will help you learn optimal execution of the following:
• Breakouts
• Attack options
• Offensive zone strategies
• Forechecking systems
• Backchecking alignments
• Neutral zone forechecking tactics
• Power-play breakouts and zone setups
• Penalty kill forecheck and zone alignment
• Faceoff plays for each zone
• Game management strategies
To wrap it all up, you’ll even be able to plan for your opponent with tips on scouting the competition and adjusting your game strategy accordingly. No matter what level you coach, Hockey Plays and Strategies will guide smart, consistent, and winning play.
Part I. Offensive Play for Forwards and Defensemen
Chapter 1. Breakouts
Chapter 2. Neutral Zone Counters and Regroups
Chapter 3. Offensive Zone Entries
Chapter 4. Attack Zone
Chapter 5. Power Plays
Part II. Defensive Play for Forwards and Defensemen
Chapter 6. Forechecking
Chapter 7. Neutral Zone Forechecking
Chapter 8. Backchecking
Chapter 9. Defensive Zone Entries
Chapter 10. Defensive Zone Coverage
Chapter 11. Penalty Kills
Part III. Building Your Competitive Edge
Chapter 12. Face-Offs
Chapter 13. Pre-Scouting Your Opponent
Mike Johnston is the vice president, head coach, and general manager of the Portland Winterhawks hockey team (Western Hockey League), where he was recently named the Western Conference Coach of the Year.
Johnston’s coaching career began at the age of 23 at Augustana University College in Alberta. In 1989, he took over as head coach of the UNB Varsity Reds of the AUS. During a five-year span as coach of the UNB squad, Johnston’s teams won three conference championships. He was an associate coach for the Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks over an eight-year span. As the coach and general manager of the Winterhawks from 2008 to 2014, he amassed a record of 231-114-10-10, winning four conference championships and landing him second on the Winterhawks’ all-time wins list. Johnston returned to the National Hockey League (NHL) as head coach for the Pittsburgh Penguins for the 2014-2015 season. Johnston ended up coaching 110 games in Pittsburgh and finished with a record of 58-37-15.
Over his coaching career, Johnston has had extensive experience in international play. In 1994, Johnston became general manager and associate coach of the Canadian national men's hockey team, followed by a one-season stint as head coach in 1998. He won gold medals at the 1997 and the 2007 World Hockey Championships, along with a silver medal in 1996 and a bronze medal in 1995. In 1994 and 1995, Johnston's teams won gold at the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships. He was also on the coaching staff as an assistant coach with the first-ever NHL entry at the Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan.
In addition to his education and kinesiology degrees, Johnston completed his master’s degree in coaching science at the University of Calgary.
Ryan Walter played and coached 17 seasons and more than 1,100 games in the National Hockey League. Drafted second overall by the Washington Capitals in 1978, Walter was named the youngest NHL captain in his second of four seasons. He went on to play nine seasons with the Montreal Canadiens, winning a Stanley Cup in 1986. He returned to his hometown to play his last two years for the Vancouver Canucks.
Walter was named captain of Team Canada in the World Junior Tournament, was selected to play in the NHL All-Star game in 1983, and played for Team Canada in three world championships. He became a vice president of the National Hockey League Players’ Association and was honored as NHL Man of the Year in 1992. Ryan has also served as a minor hockey coach, an assistant coach with the Vancouver Canucks, and the head coach of the Canadian national women’s team.
Walter has a master of arts degree in leadership/business, is the author of five books, and is a regular contributor to online and print magazines, newspapers, radio, and television. He is the cofounder and president of two start-up companies, and he has served as an NHL and IIHF coach, a TV hockey broadcaster, a hockey adviser and actor for both television and movies, and president of a professional hockey team. Currently, Ryan’s passion for training leaders, coaches, and high performers gets activated every day as he works with companies, corporations, and sports teams to increase their performance energy and synergize their cultural teams.
Hound the puck
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12).
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12). The forwards limit the time and space for the opposing players as they move through the neutral zone, and the defensemen hold inside position, protecting the space between the dots. Coaches who like this system generally have a pressure philosophy and want to deny time and space in all areas of the ice.
Figure 8.12 Hounding the puck in the neutral zone backcheck.
The advantage of this system is that the opposition is always under pressure through the neutral zone. The puck carrier will have trouble making plays if the backchecking forwards are quick and work hard. In addition, the inside positioning of the defense prevents mid-ice passes. The disadvantage is that at times the backchecking forwards and the defense become confused about what to do if the forwards cannot catch the opposition by the blue line or confront the pass quickly enough. A team must develop rules for these two scenarios to eliminate confusion when they occur. One rule involves having the forward hound the puck until the red line; if the forward is not then even with the puck carrier, the defense takes over and the forward picks up a lane or wide player.
Small details create a successful power play
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
- Outwork the penalty-killing unit. The tendency of players on the power play is to rest in their manpower advantage. Strong discipline and intense practice is needed to train your power play to outwork their penalty-kill opponents.
- Encourage your team to gain momentum by getting scoring chances and shots. At all levels the best power-play units score on only 2 out of every 10 power plays, but your team should create momentum on every power play.
- Players should look confident and never show dejection or defeat. Body language is important in sport. Your team should not give any signs that they don't think they can score. They should leave the ice with the attitude that they didn't score this time but will definitely score next time.
- Have two units with two looks. Confuse the other team's penalty-killing units by having a different setup for each of your units.
- Win the draw! Face-offs are key on special teams. If the other team clears the puck, the power-play unit will need 15 to 20 seconds to get set up again in the zone.
- Try to give other players on your team an opportunity to go on the power play—doing this will do wonders for their confidence. Make sure in practice that all players work on power-play skills.
Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays.
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays. Although these plays may go for icing, they usually create a foot race between the attacking forward and the defenseman. Coaches often allow or encourage one of the forwards to stretch early and then to use a flip pass, bank pass, or long direct pass to try to get in behind the opposition's defense (figure 3.2a). If the stretch player misses the pass, he must get to the face-off dot before the opposition defense so that the icing will be waived off. If the pass doesn't connect but the forward wins the foot race, possession will be obtained low in the offensive zone.
Figure 3.2a Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule.
As mentioned in the chapter on breakouts, many teams now use indirect breakout passes to try to spring one of the wingers into open ice or get an odd-man rush. These passes are often made off the boards and into an area that the winger is skating toward. The player receiving the pass can often adjust his skating and get to the puck before the defensive team has a chance to adjust. Again, missing the pass is usually not a problem because of the hybrid icing rule and the advantage for the offensive team to win the race to the puck (figure 3.2b).
Figure 3.2b Bank pass to speed forward.
When playing five on five, the player with the puck must read the opponent's pressure when entering the offensive zone. If the gap between the player in possession of the puck and the defender is large or adequate, obviously the attacking player keeps possession of the puck and enters the attacking zone. If the player with the puck senses pressure, his first option is to pass, but if that isn't available, the cross-ice dump or chip are two tactics that can reduce this pressure and create a chance for puck possession deeper in the zone. Coaches should set up practice drills that incorporate this read. Drills that allow the puck carrier to react to varying gaps by the defender and varying pressure help to make these decisions with the puck more automatic and successful in game action.
Hound the puck
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12).
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12). The forwards limit the time and space for the opposing players as they move through the neutral zone, and the defensemen hold inside position, protecting the space between the dots. Coaches who like this system generally have a pressure philosophy and want to deny time and space in all areas of the ice.
Figure 8.12 Hounding the puck in the neutral zone backcheck.
The advantage of this system is that the opposition is always under pressure through the neutral zone. The puck carrier will have trouble making plays if the backchecking forwards are quick and work hard. In addition, the inside positioning of the defense prevents mid-ice passes. The disadvantage is that at times the backchecking forwards and the defense become confused about what to do if the forwards cannot catch the opposition by the blue line or confront the pass quickly enough. A team must develop rules for these two scenarios to eliminate confusion when they occur. One rule involves having the forward hound the puck until the red line; if the forward is not then even with the puck carrier, the defense takes over and the forward picks up a lane or wide player.
Small details create a successful power play
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
- Outwork the penalty-killing unit. The tendency of players on the power play is to rest in their manpower advantage. Strong discipline and intense practice is needed to train your power play to outwork their penalty-kill opponents.
- Encourage your team to gain momentum by getting scoring chances and shots. At all levels the best power-play units score on only 2 out of every 10 power plays, but your team should create momentum on every power play.
- Players should look confident and never show dejection or defeat. Body language is important in sport. Your team should not give any signs that they don't think they can score. They should leave the ice with the attitude that they didn't score this time but will definitely score next time.
- Have two units with two looks. Confuse the other team's penalty-killing units by having a different setup for each of your units.
- Win the draw! Face-offs are key on special teams. If the other team clears the puck, the power-play unit will need 15 to 20 seconds to get set up again in the zone.
- Try to give other players on your team an opportunity to go on the power play—doing this will do wonders for their confidence. Make sure in practice that all players work on power-play skills.
Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays.
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays. Although these plays may go for icing, they usually create a foot race between the attacking forward and the defenseman. Coaches often allow or encourage one of the forwards to stretch early and then to use a flip pass, bank pass, or long direct pass to try to get in behind the opposition's defense (figure 3.2a). If the stretch player misses the pass, he must get to the face-off dot before the opposition defense so that the icing will be waived off. If the pass doesn't connect but the forward wins the foot race, possession will be obtained low in the offensive zone.
Figure 3.2a Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule.
As mentioned in the chapter on breakouts, many teams now use indirect breakout passes to try to spring one of the wingers into open ice or get an odd-man rush. These passes are often made off the boards and into an area that the winger is skating toward. The player receiving the pass can often adjust his skating and get to the puck before the defensive team has a chance to adjust. Again, missing the pass is usually not a problem because of the hybrid icing rule and the advantage for the offensive team to win the race to the puck (figure 3.2b).
Figure 3.2b Bank pass to speed forward.
When playing five on five, the player with the puck must read the opponent's pressure when entering the offensive zone. If the gap between the player in possession of the puck and the defender is large or adequate, obviously the attacking player keeps possession of the puck and enters the attacking zone. If the player with the puck senses pressure, his first option is to pass, but if that isn't available, the cross-ice dump or chip are two tactics that can reduce this pressure and create a chance for puck possession deeper in the zone. Coaches should set up practice drills that incorporate this read. Drills that allow the puck carrier to react to varying gaps by the defender and varying pressure help to make these decisions with the puck more automatic and successful in game action.
Hound the puck
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12).
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12). The forwards limit the time and space for the opposing players as they move through the neutral zone, and the defensemen hold inside position, protecting the space between the dots. Coaches who like this system generally have a pressure philosophy and want to deny time and space in all areas of the ice.
Figure 8.12 Hounding the puck in the neutral zone backcheck.
The advantage of this system is that the opposition is always under pressure through the neutral zone. The puck carrier will have trouble making plays if the backchecking forwards are quick and work hard. In addition, the inside positioning of the defense prevents mid-ice passes. The disadvantage is that at times the backchecking forwards and the defense become confused about what to do if the forwards cannot catch the opposition by the blue line or confront the pass quickly enough. A team must develop rules for these two scenarios to eliminate confusion when they occur. One rule involves having the forward hound the puck until the red line; if the forward is not then even with the puck carrier, the defense takes over and the forward picks up a lane or wide player.
Small details create a successful power play
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
- Outwork the penalty-killing unit. The tendency of players on the power play is to rest in their manpower advantage. Strong discipline and intense practice is needed to train your power play to outwork their penalty-kill opponents.
- Encourage your team to gain momentum by getting scoring chances and shots. At all levels the best power-play units score on only 2 out of every 10 power plays, but your team should create momentum on every power play.
- Players should look confident and never show dejection or defeat. Body language is important in sport. Your team should not give any signs that they don't think they can score. They should leave the ice with the attitude that they didn't score this time but will definitely score next time.
- Have two units with two looks. Confuse the other team's penalty-killing units by having a different setup for each of your units.
- Win the draw! Face-offs are key on special teams. If the other team clears the puck, the power-play unit will need 15 to 20 seconds to get set up again in the zone.
- Try to give other players on your team an opportunity to go on the power play—doing this will do wonders for their confidence. Make sure in practice that all players work on power-play skills.
Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays.
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays. Although these plays may go for icing, they usually create a foot race between the attacking forward and the defenseman. Coaches often allow or encourage one of the forwards to stretch early and then to use a flip pass, bank pass, or long direct pass to try to get in behind the opposition's defense (figure 3.2a). If the stretch player misses the pass, he must get to the face-off dot before the opposition defense so that the icing will be waived off. If the pass doesn't connect but the forward wins the foot race, possession will be obtained low in the offensive zone.
Figure 3.2a Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule.
As mentioned in the chapter on breakouts, many teams now use indirect breakout passes to try to spring one of the wingers into open ice or get an odd-man rush. These passes are often made off the boards and into an area that the winger is skating toward. The player receiving the pass can often adjust his skating and get to the puck before the defensive team has a chance to adjust. Again, missing the pass is usually not a problem because of the hybrid icing rule and the advantage for the offensive team to win the race to the puck (figure 3.2b).
Figure 3.2b Bank pass to speed forward.
When playing five on five, the player with the puck must read the opponent's pressure when entering the offensive zone. If the gap between the player in possession of the puck and the defender is large or adequate, obviously the attacking player keeps possession of the puck and enters the attacking zone. If the player with the puck senses pressure, his first option is to pass, but if that isn't available, the cross-ice dump or chip are two tactics that can reduce this pressure and create a chance for puck possession deeper in the zone. Coaches should set up practice drills that incorporate this read. Drills that allow the puck carrier to react to varying gaps by the defender and varying pressure help to make these decisions with the puck more automatic and successful in game action.
Hound the puck
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12).
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12). The forwards limit the time and space for the opposing players as they move through the neutral zone, and the defensemen hold inside position, protecting the space between the dots. Coaches who like this system generally have a pressure philosophy and want to deny time and space in all areas of the ice.
Figure 8.12 Hounding the puck in the neutral zone backcheck.
The advantage of this system is that the opposition is always under pressure through the neutral zone. The puck carrier will have trouble making plays if the backchecking forwards are quick and work hard. In addition, the inside positioning of the defense prevents mid-ice passes. The disadvantage is that at times the backchecking forwards and the defense become confused about what to do if the forwards cannot catch the opposition by the blue line or confront the pass quickly enough. A team must develop rules for these two scenarios to eliminate confusion when they occur. One rule involves having the forward hound the puck until the red line; if the forward is not then even with the puck carrier, the defense takes over and the forward picks up a lane or wide player.
Small details create a successful power play
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
- Outwork the penalty-killing unit. The tendency of players on the power play is to rest in their manpower advantage. Strong discipline and intense practice is needed to train your power play to outwork their penalty-kill opponents.
- Encourage your team to gain momentum by getting scoring chances and shots. At all levels the best power-play units score on only 2 out of every 10 power plays, but your team should create momentum on every power play.
- Players should look confident and never show dejection or defeat. Body language is important in sport. Your team should not give any signs that they don't think they can score. They should leave the ice with the attitude that they didn't score this time but will definitely score next time.
- Have two units with two looks. Confuse the other team's penalty-killing units by having a different setup for each of your units.
- Win the draw! Face-offs are key on special teams. If the other team clears the puck, the power-play unit will need 15 to 20 seconds to get set up again in the zone.
- Try to give other players on your team an opportunity to go on the power play—doing this will do wonders for their confidence. Make sure in practice that all players work on power-play skills.
Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays.
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays. Although these plays may go for icing, they usually create a foot race between the attacking forward and the defenseman. Coaches often allow or encourage one of the forwards to stretch early and then to use a flip pass, bank pass, or long direct pass to try to get in behind the opposition's defense (figure 3.2a). If the stretch player misses the pass, he must get to the face-off dot before the opposition defense so that the icing will be waived off. If the pass doesn't connect but the forward wins the foot race, possession will be obtained low in the offensive zone.
Figure 3.2a Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule.
As mentioned in the chapter on breakouts, many teams now use indirect breakout passes to try to spring one of the wingers into open ice or get an odd-man rush. These passes are often made off the boards and into an area that the winger is skating toward. The player receiving the pass can often adjust his skating and get to the puck before the defensive team has a chance to adjust. Again, missing the pass is usually not a problem because of the hybrid icing rule and the advantage for the offensive team to win the race to the puck (figure 3.2b).
Figure 3.2b Bank pass to speed forward.
When playing five on five, the player with the puck must read the opponent's pressure when entering the offensive zone. If the gap between the player in possession of the puck and the defender is large or adequate, obviously the attacking player keeps possession of the puck and enters the attacking zone. If the player with the puck senses pressure, his first option is to pass, but if that isn't available, the cross-ice dump or chip are two tactics that can reduce this pressure and create a chance for puck possession deeper in the zone. Coaches should set up practice drills that incorporate this read. Drills that allow the puck carrier to react to varying gaps by the defender and varying pressure help to make these decisions with the puck more automatic and successful in game action.
Hound the puck
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12).
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12). The forwards limit the time and space for the opposing players as they move through the neutral zone, and the defensemen hold inside position, protecting the space between the dots. Coaches who like this system generally have a pressure philosophy and want to deny time and space in all areas of the ice.
Figure 8.12 Hounding the puck in the neutral zone backcheck.
The advantage of this system is that the opposition is always under pressure through the neutral zone. The puck carrier will have trouble making plays if the backchecking forwards are quick and work hard. In addition, the inside positioning of the defense prevents mid-ice passes. The disadvantage is that at times the backchecking forwards and the defense become confused about what to do if the forwards cannot catch the opposition by the blue line or confront the pass quickly enough. A team must develop rules for these two scenarios to eliminate confusion when they occur. One rule involves having the forward hound the puck until the red line; if the forward is not then even with the puck carrier, the defense takes over and the forward picks up a lane or wide player.
Small details create a successful power play
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
- Outwork the penalty-killing unit. The tendency of players on the power play is to rest in their manpower advantage. Strong discipline and intense practice is needed to train your power play to outwork their penalty-kill opponents.
- Encourage your team to gain momentum by getting scoring chances and shots. At all levels the best power-play units score on only 2 out of every 10 power plays, but your team should create momentum on every power play.
- Players should look confident and never show dejection or defeat. Body language is important in sport. Your team should not give any signs that they don't think they can score. They should leave the ice with the attitude that they didn't score this time but will definitely score next time.
- Have two units with two looks. Confuse the other team's penalty-killing units by having a different setup for each of your units.
- Win the draw! Face-offs are key on special teams. If the other team clears the puck, the power-play unit will need 15 to 20 seconds to get set up again in the zone.
- Try to give other players on your team an opportunity to go on the power play—doing this will do wonders for their confidence. Make sure in practice that all players work on power-play skills.
Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays.
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays. Although these plays may go for icing, they usually create a foot race between the attacking forward and the defenseman. Coaches often allow or encourage one of the forwards to stretch early and then to use a flip pass, bank pass, or long direct pass to try to get in behind the opposition's defense (figure 3.2a). If the stretch player misses the pass, he must get to the face-off dot before the opposition defense so that the icing will be waived off. If the pass doesn't connect but the forward wins the foot race, possession will be obtained low in the offensive zone.
Figure 3.2a Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule.
As mentioned in the chapter on breakouts, many teams now use indirect breakout passes to try to spring one of the wingers into open ice or get an odd-man rush. These passes are often made off the boards and into an area that the winger is skating toward. The player receiving the pass can often adjust his skating and get to the puck before the defensive team has a chance to adjust. Again, missing the pass is usually not a problem because of the hybrid icing rule and the advantage for the offensive team to win the race to the puck (figure 3.2b).
Figure 3.2b Bank pass to speed forward.
When playing five on five, the player with the puck must read the opponent's pressure when entering the offensive zone. If the gap between the player in possession of the puck and the defender is large or adequate, obviously the attacking player keeps possession of the puck and enters the attacking zone. If the player with the puck senses pressure, his first option is to pass, but if that isn't available, the cross-ice dump or chip are two tactics that can reduce this pressure and create a chance for puck possession deeper in the zone. Coaches should set up practice drills that incorporate this read. Drills that allow the puck carrier to react to varying gaps by the defender and varying pressure help to make these decisions with the puck more automatic and successful in game action.
Hound the puck
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12).
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12). The forwards limit the time and space for the opposing players as they move through the neutral zone, and the defensemen hold inside position, protecting the space between the dots. Coaches who like this system generally have a pressure philosophy and want to deny time and space in all areas of the ice.
Figure 8.12 Hounding the puck in the neutral zone backcheck.
The advantage of this system is that the opposition is always under pressure through the neutral zone. The puck carrier will have trouble making plays if the backchecking forwards are quick and work hard. In addition, the inside positioning of the defense prevents mid-ice passes. The disadvantage is that at times the backchecking forwards and the defense become confused about what to do if the forwards cannot catch the opposition by the blue line or confront the pass quickly enough. A team must develop rules for these two scenarios to eliminate confusion when they occur. One rule involves having the forward hound the puck until the red line; if the forward is not then even with the puck carrier, the defense takes over and the forward picks up a lane or wide player.
Small details create a successful power play
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
- Outwork the penalty-killing unit. The tendency of players on the power play is to rest in their manpower advantage. Strong discipline and intense practice is needed to train your power play to outwork their penalty-kill opponents.
- Encourage your team to gain momentum by getting scoring chances and shots. At all levels the best power-play units score on only 2 out of every 10 power plays, but your team should create momentum on every power play.
- Players should look confident and never show dejection or defeat. Body language is important in sport. Your team should not give any signs that they don't think they can score. They should leave the ice with the attitude that they didn't score this time but will definitely score next time.
- Have two units with two looks. Confuse the other team's penalty-killing units by having a different setup for each of your units.
- Win the draw! Face-offs are key on special teams. If the other team clears the puck, the power-play unit will need 15 to 20 seconds to get set up again in the zone.
- Try to give other players on your team an opportunity to go on the power play—doing this will do wonders for their confidence. Make sure in practice that all players work on power-play skills.
Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays.
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays. Although these plays may go for icing, they usually create a foot race between the attacking forward and the defenseman. Coaches often allow or encourage one of the forwards to stretch early and then to use a flip pass, bank pass, or long direct pass to try to get in behind the opposition's defense (figure 3.2a). If the stretch player misses the pass, he must get to the face-off dot before the opposition defense so that the icing will be waived off. If the pass doesn't connect but the forward wins the foot race, possession will be obtained low in the offensive zone.
Figure 3.2a Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule.
As mentioned in the chapter on breakouts, many teams now use indirect breakout passes to try to spring one of the wingers into open ice or get an odd-man rush. These passes are often made off the boards and into an area that the winger is skating toward. The player receiving the pass can often adjust his skating and get to the puck before the defensive team has a chance to adjust. Again, missing the pass is usually not a problem because of the hybrid icing rule and the advantage for the offensive team to win the race to the puck (figure 3.2b).
Figure 3.2b Bank pass to speed forward.
When playing five on five, the player with the puck must read the opponent's pressure when entering the offensive zone. If the gap between the player in possession of the puck and the defender is large or adequate, obviously the attacking player keeps possession of the puck and enters the attacking zone. If the player with the puck senses pressure, his first option is to pass, but if that isn't available, the cross-ice dump or chip are two tactics that can reduce this pressure and create a chance for puck possession deeper in the zone. Coaches should set up practice drills that incorporate this read. Drills that allow the puck carrier to react to varying gaps by the defender and varying pressure help to make these decisions with the puck more automatic and successful in game action.
Hound the puck
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12).
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12). The forwards limit the time and space for the opposing players as they move through the neutral zone, and the defensemen hold inside position, protecting the space between the dots. Coaches who like this system generally have a pressure philosophy and want to deny time and space in all areas of the ice.
Figure 8.12 Hounding the puck in the neutral zone backcheck.
The advantage of this system is that the opposition is always under pressure through the neutral zone. The puck carrier will have trouble making plays if the backchecking forwards are quick and work hard. In addition, the inside positioning of the defense prevents mid-ice passes. The disadvantage is that at times the backchecking forwards and the defense become confused about what to do if the forwards cannot catch the opposition by the blue line or confront the pass quickly enough. A team must develop rules for these two scenarios to eliminate confusion when they occur. One rule involves having the forward hound the puck until the red line; if the forward is not then even with the puck carrier, the defense takes over and the forward picks up a lane or wide player.
Small details create a successful power play
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
- Outwork the penalty-killing unit. The tendency of players on the power play is to rest in their manpower advantage. Strong discipline and intense practice is needed to train your power play to outwork their penalty-kill opponents.
- Encourage your team to gain momentum by getting scoring chances and shots. At all levels the best power-play units score on only 2 out of every 10 power plays, but your team should create momentum on every power play.
- Players should look confident and never show dejection or defeat. Body language is important in sport. Your team should not give any signs that they don't think they can score. They should leave the ice with the attitude that they didn't score this time but will definitely score next time.
- Have two units with two looks. Confuse the other team's penalty-killing units by having a different setup for each of your units.
- Win the draw! Face-offs are key on special teams. If the other team clears the puck, the power-play unit will need 15 to 20 seconds to get set up again in the zone.
- Try to give other players on your team an opportunity to go on the power play—doing this will do wonders for their confidence. Make sure in practice that all players work on power-play skills.
Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays.
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays. Although these plays may go for icing, they usually create a foot race between the attacking forward and the defenseman. Coaches often allow or encourage one of the forwards to stretch early and then to use a flip pass, bank pass, or long direct pass to try to get in behind the opposition's defense (figure 3.2a). If the stretch player misses the pass, he must get to the face-off dot before the opposition defense so that the icing will be waived off. If the pass doesn't connect but the forward wins the foot race, possession will be obtained low in the offensive zone.
Figure 3.2a Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule.
As mentioned in the chapter on breakouts, many teams now use indirect breakout passes to try to spring one of the wingers into open ice or get an odd-man rush. These passes are often made off the boards and into an area that the winger is skating toward. The player receiving the pass can often adjust his skating and get to the puck before the defensive team has a chance to adjust. Again, missing the pass is usually not a problem because of the hybrid icing rule and the advantage for the offensive team to win the race to the puck (figure 3.2b).
Figure 3.2b Bank pass to speed forward.
When playing five on five, the player with the puck must read the opponent's pressure when entering the offensive zone. If the gap between the player in possession of the puck and the defender is large or adequate, obviously the attacking player keeps possession of the puck and enters the attacking zone. If the player with the puck senses pressure, his first option is to pass, but if that isn't available, the cross-ice dump or chip are two tactics that can reduce this pressure and create a chance for puck possession deeper in the zone. Coaches should set up practice drills that incorporate this read. Drills that allow the puck carrier to react to varying gaps by the defender and varying pressure help to make these decisions with the puck more automatic and successful in game action.
Hound the puck
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12).
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12). The forwards limit the time and space for the opposing players as they move through the neutral zone, and the defensemen hold inside position, protecting the space between the dots. Coaches who like this system generally have a pressure philosophy and want to deny time and space in all areas of the ice.
Figure 8.12 Hounding the puck in the neutral zone backcheck.
The advantage of this system is that the opposition is always under pressure through the neutral zone. The puck carrier will have trouble making plays if the backchecking forwards are quick and work hard. In addition, the inside positioning of the defense prevents mid-ice passes. The disadvantage is that at times the backchecking forwards and the defense become confused about what to do if the forwards cannot catch the opposition by the blue line or confront the pass quickly enough. A team must develop rules for these two scenarios to eliminate confusion when they occur. One rule involves having the forward hound the puck until the red line; if the forward is not then even with the puck carrier, the defense takes over and the forward picks up a lane or wide player.
Small details create a successful power play
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
- Outwork the penalty-killing unit. The tendency of players on the power play is to rest in their manpower advantage. Strong discipline and intense practice is needed to train your power play to outwork their penalty-kill opponents.
- Encourage your team to gain momentum by getting scoring chances and shots. At all levels the best power-play units score on only 2 out of every 10 power plays, but your team should create momentum on every power play.
- Players should look confident and never show dejection or defeat. Body language is important in sport. Your team should not give any signs that they don't think they can score. They should leave the ice with the attitude that they didn't score this time but will definitely score next time.
- Have two units with two looks. Confuse the other team's penalty-killing units by having a different setup for each of your units.
- Win the draw! Face-offs are key on special teams. If the other team clears the puck, the power-play unit will need 15 to 20 seconds to get set up again in the zone.
- Try to give other players on your team an opportunity to go on the power play—doing this will do wonders for their confidence. Make sure in practice that all players work on power-play skills.
Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays.
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays. Although these plays may go for icing, they usually create a foot race between the attacking forward and the defenseman. Coaches often allow or encourage one of the forwards to stretch early and then to use a flip pass, bank pass, or long direct pass to try to get in behind the opposition's defense (figure 3.2a). If the stretch player misses the pass, he must get to the face-off dot before the opposition defense so that the icing will be waived off. If the pass doesn't connect but the forward wins the foot race, possession will be obtained low in the offensive zone.
Figure 3.2a Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule.
As mentioned in the chapter on breakouts, many teams now use indirect breakout passes to try to spring one of the wingers into open ice or get an odd-man rush. These passes are often made off the boards and into an area that the winger is skating toward. The player receiving the pass can often adjust his skating and get to the puck before the defensive team has a chance to adjust. Again, missing the pass is usually not a problem because of the hybrid icing rule and the advantage for the offensive team to win the race to the puck (figure 3.2b).
Figure 3.2b Bank pass to speed forward.
When playing five on five, the player with the puck must read the opponent's pressure when entering the offensive zone. If the gap between the player in possession of the puck and the defender is large or adequate, obviously the attacking player keeps possession of the puck and enters the attacking zone. If the player with the puck senses pressure, his first option is to pass, but if that isn't available, the cross-ice dump or chip are two tactics that can reduce this pressure and create a chance for puck possession deeper in the zone. Coaches should set up practice drills that incorporate this read. Drills that allow the puck carrier to react to varying gaps by the defender and varying pressure help to make these decisions with the puck more automatic and successful in game action.
Hound the puck
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12).
This system is the opposite of the midlane backcheck. The first forward hounds the puck (backchecks toward the player with the puck) as hard as he can, and if a pass is made, the forward continues to pressure the puck (figure 8.12). The forwards limit the time and space for the opposing players as they move through the neutral zone, and the defensemen hold inside position, protecting the space between the dots. Coaches who like this system generally have a pressure philosophy and want to deny time and space in all areas of the ice.
Figure 8.12 Hounding the puck in the neutral zone backcheck.
The advantage of this system is that the opposition is always under pressure through the neutral zone. The puck carrier will have trouble making plays if the backchecking forwards are quick and work hard. In addition, the inside positioning of the defense prevents mid-ice passes. The disadvantage is that at times the backchecking forwards and the defense become confused about what to do if the forwards cannot catch the opposition by the blue line or confront the pass quickly enough. A team must develop rules for these two scenarios to eliminate confusion when they occur. One rule involves having the forward hound the puck until the red line; if the forward is not then even with the puck carrier, the defense takes over and the forward picks up a lane or wide player.
Small details create a successful power play
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
When developing and monitoring the power play, coaches should remember that small details create a successful power play.
- Outwork the penalty-killing unit. The tendency of players on the power play is to rest in their manpower advantage. Strong discipline and intense practice is needed to train your power play to outwork their penalty-kill opponents.
- Encourage your team to gain momentum by getting scoring chances and shots. At all levels the best power-play units score on only 2 out of every 10 power plays, but your team should create momentum on every power play.
- Players should look confident and never show dejection or defeat. Body language is important in sport. Your team should not give any signs that they don't think they can score. They should leave the ice with the attitude that they didn't score this time but will definitely score next time.
- Have two units with two looks. Confuse the other team's penalty-killing units by having a different setup for each of your units.
- Win the draw! Face-offs are key on special teams. If the other team clears the puck, the power-play unit will need 15 to 20 seconds to get set up again in the zone.
- Try to give other players on your team an opportunity to go on the power play—doing this will do wonders for their confidence. Make sure in practice that all players work on power-play skills.
Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays.
With the recent hybrid icing rule being incorporated at the professional and many amateur levels, teams are now taking advantage of early area plays. Although these plays may go for icing, they usually create a foot race between the attacking forward and the defenseman. Coaches often allow or encourage one of the forwards to stretch early and then to use a flip pass, bank pass, or long direct pass to try to get in behind the opposition's defense (figure 3.2a). If the stretch player misses the pass, he must get to the face-off dot before the opposition defense so that the icing will be waived off. If the pass doesn't connect but the forward wins the foot race, possession will be obtained low in the offensive zone.
Figure 3.2a Taking advantage of the hybrid icing rule.
As mentioned in the chapter on breakouts, many teams now use indirect breakout passes to try to spring one of the wingers into open ice or get an odd-man rush. These passes are often made off the boards and into an area that the winger is skating toward. The player receiving the pass can often adjust his skating and get to the puck before the defensive team has a chance to adjust. Again, missing the pass is usually not a problem because of the hybrid icing rule and the advantage for the offensive team to win the race to the puck (figure 3.2b).
Figure 3.2b Bank pass to speed forward.
When playing five on five, the player with the puck must read the opponent's pressure when entering the offensive zone. If the gap between the player in possession of the puck and the defender is large or adequate, obviously the attacking player keeps possession of the puck and enters the attacking zone. If the player with the puck senses pressure, his first option is to pass, but if that isn't available, the cross-ice dump or chip are two tactics that can reduce this pressure and create a chance for puck possession deeper in the zone. Coaches should set up practice drills that incorporate this read. Drills that allow the puck carrier to react to varying gaps by the defender and varying pressure help to make these decisions with the puck more automatic and successful in game action.
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