More Good Hockey Habits

Whether you have the puck or are trying to get it back, here are some more good habits that make good hockey players:

Playing with the Puck

Take what’s given deep - Take what is given, but you must get the puck deep, at least behind the defensemen. Getting the puck deep forces the defensemen to retreat further, prevents getting caught in transition and sets up offensive pressure deep in the opposition’s zone.

Take what’s given out - Take what is given, but you must get the puck out of the defensive zone. Getting the puck out of the zone puts an end to offensive pressure. At worst there may be an icing or the opposition regroups, at best offensive opportunities may develop from the neutral zone.

Keep dump-ins away from the goalie – So that the goalie cannot control the puck. Dump-ins away from the net may draw the goalie far out of the net and he could get caught if there is a breakdown.

Keep on the boards - Keep the puck along the boards if there is no certain play. This applies in all zones. Dangerous offensive opportunities can be given to the opposition when the play goes up the middle.

Playing without the puck

Give good targets - Keep your stick on the ice and give good passing targets in an open passing lane. Move to open passing lanes. Make it easy for your teammates to get you the puck.

Support puck carrier - Support the puck carrier by moving to open passing lanes, following in the open space created by the puck carrier’s movement or going at and isolating defenders so that the puck carrier has more space to move to. Passing lanes, open ice, and defender positions are constantly changing, therefore supporting players must be constantly looking, reading the play and moving.

Never offside - Never go offsides, especially on an odd man rush. Read the play, stay under control, and stay onside even if it means stopping.

Defensemen Retrieving Dump-ins

Back hard - Go back for the puck hard, at top speed, stride and do not glide. By going back hard you create precious time and space for yourself that you will need when you get to the puck.

Shoulder check - Check over you shoulder and read the play behind you as you go back for the puck. You must know where your passing options are, where the forechecking pressure is coming from, and where the open ice is so you can make your decisions before you get to the puck.

Use deception - Do not telegraph your decision. Use deception to control the opposition, keep the passing lanes open and create space and time to make your play. A simple body lean or head fake is often enough.

Move puck quickly - Move the puck up quickly, before the forecheck sets up. The first opportunity is often the best opportunity to get the puck out of the defensive zone.

Bench Management

Out over boards - Go out onto the ice over the boards. Give your teammates who are changing up room to get out over the boards.

In through gate - Come in through the gate. Give players coming on to the ice the right of way.

Sit with linemates - Sit with your linemates so that you can talk together and go back out together and so that the coaches can better track the lines.

Ask who is up - If you are uncertain who is up next, ask.