The part of the ice surface that is the most fun and creative is the offensive zone. However, the main objective should be “put the puck in the net! Score a goal!” the play can start from any zone, but like the other two zones (defensive and neutral zones), you need to know the proven tactics and strategies to increase your chances of success.
Quality plays finished off in this zone result in goals that win hockey games. As a player, you MUST understand that poor play in this area is often the first in a series of mistakes leading to goals scored against. You MUST also understand that defensive strategies and formations that influence events in the neutral and defensive zones are often initiated in your offensive zone.
When the opponent has the puck or the puck is loose in the attacking zone, the tactics and strategies employed by the hockey team to gain possession of the puck is called fore checking. Obtaining possession of the puck in the attacking zone through fore checking will almost immediately result in a quality scoring opportunity.
Fore checking is often used to set the pace and tone of the game. If a team fore checks with aggressive skating, providing good support and finishing body checks, it sends a clear message that this team is serious about winning.
Fore checking used with trapping techniques, is less aggressive and can frustrate an opponent early in a game and establish a slower pace. When on the road or playing a team of greater talent this is often an intelligent ploy. The main concept in operation here is initiation. Initiation of a play forces the opponent to react to your tactics and strategies. When you feel like you are dictating the tone and pace of the game, you’ll have greater confidence during the game.
Offensive mind set
The number one goal in hockey is to create odd man advantages. But you should also identify who you are playing against and what the situation is on the ice. Do not be afraid to take advantage of a weak defensemen, slow changes by the opposing team and so on.
Most great scoring chances are in the war zone. So playing out side the war zone (playing out on the perimeter, out side the dots) is decreasing the odds of you scoring. You need to play inside the war zone, ALSO remember that the most dangerous player is the one without the puck trying to get into a scoring position. Make yourself the most dangerous player on the ice!
Offensive thought process
As you’re on the ice competing as a team you should be thinking where are you going to go and what you’re going to do with the puck. Here’s the thought process:
1. Move it.
2. Keep it.
3. Shoot it.
4. One on one, but don’t over do it, look for 2 on 1’s.
Move it – This should always be your first instinct. So you should be in Pass Ready Position, and know where you are passing to, always looking to gain territory. This is the quickest and most effective way to move the puck up ice, gaining territory. In addition passing forces the defending team to make adjustments, which in turn opens up skating, passing and shooting lanes for the offensive team.
Reasons why we pass the puck:
1. Is to attack quickly in transition after the opposition turns the puck over.
2. The puck is used to attack with control through passing (we have possession of the puck).
3. Third, the puck is moved to gain territory. This occurs when the puck carrier is under checking pressure and has no team mate to pass to.
4. In some situations a player because of immediate pressure will clear the puck away from danger in front of the net.
Two ways to move the puck, look for direct and indirect ways at passing that puck.
Keep it – If you have open ice, skate it!! Look for the pass options that your team mates should be providing. Also communicate to your team mate. Try to recognize trouble (count the numbers, this should tell you if you are on the numerical disadvantage or advantage).
Shoot it – Are you in position to shoot the puck on net? Shoot it!!
1 on 1 – 1 on 1’s really don’t work that often at the older age groups, so don’t do it too many times. Look for the 2 on 1’s get the odd man advantage. Puck support is needed to make this happen, watching faster teammates take the puck up does nothing for your skills. SKATE with them or come in late, let them know you are there so they know they have an option o pass.
Pass ready position
Have the puck on your forehand, “have the gun cocked and loaded” if you area right handed player that means having the puck in front of you towards the right. Knees bent and weight slightly heavy on the right leg. This position will allow you to pass the puck quickly, effectively and hard.
Develop a shot
You need to be able to shoot with you forehand and backhand. You need to take advantage of every chance with the puck, you're not always going to be able to get it on your forehand.
Defensemen, you need to develop quick release snap shots from the point, slap shots are a great tool however it takes time to get those off. Keep your head up, know weather to shoot or dump it down low. A good rule of thumb is if you have to handle it most likely you got to move it (pass it or dump it). Also far side high slap shot usually misses and gives the opponents an easy break out as if just might come out on it's on.
Offense, when the D is going to shot you should be crashing the net! look for tips, loose pucks, get your body on the war zone.
War zone play
The war zone is also called the primary scoring area, there is a reason as the majority of goals are scored in this area of the ice. If you want to score this is the area for you, but be warned this is the most physical area on the ice. So, do not just stand there, move around creating a passing lane for the puck carrier. BEND YOUR KNEES! You can not stand up straight legged in this area! Just like in wrestling "Low man wins!" Bend your knees, be strong on your stick and shoot the puck quickly!
Communication and Phases
Communication and Phases
Communication is the foundation of a successful team.
Make sure you know the name of each of your team mates, as calling them by name keeps the opposition from feeding you and your team mates false information.
[Name] “Cut to the Slot” – When transitioning from the neutral zone to the attacking zone the puck carrier will tell his team mate to Cut into the slot area and get open.
[Name] “Go wide” – Puck carrier telling the team mate to go wide.
[Name] “High slot” – Get to the high slot area.
[Name] “Behind you” – I’m following you in.
[Name] “Drop” – Winger behind the puck carrier letting the carrier know he should drop pass to him.
[Name] “Cutting to the left or right” – I headed to the left or right of you.
“MOVE” – if the puck carrier is looking for someone to pass to and everyone is cover, this means get open.
[Name] “Net” – Crash the net.
“Shoot” – Take the shot.
[Name] “Pass” – Pass the puck I’m open.
[Name] “Cycle” – Start cycling the puck.
[Name] “Weak side” – Weak side is open (making a break to the attacking zone).
What should you do when you don't have the puck
You should be in good position to get it back!! This requires skating, reading and reacting to the play, looking for passing lanes, getting to open ice (this doesn’t mean the open ice at the other side of the rink), keeping you stick on the ice providing a target, not getting tied up by opposing defensemen and above all communicating. Give the player with the puck another option!
Winning face-offs
The player taking the face-off should:
1. Know where he wants to draw the face-off and let his team mates know.
2. Get set up with your stick on the ice and your body in a lower stance to have better balance.
3. The bottom hand on the stick should be in a lower position on the shaft of the stick.
4. Concentrate on the puck as it drops from the referee's hand to the ice.
5. Draw your stick quickly through the face-off circle pulling or pushing the puck depending on where you want it to go.
What should I do if the puck is in the defensive zone?
If your team does not have control of the puck, all players should be in a strong defensive position, meaning all 5 players better be in the zone, the puck-side winger should have point coverage. The center should be working with his defenseman low in the zone, keeping himself between the puck and the net. The weak-side winger should have coverage in the high slot area, favoring the middle of the ice. Once we gain puck possession, players should break to offensive breakout positioning.
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