Tips to Playing Away From The Puck (Offense)

While there has been many studies over the years on how long the best NHL players on the ice handle the puck, the results consistently show that they handle the puck for little more than a minute in a 60 minute game. As this is a little different in our High School League there is one fact that remains, "How well you play away from the puck will make a big difference in winning or losing games. 

Tip #1

The key to playing away from the puck is anticipation and having good hockey sense. You need to find the open ice to support the puck carrier. That means putting yourself in a position to do one of two things: free up ice for the puck carrier to move, or making yourself an attractive target and giving your teammate an outlet pass.  

Tip #2 

At the youth levels, you see a lot of players spending too much time watching the play or admiring a pass, instead of moving to help support the play. It can be tough when you have teammates who maybe carries the puck a little too much, but you can help him by moving into an opening on the ice and being ready for a pass.

Tip #3 

You should ALWAYS know where the puck is. NEVER turn your back to the play! If you turn your back even for split second, a pass or loose puck can come your way and you will not be ready for it.

Tip #4 

KEEP YOUR STICK ON THE ICE AT ALL TIMES!!! You want to present a good target to your teammates and it you're skating around with your stick in the air you are NOT doing that. Passer need a target, we have enough problems passing, pucks ending up as icing or in the skates of the player receiving the pass, do not compound the problem.

Tip #5 

The way you practice directly translates to how you play come game day. Plan and simple, if you practice bad habits, don't give 100%, don't skate as hard as you can, you will not become a better player and you will do these things come game day.

It come down to this....

You have to know where the puck it and have the ability to anticipate the play. That is a skill learned by playing and having coaches that instruct you during the game. It takes time, so don't get discourage if it does not come to you right away. Skate to the open ice and be in a pass ready position.