Quote of the Week

Quote of the Week

Tricks for moving opponents out of the net area

Playing the body

If you only go after pucks and don't play the body, the puck often gets past you and the opponent you let walk free is probably the guy who will end up with a good shot on net:

F1 Forechecker!

Remember to keep the pressure on the puckcarrier at all times! Never give him free time and space to see his options.

When the other team is breaking out or gains posession of the puck high in their zone, the weakside defenseman needs to remember to protect the middle FIRST and not get caught guarding their weakside winger while the play gets behind their partner.

Defensive Zone Coverage

Covering the our defensive zone in a disciplined way without wandering outside our area of responsibility is crucial to beating talented teams. Please watch this video and see how smart defensive zone coverage depends on all 5 skaters paying attention to each other and the opponents.

An easy "trick" to scoring on a hot goaltender.

It’s called screening the goalie. You create a screen when your player stands in front of the other team’s goalie so they can’t see the shot or the shooter.

I’ll bet you’ve heard of it. BUT: I’ll also bet you aren’t using it as often as you could be. Here’s what you need to know about screens:

1) Screens are only effective if they block the goaltenders vision. Square your shoulders up with the the shooter with your back in the goalies line of vision. Don't worry, you have lots of pads and the puck doesn't hurt...much.

2) The best screens are timed. This means that you arrive in front of the net just before your teammate shoots, catching the goalie off guard and giving them little time to adjust.

3)A team’s offense will be most effective when all three forwards are a constant, unpredictable threat to the other team. That means no single player should remain in the slot for a long time.
Skate into the middle, set a screen, and skate out again (rather than skating into the middle and staying planted there for 30 seconds). Screens are a highly effective scoring technique, and you can use them right away to your advantage.

Defending against a screen:

As a goalie, you want to make sure that you get into position to see the shooter. If that means getting really low, or moving your head to the side, then do it. Do WHATEVER it takes to keep your vision. You can't stop the puck on purpose without it!

Veteran goalies are comfortable shoving away opponents to clear their path of vision. The mean ones like Ron Hextall, may even give a whack to the ankles of any opponent in their way. Younger, less aggressive goalies, however, have an overwhelming tendency to back up when they are faced with a screen because it's the easiest way to see around something.

Unfortunately, this is the worst thing to do.

It opens up the whole net and literally makes you a sitting duck. A goalie needs to REPEATEDLY practice getting in a position to see the shooter while still pushing out and challenging, screen or not.

If you play defense, make sure you help clear the goalies path of vision and stay off the crease. The closer you are to the crease, the harder it is for your goalie to see around you too.

Try these "tricks" and we'll score more goals from the shots we take.

The Art Of Backchecking

Watch this illustrated clip of David Legwand forcing the puck carrier to the outside and into coverage. This footage was taken during overtime with the Redwings.

If you ever want to know why some forwards play in the NHL earlier than others, even if they don't score that often, look no further than this video clip. Backchecking and forechecking are two incredibly valuable weapons for any team or any player.

Keep working.

Dry Land Exercise

I hope you all got something out of Dryland training. If you give it your best, I absolutely 100% guarantee you will achieve improvements in your conditioning and your game.
The "plyometrics" part of the dry land is designed to help you improve your balance, coordination and timing as much or more than it is designed to improve your muscle strength. The key to this is TECHNIQUE, not speed. Most of the groups I watched tried too hard to do it fast and the resulting motion looked like a sack of hammers rolling down a hill

When it comes to skating (or any complex athletic motion)

First do it well,
Then do it consistently well.
Then do it fast.

The importance of balance and technique cannot be overemphasized. Here are some links to videos of some good skating exercises and good technique:

1 Leg
Cross Over

Downstairs
Side 2 Side
Split Jump
Anyone who is willing to try all of these exercises is a trooper.
Anyone who is willing to master them with technique will be a champion.

Review of Rules and Equipment Care

I know some of you are considering becoming hockey officials. Here is some solid, straight forward rules training.

"You go to the box, you know, two minutes by yourself and...you feel shame, you know, and then you get free."

Love it.

Also, just a reminder for you guys to check snaps, buckles and mouthguards...and air out your equipment!