A few Neutral Zone Faceoff options that have worked well for me in the past

Neutral zone faceoffs are a good time to get a little more aggressive than maybe you otherwise would be. Here are a few “more aggressive” options I like to throw in every once in a while to catch the other team off guard.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Good Time, Neutral Zone, Options

Some simple Backchecking tips to improve effectiveness

Believe it or not, there is actually some technique to backchecking in hockey. Most players just put their head down and get back into the defensive zone as quickly as possible… this is a good start, but players need to do more if they want to REALLY stop the scoring threat. Here are a few key points from the video:

1. Backcheck with a purpose: Keep your head on a swivel while backchecking, and pick up any loose opponents along the way. Make sure you stick with them ALL THE WAY back into the zone (many players release their man at the blueline for some reason).

2. Revert to “5-Card” Formation: I explain this in the video, but use the “5-Card” set-up as your failsafe. Backcheck into 5-card formation, then adjust once the initial threat has been nullified.

3. Communicate: Let your teammates know who you’ve got (especially your defensemen). This can help eliminate confusion on odd-man rushes.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Backcheck, Blueline, Confusion, Defensemen, Defensive Zone, Neutral Zone, Odd Man, Opponents, Teammates

Use the Swing Regroup to create multiple passing options and to provide solid support through the neutral zone

The Swing Regroup is a more advanced set-up for players who understand timing and support tactics, and can present themselves as passing options in multiple receiving zones. If your team is ready to learn this style of regroup, it can be extremely effective, and will set you up to enter the offensive zone with great positioning!

If your team is younger, or less experienced, set them up on the “Post-Up” Regroup first, then work toward adding this one later on.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Neutral Zone, Offensive Zone, Positioning, Support Tactics, Swing

The “Post-Up” Regroup is a great set-up for youngsters, or less-experienced players. It can also be a supplemental “add-on” to your existing regroup set-ups.

The “Post-Up” Regroup is a versatile set-up that can be used in many ways. I’ve used this basic set-up as a “starter regroup” for my young teams, and I’ve also used it as a second set-up option (along with the Swing Regroup) for more advanced teams. In either case, is is effective when performed well, and provides good support through the neutral zone.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Neutral Zone, Second Set, Swing, Ups, Youngsters

Open up Passing Options by Crossing Through Lanes

When I was a kid, my first coach (NOT MY DAD) took me a side one day, and drew two lines down the middle of a rink diagram. He then taught me that “the right winger stays on the right side, the left winger stays on the left side, and that the centerman mostly stays in the middle, but can help out if a winger needs him…”

HOW FAR THE GAME HAS COME SINCE THEN!!!

Today’s hockey is much more dynamic, with players interchanging positions constantly––especially in the offensive zone. I like this more “European” style of play, and I think it is much more effective at opening up passing options and scoring chances.

My general philosophy is to let structured, positional assignments govern defensive zone play, and concepts such as timing, support, and triangulation govern neutral and offensive zone play. This allows forwards to be creative within a framework in the offensive zone.

Enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Coach, Dad, Defensive Zone, European Style, Game, Offensive Zone, Options, Philosophy, Winger, Zone Play