Written by Todd Drevitch
Todd Drevitch’s Hockey Techniques: www.hockeytechniques.com
Summer Camps located at Mennen Sports Arena (Morristown, NJ)
A large percent of players that gain possession of the puck in the slot area waste a quality scoring opportunity. A good example of this would be a player that gains possession of the puck facing away from the net (their back is facing the net). In this situation, while the player is trying to turn around to get to their forehand and shoot, the goalie has time to set up. Additionally, the opposing “D” now have time to reorganize. Many times, the result is that the shot is blocked, the “D” stops them, or the goalie makes an easy save with a controlled rebound to a safe area of ice or no rebound at all.
Players need to build their hockey sense and understanding of the offensive zone. The better goal scorers are aware of the whole ice surface. They know where the net is located and are aware of where every player is positioned. Whether a pass, rebound, deflection, lost puck, stolen puck, and/or any other situation a free puck occurs in the slot area, players are battling for the puck. Meaning, players may lose orientation on the ice. Thus, you see shots way off net. If a player gets used to landmarks on the ice (hash marks of the circle, lines on the board, circles, etc.), then they can keep an awareness of where the net is located. They now have the ability to quickly get the puck to the net with a backhand or forehand. They do not waste time turning to set up the perfect shot. The goalie, at this point in time, is moving to get into position. The result is a goal, tip, screen or possibly a rebound. The screen could be an opposing player or a teammate parked in front of the net. The chances are higher you get a rebound. Additionally, the puck does not get blocked and the defense could still be trying desperately to get back into position. There is a good chance that one of the offensive players could be open in front of the net and put home an easier rebound goal. Many good things happen when you can get the puck to the net.
It is important to note that you want avoid throwing the puck on net from far away if you have no net front presence from a teammate. The goalie and opposing “D” can easily take full control of the puck. Hockey is a puck possession game. This works better from in close. Additionally, if the player is aware of teammates positioning in the zone, then they may be able to make a quick chip pass to an open player off the back door and/or open for a higher quality shot.
Coming: Forward skating online streaming tips. We will be sending out free small clips from our video series to work on techniques. Drills featured will be for beginner to advanced. Many are used in our clinics and summer camps. For info on our summer camps located at Mennen, please go to our website.