Hockey Offensive Team Play

Hockey offensive team play is all about puck management. Simply put, that’s when your team has possession of the puck. Speed is an important factor in executing a hockey offensive team play.

Make the Simple Play

One of the biggest mistakes rec hockey players make offensively is trying to do too much. You don’t have to dangle three defenders to create a scoring chance. Often, the best offensive strategy is simply moving the puck quickly and getting yourself into a better position to receive it again.

If you’re carrying the puck and the lane isn’t there, look for a teammate. Make the pass and keep skating. Don’t stand still and admire your work. Move into open ice, drive toward the net, or create a passing lane for the next player.

And when you do get a shooting opportunity, don’t wait for the perfect setup. Get the puck on net and make the goalie work. In rec hockey, rebounds, deflections, and ugly goals count just as much as the highlight-reel variety.

Four Principles & Tips on Hockey Offensive Team Play

1. Pressure

• Quick up: Move that puck
• Speed: Keep those wheels turning
• Vision: See the ice from every possible angle
• Communication: Talk to your team mates

2. Support

• Creativity: Be creative with the puck
• Create shooting lanes
• Read and react: Watch what your teammates—and your opponents—are doing
• Communication

3. Puck Control

• Timing: In hockey as in life, timing is everything!
• Move It: Keep that puck quickly in motion!
• Read the Pressure: Look where the other team is positioned
• Communication

4. Transition

• Awareness: Keep your head on a swivel
• Puck Recovery: Learn to retrieve the puck when you do not have possession of it
• Play without the Puck: Make yourself visible. Always keep your feet moving to be a passing option for a teammate who’s got the puck.
• Communication: We can’t stress this enough!

Published with permission of CARHA Hockey. www.carhahockey.ca