Hockey is fast paced, aggressive and tough. Players need to be knowledgeable and aware of where they are the ice, their surroundings as well as be flexible to sudden changes. In order to succeed as a player, one must be able to hone their offensive skills. Below are tips that will help create and enhance your offensive skills!
Cutting Across the Net
Players should try to change the angle of the puck when attacking. If a goaltender believes that a defensive player will block a player from cutting across the net, the goaltender will be more aggressive. Cutting across, provides the opportunity for the goaltender to be completely exposed. The goalie’s open position will increase your chances of obtaining a goal or a second chance opportunity when in tight.
Quick Release Shots
One – timers and re-directs will cause a goaltender to be open and they most likely won’t have the time to block the shot and could somewhat be out of position. Quick releases are an opportune chance to optimize on a goalie’s vulnerabilities.
Players should learn to shorten the distance of their arm and hand motion patterns, maximize the power output, which would naturally enhance deception.
Body Alignment is Critical to Making Effective Shots
Body alignment and low posture are very important in hockey. Being out of alignment prevents powerful and deceptive shots. Ensuring that players’ feet, hips and shoulders are lined up to the target / net is crucial to the success of the shot. Off – ice training in the gym helps players of all ages and levels to understand which muscles and muscle groups are activating for the particular motion pattern needed, whether it be for skating or shooting!
Get Creative With Goals
Shoot at AND from different locations to keep the goaltender on their toes. Players who always look the same and shoot the same kinds of shots, make it easier for the goaltender to anticipate what to expect. In my opinion, players should shoot low shots more often. This forces goaltenders to go down, giving better rebound opportunities. Goalies are way less mobile when on their knees!
Body Fakes
Use body fakes while maintaining speed, in order to deceive a defender on a particular move. Players can shift their body inside or outside in order to trick defenders that they’re going in a particular direction. Fakes should be performed beyond the range of the defender’s stick, enabling them to release / shoot the puck anytime.
So, how do you beat a defender or goalie in a nutshell? …..With Speed, Power, Control and Deception!!
Players who think strategically and place themselves in useful positions will always be conducive to the team’s success!
