Cross Checking

Cross checking is when you have both hands on the stick and you extend your arms to check an opposing player. Remember this is an illegal move and will earn you a penalty. They will call you on either a major or a minor penalty depending on the severity of the infraction.

Sweep Checking

Sweep checking is the most popular fore check used by forwards. This type of checking uses your stick to keep the opposing player from sending a pass or by knocking the puck away from them. This is accomplished by swinging your stick in a sweeping motion in front of the opposing player.  The ideal of the sweep check is to force the player to the outside.  Never approach the puck carrier head on because he/she could get around you and score a goal.  Always angle the puck carrier while sweeping your stick. You can accomplish the angling by using forward or backward cross overs.

Hook Checking.

The hook check is accomplished by placing your top hand on the stick then bend one knee and bring the shaft of your stick down where it is nearly flat on the ice. Hook your stick blade in the direction of the puck.  The curved part of the stick should cup the puck and drive the puck away from the opponent.  This type of stick checking is the most difficult to use.

Girls Checking in Hockey.

Up to 1990 girls were allowed to check in hockey after that it was disallowed. The debate has been a hot topic in last few years about weather girls should be allowed to check. There are people who believe girls should not check because they would get hurt or that it would promote violence in girl’s hockey. There is speculation that if checking is allowed back in girl’s hockey that there would be fewer girls involved in hockey due to the increase of physical demand and the worry of injury.

Others believe that putting checking back in girl’s hockey would only benefit the program. One reason is that it would teach the girls to play with their heads up instead of down. Some girls have the tendency to play looking down, not up, in which case it causes more injuries because they're concentrating on the puck and not on where they are going or what is happening around them. This leads to them getting hurt from getting pinched up on the board and not being prepared for it. In boys hockey they are all always anticipating the next hit so they tend to skate with their head up and can prepare for the hit or can see were the next open player is at on the ice. Girls are two times more likely to suffer from a concussion than their male counterpart. Another reason for allowing checking into girl’s hockey according to some is that it would bring more excitement to the game; this would then bring in more spectators to the game.

I believe that girls should be allowed to check in hockey. If you don't think that there isn't hitting and shoving going on in girls hockey, then you are sorely wrong. Girls seem to know when the referees are not looking and get a cheap shot on each other. When they are going for a puck on the boards, the arms are moving and bodies are trying to separate the other player from the puck and it gets to be quite physical. There is hip checks going on and pinching against the board going on all the time. The reason I think checking should be allowed in girls hockey is because they will teach them to skate with their heads up and less injuries will occur because they are anticipating the next hit, they will see where they are going, who’s open, and who's coming after them. There would also be less hitting that is done on the sly, behind the officials back, and this will help in girls having fewer injuries also. The bottom line is that I think it would make for better players and would reduce the amount of injuries in girl’s hockey. Isn't that as parents of girls in hockey one of our major concerns? If not allowed to check girls at least should be taught how to check and to receive one properly. This is important in kid’s sports and my kid’s sports.

Goalie Tips and Tricks 2.

Positioning is very important to a goalie he/she must always stay square with the shooter and never lose sight of the puck. In ice hockey the goaltender is the only player who can play in the crease until the puck has entered then it is fair game to all. They are also the only player that can fall on the puck, use their glove, and any part of their body to stop the puck from going into the net.

The goalie should stand on their feet as long as they can before going down this will limit the shooters options in scoring a goal. The best thing for a goalie is to try to catch the puck if at all possible. This prevents the puck from sliding bye or rebounding back for another shot. You might see a goalie tap his/her stick on the goal post. What they are doing is checking to see how much net is available and where they are positioned without looking so that they don't take their eyes off the puck. While watching the puck the goalie should check out the position of the blade on the opposing player. If the blade is open and slightly pointed upward the player is going to take the shoot. If the blade is flat or parallel to the ice the player is going to deke or fake you out.

 When the player is behind the net with the puck the goalie must stay close to the post closest to the puck with pads against post and stick at a 45 degree angle to deflect the puck when it is shot at them. The 45 degree will deflect the puck outward not up and toward the net. Drop to the butterfly position with the stick in the down position when being screened by the opposing player. This will increase your chances of seeing the shot and it will reduce the angle of the shot so the screening player can't deflect it.

Remember goalies you are to be in consent communication with your teammates. This will help them and you by telling them who to shut down first and that they are screening you out. Goalies have one of the hardest positions in hockey and it takes the team to win or lose the game not just the goalie.  More to come on ice hockey goalie tips and tricks. 

Goalie Tips and Tricks 1.

In hockey the job of the goalie is to keep the puck out of the net at all cost and to never take their eyes off of the puck so they can achieve this goal. The goalie position is a very demanding position due to the fact that their equipment is different and that it weighs more than their teammates. Goalies need to fast on their feet to be able to get up and down in a matter of seconds. They also have to contend with  pucks that are coming at them  at speeds up to 100 mph or more. Remember your goalie should always be considered the last line of defense in hockey.

The basic goaltender stance in ice hockey is with knees bent and weight distributed on the balls of their feet like in a squat. They must stay low and keep their body square with the shooter. This gives them the appearance of filling out the net. The butterfly is a goal tending technique in which the goaltender goes down with his/her knees together and the pads are stretched out in both directions with the player upright and square to the shooter. The stick should be on the ice between the pads.

 

Here is a demonstration of the goalie stance.

Ice Hockey Defense Strategy - Part Three

Here is a video about how the defense can use behind the net for protection and to give a better break out pass.

Ice Hockey Defense Strategy - Part Two

Here is the second part of ice hockey defense strategy hope these tips help you play abetter game.

Get to know your defense partner and how he/she plays. This will help you become a strong defense team because you know their strong points, weak points, and they know yours. Defense is a very important part of winning or losing a game. When my son played defense his partner and him know exactly where the other one was at all times, this made them a very effective part of the team. When one was up, the other was back, then when the other one moved back, then he was up. They played like a well-oiled team and it was fun to watch.

As a defense player you must get to know your goalie and his/her weaknesses. This way you will be able to help them on their weak side and keep the puck out of the net .Remeber always talk to your goalie throughout the game, they see things that you can't see and are able to give you hints on who needs to be shut down quicker and who is the strongest players on the opposing team. Make sure not to screen the goalie, the goalie must keep his/her eyes on the puck at all times. When in a face off on your end make sure to ask the goalie if he/she can see the puck because most of the time they can't.

Defense players remember it is your job to keep the puck in the opposite side and to always defend your goalie. Defense is one of the keys to winning or losing the game and is a very important position. So please parent, spectators, coaches and team mates, remember to tell them thank you for doing such a great job.

Defense Zone Coverage

Proper positioning of the defenders covering the players without the puck is just as important as defending the ones that have the puck. Proper defense position is important.

Ice Hockey Defense Strategy - Part One

Playing defense is one of the hardest positions in ice hockey. To be a great defense player you have to play smart hockey by knowing were the puck is and where all the players are positioned. You will also have to anticipate where the puck will be going next and who will have it. The defenses job is to stop anything and everything that is headed towards their net.

Here are some tips and tricks for defense hockey players. Always keep your stick on the ice with one hand in front of you and pointed at the player. If the player is a weak puck handler you can swing at the puck and usually take it away. If the puck handler is a strong player watch for an opening and then poke check the puck. With stronger puck handlers if you swing at the puck they then have the opportunity to get around you, after you have your stick on the opposite side of them and this gives them a scoring opportunity.

You will also have to watch the size of gap you are giving the opposing player; it should be no more or no less than two hockey sticks away. If you give them too little, they can get around you if you give them too much, they can score on you, so always watch your gap. Never let an opposing player get behind you; this leads to a break away and could result in a goal. Most goals are scored from the slot so, try to angle the opposing player to the boards, never allow them to go down the middle.

 When watching a player bring down the puck watch his/hers hips, not the puck. If you watch the puck instead of the hips they are more than likely to get around you. By watching the hips and using your peripheral vision, you will be able to follow the player and keep him/her out of scoring range. You can also tell were a person is going by glancing at his eyes. The reasoning on this is because you always look the direction that you're going to be going.

I'll give you more defense tips in part 2 of ice hockey defense strategy.
 

Defense Positions in Our Own End.

This video displays the basic guidelines to defense positioning in hockey.

To Pinch or Not To Pinch.

If you are playing defense, learn these hockey tips and become the most reliable defense man on ice. Every defense man experienced that dragging feeling, followed by a split second of indecision. Should I commit? Is it the right time to pinch? What if I am too late? If you are one of those guys and are not sure whether to pinch or not to pinch, keep reading. In this article, I'll give you a few tips on becoming a more consistent defense man. Remember them the next time you hit the ice and your teammates will thank you for that.

 

Pinching, if you don't know what it is, is actually quite simple. Basically, it's rushing forward off the opponents blue line when your team is in their zone. Sounds simple, right? The question you should ask yourself: when is the right time for this? If your timing is right - it gives your team an immediate advantage and you keep possession of the puck in the other team's zone. If the timing is wrong - your opponent can easily have two and sometimes three on one rush back to you your own end. Players often think that pinching is like throwing a dice, sometimes you get what you want, sometimes - not. It should not be like this.

 

When to pinch.

It is impossible to teach every game situation. With experience you will be able to read the game much better, and it will become a more intuitive decision. But for now, keep in mind those four simple "rules" and do pinch when the opportunity presents itself.

 

1) Where is the puck? The guy you are pinching towards does not have the puck yet or does not have full control of the puck. You have to make sure to get to him faster than he can establish puck control and either make a pass or flick the puck against the boards. If you can take away time and space from the guy by pinching - do it.

2) Your partner. The longer you play with your partner - the easier it becomes. There is nothing else that can boost your confidence than the trust you develop with your defense partner. You can take a bit of a risk here and there knowing that he is going to cover you. Talk to him before and after the game, discuss game situations and how you can help each other on the ice. Ask him to cover the middle of the ice when you decide to pinch. Communication in this case makes it perfect. Develop trust in each other, and you no longer will be double guessing yourself.

3) Your line and the opponent's team line. It is no secret that starting probably from pee wee age group every team has first, second and a third line. When as a defense man you are playing with the 1st line you can pinch with more confidence than playing with the 3rd line. Who is on the ice for the other team also matters. You should be a bit more cautious and defensively-minded playing against their top line, and you could take more risk competing against their third line.

4) The Score. Everything else being the same, depending on a score you should either hold back or pinch. Do not pinch if there is a tie or you are leading by a goal or even two goals. Your main responsibility here is to defend and shut the other team down. Your game is expected to be more conservative. Mistakes in one, or two goal games are very costly, so defend first, attack - second. However, if your team is loosing by a pair of goals, pinch, when the opportunity is there. It might be exactly what you team needs to get back in the game.

 

When Not to Pinch.

Stick to the following "rules" and do not pinch when:

1) Your partner is not a reliable defense man. I know you should always be confident in your teammates, but the truth is you will be playing with both stronger and weaker defense partners.You have to use your best judgment here.

2) Your teammates, especially your wingers are out of position. Do not pinch if there is no chance for them to cover you.

3) Your team is losing by one, it's a tie, or your team is winning by one or two. In those game situations you have to hold back and shut the other team down. The exception: When it is late in the game and your team is loosing by one.

4) You are playing against a really fast winger. Be more cautious here or you can get burned.

 

How to pinch.

 

One of the most important hockey tips here. While pinching - do not hesitate. You have to commit everything you have and not second guess yourself. You must accomplish one of two goals:

1) take the puck

2) take the player. It is an absolute key to being a successful and reliable pinching defense man.

Your task is to keep the puck in the other team's zone and create an advantage for your team.

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Keeping The Puck to the Outside on Defense.

When you are playing defense in hockey you always have to stop the other team from getting scoring opportunities. You cannot allow the other team a chance to put the puck in the net. The best way to do this is to keep the puck to the outside. Here are some of the things that you need to do to keep the puck to the outside when you are playing hockey.

The first thing that you need to have is a strong presence in the middle. Having a strong presence is not just about how many players are playing in the middle of the ice, it is also about how good the players in the middle of the ice are. They have to be able to put pressure on the other team and force them to make a mistake. Force the other team to play along the boards and you will not be scored on.

Another thing that you have to have from your players is an understanding of the system that you want to use. If your players do not understand what their jobs are then they are useless. This is something that you will have to work on in practice.

Here are some other things that are necessary when you are trying to keep the puck to the outside of the zone.

1) A system

2) Ability to stop passes from going through the middle

3) Cutting down of shooting angles

4) Knowledge of who the threats on the other team are

As long as you focus on these four things that are talked about in this article then your team will be great. Make sure that your drills reflect these tips and that you have a strategy that is well understood.

If you have any questions about possible hockey strategies that you can use then you should take a look at the defensive strategies [http://www.tipsforhockey.com/Strategy%20Sections/Defensive-Hockey-Strategy.htm].

The Meaning of Teamwork.

What is the meaning of teamwork? A team is a group of individuals striving to achieve a common goal and hold themselves accountable for the outcome. Teamwork is very important when it comes to youth sports because it prepares them to participate in teamwork on the job and in daily life. Teamwork can either break or make a team successful, not only in winning but in losing by teaching that it takes everybody to work together. Like in football if you don't have a front line that holds the other team back the quarterback, halfback, and fullback wouldn't be able to break through the line and go for a touchdown. The line is just as important as the players that are making the touchdowns. Fans seem to also praise the ones that are making the great plays but are forgetting that other players were involved in the making of that play.

If a team can't play cohesively together it seems like they struggle to achieve the common goal. You can have a lot of great players but if they play as individuals in a game the team will have a hard time achieving their primary goal and will ultimately fail. Just remember that to make a great team you have to have teamwork because there is no I in team and that everybody contribute to the team no matter what skill level they possess. Just because you’re not the strongest and most gifted player you are just as important as they are because you provide support for them. Remember you win or lose as a team.

Ice Hockey Offense Strategy- Part Two

This post is going to help the offensive player read the goalie and make more productive shots on the net. Fingering out the goalie is important in making your shots go in so here are some helpful tips.

If the he/she stays deep in the crease shot whenever you have an open shoot. If he/she challenges you try to get around them. If he/she gives out high rebounds shot low and hard. If his/her hands are back, shoot for the high corners. If he/she goes down early get him/her to go down by faking then shot at blocker side high. If he/she has a high stance go for the five hole. If he/she putshis/her paddle down on the ice allot go for high blocker or go around him/her. A goalie that drops on most shots is more vulnerable on giving up rebounds instead of high shots.

I hope these tips help you read the goalie and  make more goals.
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Ice Hockey Offense Strategy - Part One

The offense's key job is to make goals and get their own rebounds. Here are some tips on what to look for and when and where to shot on the goalie.

When shooting the puck remember angle is more important than distance because a good angle from the top of the circle has a better chance of going in then a shot closer up by the goalie. When your up close on the goalie he/she has a better chance of stopping the puck because he/she  has a less restricted view of the puck and more time to react. If you don't have a good shot and no other option then shoot the puck to get a rebound by shooting low and hard. If you are at a bad angle shoot at the high post not at the goalies chest this gives you a better chance of making it in the net.  Also try to shoot on the blocker side just above the pad of goalie because your chances of making it in are much greater.

Accuracy and a quick release are very important in making a goal because when the puck is to slow the goalie has time to save it and when your shot is not accurate your going to miss the net or end up shooting it at the goalies chest for him/her to save it. A quick release gives the goalie less time to react to where  the puck is going and this gives you a better chance of making it into the net. Also if you have anything that look like an open net shot don't think about it just shoot.

If you are not a great skater or stick handler go in front of the net to tip in a shot, deflect it, or get the rebound. You will also be able to screen the goalie and draw a defense men to you away from the shooter. Always remember to have your stick on the ice and ready for the puck.

Offensive Attack

Thia is just one example of an offensive attack.

Ice Hockey Offense Tips and Tricks.

In ice hockey the offense's major job is to score goals. Their secondary job is to prevent goals. All forwards must work together to achieve their main and secondary objectives. Working together means communicating with each other and getting to know each other’s weaknesses and strengths. There are three forwards on the offensive line, a left winger, center, and a right winger. This allows for three lanes giving them what is called the triangle formation. The triangle formation allows them to pass the puck among themselves to get the goalie to move from one side to the other which will create an opening for a scoring opportunity.

The centers job is to score goals and help his/her wingers when they get tied up. The center is a forward whose other primary job is to play the middle of the ice, but they are also expected to cover more ice than any other player. They are typically the fastest skater on the team. In the offensive zone the center usually positions them in front or behind the net. If the defense or a high wing has the puck in a scoring position the center wants to be in front of the net trying to distract the goalie so the their teammates can score. They also have the opportunity to tip the puck in or be there for a rebound. Centers just need to remember to stay out of the crease unless the puck goes in first otherwise this result in a penalty. In the offense zone the center also has to go behind the net when his/her winger is tied up along the boards. This gives the winger a chance to pass the puck to the center. In the defense zone the center should be in front of the net or behind. They are to play deep and are also expected to help the defense along the boards to get the puck out of their zone. When he plays in front of the net in the defense zone his/her job is to keep the puck out of the net. In face-offs the center is the one who always takes the face off. He/she should always try to get the puck to their defense player. Then he/she should tie up the other center no matter if they win or lose the face-off so that they don't have a chance to join in the rush and create a scoring situation.

The winger’s job is to dig in the corners and feed the center and defense when down deep; they are also supposed to get goals. In the offensive zone the winger is to dig the puck out of the corners and position themselves in front of the net when the puck is not on their side so, they can distract the goalie. This puts them in the right position to tip it in and to get the rebound which is all scoring opportunity. Wingers just remember that you should never chase the puck in the other wingers side, that is the centers job and never go deep in the defense zone. On the defense zone the winger’s responsibility is to wait for a pass, intercept the puck, and attack the opposing defense man when they have the puck. Aggression is the key to being a winger. On defense the winger should post themselves high to receive the puck in order to take the puck in, dump it in the end zone, or pass it an open player. In the face-off the winger is to occupy the defense man that he is lined up with. If the puck is loose it is his job to get to the puck.

Just remember every position is a very important part of being a good team in kid’s sports and in my kid’s sports. Playing together makes for a well-oiled team and makes playing fun.

Hockey - What Are the Positions.

In the game of ice hockey there are four basic positions: center, winger, defenseman, and goalie.There is generally one center, two wingers, two defenseman, and one goalie on the ice for each team at any given time. Each position is meant to be played by an individual with a certain set of skills. With a great deal of practice players can develop skills to better specialize to play only one specific position.

The center is considered the main puck distributor on the team. It is the role of the center to take face-offs and control the middle of the ice. During play, the center's job is very similar to a point guard in basketball or a setter in volleyball. He or she has the responsibility of gaining control of the puck and passing it to the wingers, who are ideally the team's primary goal scorers. The team's best passers are usually centers.

Wingers are primarily responsible for putting the puck into the net. They are generally the smallest and fastest players on the team. Ideally, wingers should be able to take passes from the center or defensemen and carry the puck to the opposing net. When their team does not have the puck it is the wingers' job to stay at the blue-line and cover the opposing team's defensemen. The wingers should be the first skaters to start an offensive rush.

Wingers generally prefer to play either the left or right side of the ice. While it is not necessary thatwingers keep to their designated side, having a designated "left wing" and "right wing" will lead to more organized play on the ice. Most wingers tend to play on only one side of the ice based onpersonal preference.

Defenseman also play on either the left or right side of the ice. It is their job to be the last wave of players to defend against oncoming rushes. The primary job of a defenseman is to prevent the opposing team from scoring by protecting their own net. Defensemen are generally the biggest and strongest players on the team, and are adept at skating backwards. Defensemen generally do not score as much as wingers and centers, but do contribute by tallying assists.

Finally, the goalie must obviously defend the net. When all else fails, the goalie is the last line of defense. The goalie in hockey is often considered to be the most important position in all of sports, along with the quarterback in American football. A good goalie can make even a bad team competitive.

If you are considering trying your hand (or skates) at the game of hockey consider your strengths and weaknesses. Are you a fast skater with a good shot? Are you an accurate passer? Are you big and strong with a physical edge? If you can identify with one of these descriptions then maybe your ideal position is easier to determine than you think.
 

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How to Find The Best Hockey Stick.

Selecting the right type of ice hockey stick is very important in bringing your game to the next level. There are a number of different types of sticks available on the market nowadays, so it truly comes down to a player's personal preference. The sticks come in a variety of different materials and stiffness, so you should test out different varieties until you find one that works well for you. In addition, the amount of flex that a stick has also plays a major factor in the performance of the stick.

 

The most popular and cheapest type of sticks are made of wood. These types of sticks are frequently used by beginners because of their low price. They tend to be fairly stiff and do not offer as much flex as other materials. However, because they are stiffer, they can help increase the strength of a players shot. Wood sticks also help you feel the puck on the stick more so then composite sticks.

Another type of hockey stick is created from composite materials. Typically they are a combination of carbon fiber, fiberglass, or other materials. These are a extremely popular type of stick because they offer unique degrees of flex, meaning that some players can shoot the puck faster also they are much lighter then a wood stick and you lose the feel of the puck on the stick. However, some hockey players do not like the way that the puck feels on the stick, as it can be different then using a wooden stick.They also can snap easier then wood sticks.

 

The correct height of a stick is another essential factor when finding the right hockey stick for you. Defensive players tend to use sticks that are a slightly longer then other players, because it allows them to have a greater reach so that they can poke check the puck away from other players. Defense players should also have a higher flex then offense players. This is due to them having to poke check the puck and making slap shots toward the goal. Offensive players normally use shorter hockey sticks so that they can stick handle the puck closely when the situation calls for it. You should experiment with a number of different hockey sticks until you discover one that works best for you. There is no correct or wrong answer, it is up to you to discover the stick that is most sufficient and effective for your game.