Published on: December 31 2009
Tip of the week:
Passing-
In the game of hockey, the team that can control the puck for the majority of the game has a greater chance of success. By understanding passing concepts and mastering the many different types of passes you will be on your way to winning the “possession game”.
The first thing you need to learn is how to receive a pass, here a few keys:
Present a good target –Show your teammate exactly where you want the puck and keep your stick on the ice. Just by giving him a visual target to aim for the odds are you will get a more accurate pass and it will come to you faster.
Call for the puck- Communication is key in the game of hockey. By calling for the puck you will let the passer know you are ready to receive the pass and it will also speed things up.
Keep your eye on the puck- don’t take your eyes of a pass that’s coming to you if you expect to catch it.
Cushion the pass- By absorbing the impact of the puck on your blade and by keeping the blade turned down or “cupped” you can prevent the puck from bouncing off your stick.
To make a pass you first need to know what type of pass you should attempt. Is the player moving away from you? Towards you? Are they moving fast or slow? Is it a long pass or a short pass? Do you need to pass over someone else’s stick? Around someone? All of these situations call for different types of passes. Knowing which one to use and how to perform it is crucial.
Flat Pass- In order to keep the puck flat on the ice it is important that you make the pass with your blade closed or cupped. In order to do this push your hands forward away from your body and out in front of the puck. Make sure your follow thorough points towards your target.
Saucer Pass- A saucer pass is a pass that travels off the ice to pass over opponents sticks in order to make interceptions more difficult. In order to do this you have to create a lot of spin on the puck. Start with the puck on the heel of your blade and roll it to the toe as you follow through. Keep the blade of your stick open and aim the heel of your stick towards your target rather than the toe.
Area or Lead Pass- Not all passes are aimed directly at your target. The faster your target is moving the more you have to put the puck in front of them or lead them. This takes some practice to develop and you will notice that the faster your pass the less you will have to lead them.
One-Touch Pass- Making a one touch pass is a difficult skill because the puck is harder to control, it is important that your blade is closed so that the puck stays flat. Remember, to close the blade push your hands out away from your body and in front of your blade. It’s also important to think ahead and know your next pass before you receive the puck.
Backhand Pass- Backhand passing and shooting is a common weakness in hockey because players are afraid to make mistakes or practice something they aren’t good at. Practice should be great time to develop this skill without any fear of failure. The key is to bring the puck back and spin the puck from heel to toe as you shift your weight into the pass. On the follow through the stick blade should be kept low to the ice and pointed in the direction of the intended target.
Dump Pass- When the other teams defenders do a good job of keeping their gaps tight on zone entry it can be tough to complete a direct pass. A good option is to make an indirect pass with a cross-corner dump, a hard wrap or rim, or a soft chip. Just be sure to keep the puck away from the opposing goalie.
Bank Pass- When a direct pass isn’t available you can use the boards like an extra teammate. Just know your angles.
Shot Pass- This is a great skill for defensemen to master. By aiming a slapshot or a wristshot at a teammates stick on the ice for a deflection you can give goalies fits. Its important to keep your head up.
Long Pass- When making long outlet or cross-ice passes it’s important to realize that long passes are easy to pick off. Try not to telegraph or signal your intentions for too long and pass the puck hard or in the air if possible.