Offensive Principles

There are specific principles of offensive play to create and attack space to retain puck possession and to create scoring chances. A video is shared that demonstrates some of the key principles.

To create and attack space in all three zones of the ice surface there are specific principles of play that should be followed to achieve the goal of creating and attacking space.

The video below shares the principles of play to create and attack space in the offensive zone, however, the principles apply to all three zones, some of the principles of play from the video below:

• the puck belongs to your teammates, pass and immediately make yourself available for a return pass,

• outnumber in space to create a player advantage at different levels in the zone, create two on one and three on two situations in space to create a player advantage,

• create and attack space in layers in the zone,

• use the width and depth of the zone to create and attack space,

• constant player movement to create space and confusion, be hard to defend against,

• use different tactics like the give and go, change of direction and cycling of the puck (high, low and reverses), turn backs (delays),

• find the right moment to attack the net based on reading and reacting to the situation and what opens up as a result of the player and puck movement,

• battle for inside body & stick position,

• get to the inside of the ice surface between the dots to attack inside the defensive structure,

• quick puck movement to catch the defensive group out of position to defend,

• set the pace of play and out work the opponent,

• be less position focused and more focused on interchangeable positions and rotational coverage to support the puck,

• set a goal to create 12-15 shots on goal per period.

Players should be encouraged to be creative, create and attack space using the key principles, take what opens up from the execution of the principles.

Encourage read and react skills to take advantage of situations that present by following the principles. The principles are necessary to breakout defensive zone pucks, execute neutral zone regroups/reloads, attack rush play and getting out of any tight space.

Review the video clips in this article with a player group to have the players identify the principles, see what they come up with on their own, engage them, get them thinking. Engage them and they will learn, tell them & they forget.

Hockey intelligence enables players to play at a faster pace to support the puck offensively and defensively.

Offensive Principles Video {Offensive Zone}