When evaluating players, coaches are always looking for the “complete player”, one that does everything well – skating, puckhandling, physical play, offensive catalyst etc.. More often then not however, one of the most important if not THE most important parts of the game is often overlooked – playing without the puck. Players spend far more time playing without the puck during a game then they actually do with it. Why is it that I believe this element of the game should be considered such an intangible?
Ability to read the play
Whether a player is defending or is part of an offensive attack, the key element to their play without the puck is the ability to read the play, to anticipate how it is developing and where they ideally need to be to put their team in the best position to either break up a play, establish a forecheck, or to defend against the rush or in the defensive zone.
Ability to angle and defend
When defending, a player is trying to get the puck from an opponent or impede their progress to the net or any prime scoring areas. In the neutral zone, again while trying to take the puck away or prevent opponents from entering the zone, a player is also defending and playing without the puck. It is here that angles and positioning are key. In most systems, the intent is to force the play to the outside. It is therefore very important for players to angle the oncoming player from an inside/out position – thus forcing them towards the boards and limiting their entry into prime scoring areas. I often teach this inside out approach on the premise that while they are angling properly and getting their bodies in the skating lane, they must also have their stick in good position to take away the passing lanes. If you can force an opponent to play “outside the dots” all game your chances for success become increasingly higher.
Forechecking
Regardless of the system they are taught, players must also forecheck with good angles and stick position. Again, they are trying to get the puck and thus are not playing with it. Anticipation of such things as which side of the ice the team is breaking out on, whether they are passing D-to-D then quick up, high off the wall or if their wingers are flying the zone is all a part of playing without the puck.
Tracking (backchecking)
Players must be aware of their responsibilities when their team turns over the puck and they are forced to track from behind. Responsibilities of F1 (first player coming back into the defensive zone), F2 and F3 must be clear for any effective tracking system. This is a very large element of play without the puck.
Faceoffs
Should your team win the faceoff, where do you go and what are your responsibilities? For instance on a defensive zone faceoff, generally the wingers go to their respective points, the center stays with the opposition center and the defensemen are responsible for the opposition wingers.
Should coaches then work more often on play without the puck during practices or on play with the puck? It seems to me that you should want to be best at what you do most of the time in a games – playing without the puck, after all … as opposed to what you do far less of the time – play with the puck. |
