In the game of hockey, winning means scoring more goals than your opponent. To score more goals, you need to create opportunities within the offensive zone. The best opportunities in the zone are odd-man rushes and 2-on-1 chances. To increase the number of these opportunities, players must be able to enter the zone quickly and efficiently. Developing these skills requires practice. Using a variety of zone entry drills will help your team develop better, smarter offenses.
Having the right puck support is a key component to being successful in the offensive zone. Having the proper puck support on both sides of the zone will allow players to outnumber the defense and increase the odds for an odd-man break. Proper puck support should begin as soon as a player leaves the defensive zone.
When a player first enters the zone, he or she should have two options: 1) A tape to tape pass to a teammate in front of the net, or 2) a quick backwards pass to an open winger on the wall. Both options require the forward to look up ice and have good body position in order to make the proper pass. A great way to practice these moves is by running a simple 2v2 scrimmage. Having the players keep track of how many points they scored will add a competitive element to the drill. The winners should get drinks, while the losers run sprints.
As a coach, you need to emphasize the importance of having proper puck support as the puck carrier is exiting the defensive zone. If a player is not supported properly on the transition, he or she will lose speed in the offensive zone and struggle to create good offensive opportunities.
Whether it’s Wayne Gretzky putting a defender on his heels with a great escape move or a centre cutting to a trailing teammate, a quick change in speed is a big part of the offensive game. Being able to make a quick change of speed will put the defense off balance and can lead to a lot of open opportunities.
Another skill that is a must in the modern game is being able to create space on the backcheck by driving with the puck. Being able to drive wide and then quickly curl back will allow the puck carrier to find open ice on the defender or set up a shot themselves. Teaching young players to drive the puck wide before attempting an escape move will help them gain a better advantage in the offensive zone and increase their chances for success.
A common mistake in the defensive zone is dumping the puck in too early. This can lead to a dangerous situation where the opposing defence will be able to get to the puck before your players. Instead, teach your players to play it safe by entering the zone with controlled puck possession. It may not always be a pretty play, but a safe entry is often much better than one that leads to a turnover or penalty.