A
Forward's primary role is
to score goals when their team has possession of the
puck.
This is
called “Offensive Hockey”. Most young Forwards know
this and want to score goals.
Offensive hockey consists of moving the puck under
control from your defensive zone through the neutral
zone and into the offensive zone by setting up and
executing a series
of 2 on 1 situations, carrying the puck solo, or
dumping it into the offensive zone.
Once
inside the offensive zone, try to pass the puck
around to create a high percentage
scoring opportunity. When you have one take the shot
and shoot the puck at the net.
Remember, Offensive hockey begins the moment anyone
on your team gains possession of the puck in any
zone.
You
should then move it up the ice in one of the
following manners.
-
Pass the
puck to an open team-mate who is ahead of you
and in the clear to receive a pass.
Passing is much
quicker than carrying the puck.
-
Stickhandle or carry the puck yourself toward
the offensive zone if no team-mate is open
for a pass or
if you are leading the rush.
-
If
meeting a lot of opposition in the neutral zone,
just get over the red line and shoot the puck
into the
corner or at the net, then quickly skate in to
retrieve it, or forecheck to create a turnover.
-
When in
possession of the puck in any zone, try to
create as many 2 on 1 situations to
get around an opponent and then try to develop a
high percentage gola scoring opportunity.
Scoring
goals are accomplished by one of the following
methods:
1.
Shooting the puck yourself, Note: the entire puck
must be over the goal line
to
score.
2.
Passing to an open team mate who is in a better
scoring position and s/he
scores.
3.
Tipping or deflecting a team mate’s shot into the
net by changing the puck’s
flight
or direction.
4.
Getting to a rebound in a high traffic area and
shooting high to score.
5.
Screening their goalie’s view of the shot so he
cannot see the puck and a
team
mate scores.
It
shouldn’t matter who scores, this is a team game and
everybody is part of the team.
Be a
team player and try to help your team score, but
don’t try to do it all by yourself.
If
someone is in a better scoring position pass the
puck or you could get labeled as
“a puck
hog” or “a pond hockey player.”
John
Shorey
Author-
“Hockey Made Easy”
www.hockeymadeeasy.com
