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Using The Boards
There are so many variables in team sports that the outcome of any given game is quite uncertain. A hot goaltender can nullify an opponent's lopsided number of shots on net. A few body checks can neutralize a speedy forward, and a couple of bad penalties can alter the final score of the game. Good teams and players make the most of each advantage they have over their opponent, turning those advantages into victories. But one constant that few players take advantage of is the boards. The boards are always there (unless you're playing pond hockey) and can act as another player on the ice. In fact, the boards are a teammate who when passed to, will always return the pass.
Clearing the
zone
In watching both youth and professional hockey
games, I am always amazed by the number of times the defensive team has
the puck within ten feet of the blueline, but fails to clear the zone. This
is a result of the defensive team holding the blueline or standing their
ground and making it more difficult for teams to break out of the defensive
zone. Often times an alert defenseman will "step up" and intercept
a weak pass, causing a costly turnover. To advance the puck safely out of
your defensive zone, "dump" the puck into the neutral or offensive
zone, using the boards.
The advantages to using the boards are numerous. First, you don't have to worry about whether the boards are going to be able to handle the pass. Some boards may be "livelier" than others, but they will always send the puck back into play. Second, you don't have to worry about putting the pass "right on the tape." If you are off by a few inches, or even feet, the boards will still be there. The angle at which the puck makes contact with the boards will certainly affect its outcome, but it is difficult to miss the boards entirely. Third, depending on the arena and the height of the boards, you have approximately four feet of boards to play with as opposed to four inches of stick blade. When in "traffic", you no longer have to make the perfect pass directly onto your teammate's stick. Instead of trying a miracle pass through traffic, bank the puck off the boards out of reach of your opponents and have it meet your teammate on the other side of the commotion, in wide open ice.
Beating a Defender
One on ones can be the most exhausting situation
in hockey. It takes skill and energy to win such battles consistently. When
you find yourself close to the boards with a defender to beat, using a "bounce
pass" off the boards can be an effective option. Make a convincing
fake towards the boards, then pass the puck off the boards as you accelerate
back towards the middle of the ice. With practice, the return pass from
the boards will be waiting for you. The key is to overtake your opponent
with speed and continue around them without losing a stride. This move is
especially useful if you play at a level or in a league that does not allow
checking. Here again you can vary the height and strength with which you
play the puck off the boards to get the desired end result.
To Overcome
bad Passing Lanes
There are times in a game when your "weak"
or "off" side winger streaks down the boards but you can't possibly
get the puck to them through all the traffic. A clear passing lane is simply
not available. This is a perfect opportunity to make a pass off the boards
BEHIND your winger so that the puck comes off the boards and onto their
stick. Many times the defenseman on that side of the ice will try to step
up, thinking you have thrown the puck too far behind your winger, only to
realize that they have fallen into your trap. This type of play will also
work when your teammate is directly in front of you. Play the puck off the
boards allowing your teammate to skate into the pass keeping their head
up.
So next time you
hit the ice remember that you have a teammate who is always ready for a
pass and who has no choice but to pass it back to you. Different arenas
have different boards. Practice using the boards and learn the different
characteristics of each arena you play in. Aside from the occasional weird
hop, soon you will be playing each shift with an extra teammate, one who
promises to get the puck back to you!
This article was written by Shawn Killian,
Director of Planet Hockey Skills Camps and the Planet Hockey Ranch in Salida,
Colorado. For more information on all Planet Hockey Programs including Training
Videos and coordinating a Planet Hockey Skills Camp for your Association
or Group contact Planet Hockey at 1-800-320-7545 | www.planethockey.com
| shawn@planethockey.com