Hockey Sense
Hockey sense (or Hockey IQ) refers to a player's ability to make good decisions and read the play effectively on the ice. It is a combination of intuition, intelligence, and experience that allows a player to anticipate and respond to the actions of their opponents and teammates. A player with strong hockey sense has a good understanding of the game, is able to make quick decisions under pressure, and can anticipate the movements of the puck and other players. It is a highly valued skill in hockey and can be the difference between an average player and a great one.
Developing hockey sense takes time and practice but any player can do it with the proper commitment.
How can I be a smarter hockey player?
Can you learn hockey IQ?
What is hockey IQ?
How can I improve my hockey sense?
How do I teach my child to sense hockey?
If you have any of these questions, keep reading.
There are several things that can help develop and demonstrate good hockey sense on the ice. Some examples include:
Watching the game: A good habit for developing hockey sense is to watch as much hockey as possible and pay attention to how different players and teams play the game. This can give players a deeper understanding of the sport and help them to anticipate and react to different situations on the ice.
Analyzing your own game: It's important to regularly review video of your own games and practices and to critically analyze your performance. This can help you identify areas for improvement and give you a better sense of what you do well and what you need to work on.
Practicing and drilling: Repetition can help you develop the skills and instincts that are necessary for good hockey sense. Practicing and drilling specific skills and scenarios can help you make better decisions on the ice, anticipate the play more effectively, and react more quickly.
Keeping yourself physically and mentally fit: Physical fitness, proper nutrition and sleep, and mental well-being are important for making good decisions on the ice, being able to focus, and react quickly.
Communicating with teammates: Good communication with teammates is important for developing a good sense of the flow of the game and for making effective decisions on the ice.
Learning from mistakes: Analyzing and learning from mistakes, whether on individual or team level, is an important part of developing good hockey sense. Understanding why a play failed and making the necessary adjustments in the future can help you to perform better.
By developing these habits, players can improve their hockey sense and perform better on the ice. It's important to keep in mind that hockey sense is not a fixed trait, but it can be developed through practice, experience, and learning.
Below are the keys to developing hockey sense:
Anticipation
Anticipation refers to a player's ability to anticipate the movements and actions of their opponents and teammates on the ice. This ability allows a player to be in the right place at the right time to make plays, intercept passes, and take advantage of scoring opportunities.
A player who is able to anticipate effectively can read the play and predict where the puck is likely to go, allowing them to position themselves in a way that gives them an advantage. This can include moving into open space, positioning themselves to block a shot, or positioning themselves to receive a pass.
Additionally, Anticipation also applies to being aware of the time and space, and knowing when to make a move and when not to, a player with good anticipation should have a sense of knowing when to take risks and when to be more conservative.
Anticipation is not only limited to on ice movements but also includes anticipating and understanding the players on the opposing team, knowing their tendencies, and their strong points help to make better decisions and adapt to the game accordingly.
In short, anticipation is a key element of hockey sense because it allows players to make quick and effective decisions in the fast-paced environment of a hockey game.
Here are a few examples of how a player can demonstrate anticipation while playing hockey:
Anticipating where the puck is going: By reading the play and anticipating where the puck is going, a player can position themselves in a good spot to receive a pass, intercept a pass, or make a play on the puck.
Anticipating the movements of opponents: By being aware of the opposing team's players and understanding their tendencies, a player can anticipate their movements and be in a better position to make a play on the puck or defend against a scoring opportunity.
Anticipating a teammate's play: By understanding their teammates' strengths and weaknesses, a player can anticipate the type of play their teammate will make and be in a better position to receive a pass or make a play on the puck.
Anticipating the outcome of a play: By understanding the flow of the game and the current situation, a player can anticipate the outcome of a play and make adjustments accordingly.
Anticipating the power play/penalty kill: By understanding the opposing team's power play or penalty kill systems, a player can anticipate the plays they may make and be in a better position to defend or take advantage of the situation.
Anticipating the rebound: By positioning themselves well and anticipating where the puck may rebound off the goalie or the boards, a player can get to the loose puck first and create a scoring opportunity.
Anticipating the dump-in: By being aware of the opposing team's strategy and anticipating when they will dump the puck into the zone, a player can be in a better position to retrieve the puck and start a rush up the ice.
Anticipating a change on the fly: By being aware of the game situation and the time remaining, a player can anticipate when the opposing team will pull their goalie and be ready to make an empty net goal.
Anticipating a line change: By being aware of the game situation and the time remaining, a player can anticipate when the opposing team will make a line change and take advantage of the mismatch in players.
Anticipating the face-off: By understanding the opposing team's face-off strategies, a player can anticipate the play and be in a better position to gain control of the puck and start the play.
These are just a few examples of how a player can demonstrate anticipation while playing hockey. It's important to note that anticipation is an important part of good hockey sense and that it can be developed through practice, experience, and learning. Additionally, it's important to be aware of not only the immediate situation but also the game situation and time remaining, to make good decisions and anticipate the next plays.
More information to help develop Anticipation skills - Train 2.0 by Jason Yee
Decision Making
Decision making is an important aspect of hockey sense because it refers to a player's ability to make quick and effective decisions on the ice. In a fast-paced game like hockey, players are constantly presented with a variety of options and must make decisions quickly and under pressure. A player with strong hockey sense is able to evaluate their options and make decisions that give them the best chance of success.
There are many different types of decisions that players must make in a hockey game. Some examples include:
Deciding when to pass the puck and to whom
Deciding when to take a shot and where to shoot
Deciding when to forecheck or backcheck
Deciding when to aggressively pursue the puck or play more defensively
A player with good decision making will consider factors such as the game situation, their own skill set and the position of teammates and opponents when making decisions.
Good decision making also includes understanding and learning from past mistakes and successes, and making the appropriate adjustments.
In summary, decision making is a critical aspect of hockey sense because it allows players to make quick, informed decisions in the high-pressure environment of a hockey game, which in turn helps them to perform at a high level.
Here are a few examples of how a player can demonstrate good decision-making while playing hockey:
Knowing when to pass or shoot: By evaluating the situation on the ice and making the best decision, whether it's passing the puck to a teammate or taking a shot on goal.
Knowing when to make a defensive play: By evaluating the situation on the ice and making the best decision, whether it's applying pressure to the opposing team's offense, or backing off and playing a more passive defense.
Knowing when to change the strategy: By evaluating the game situation and making the best decision, whether it's sticking to the game plan or making adjustments to better exploit the opposing team's weaknesses.
Knowing when to make a line change: By evaluating the game situation and making the best decision, whether it's changing lines to better match up against the opposing team or giving players a rest.
Knowing when to regroup: Regrouping when your team has the puck as a strategy to move back to the neutral zone in order to reorganize your offense before entering the opposing team's zone.
Knowing when to make an aggressive or passive play: whether it's taking risks to create scoring opportunities or playing it safe to limit the opposing team's chances.
Knowing when to take a penalty: By evaluating the game situation and making the best decision, whether it's taking a penalty to prevent a scoring opportunity or to make a stand for the team.
Knowing when to pull the goalie: By evaluating the game situation and making the best decision, whether it's pulling the goalie to create an extra attacker in an attempt to tie the game or to prevent the opposing team from scoring an empty net goal.
These are just a few examples of how a player can demonstrate good decision-making while playing hockey. It's important to note that decision making is an important part of good hockey sense and it can be developed through practice, experience, and learning. Additionally, good decision making often come with experience and learning from past experiences.
Pattern Recognition
Hockey is a game of patterns and plays, when you recognize a pattern you can predict where your team mates will be (according to plays you work on at practice).
Pattern recognition is considered to be an important aspect of hockey sense. It refers to a player's ability to recognize and remember recurring situations, movements, and strategies in a game, and then apply that knowledge to make better decisions.
For example, a player who has good pattern recognition may recognize that a certain opponent tends to make a certain type of pass in a certain situation. By recognizing this pattern, the player can position themselves in a way that makes it more likely that they will intercept the pass. Similarly, a player might recognize that when the opposing team is on a power play, they tend to set up a certain type of play, allowing the player to anticipate where the puck is likely to go, and take defensive or offensive actions accordingly.
Players with good pattern recognition are able to read the game more effectively, identify opportunities, and respond more quickly to the play. This allows them to make better decisions and improve their overall performance on the ice.
In short, pattern recognition is a crucial aspect of hockey sense because it allows players to understand the game at a deeper level and to anticipate the actions of their opponents and teammates more accurately.
Influence the Play
Influencing the play is one way that a player's hockey sense can be demonstrated on the ice. A player with good hockey sense is able to anticipate and read the play effectively, which allows them to make quick decisions and take advantage of scoring opportunities. They tend to be in the right place at the right time, and are able to make plays that other players might not see.
Players with good hockey sense are often those who are able to make an impact on the game and influence the outcome. They tend to be involved in many of the key plays and are able to make things happen on the ice. They often possess good instincts and decision-making ability, which allows them to react quickly to the situation on the ice, make smart and effective decisions, and influence the play in a positive way.
For example, a player with good hockey sense might be the one who starts the rush up the ice, sets up a scoring chance, or makes a key defensive play. They are often the players who are able to see opportunities that others don't and make the most of them. They are able to anticipate the play and make adjustments to adapt to the game and make things happen.
Additionally, players who are able to make a positive impact on the game tend to have a better understanding of the game, are able to anticipate the movements of the puck and other players, and can make quick decisions under pressure. It can be observed that players with good hockey sense tend to have the ability to change the momentum of the game in their team's favor.
Overall, a player's ability to influence the play is a strong indication of their good hockey sense.
There are several ways that players can influence the play in hockey. Here are a few examples:
Starting the rush: By carrying the puck up the ice and making a good pass, a player can start a rush and create a scoring opportunity for their team.
Forechecking: By applying pressure to the opposing team's defensemen, a player can create turnovers and generate scoring opportunities for their team.
Blocking shots: By positioning themselves in front of the net and blocking shots, a player can prevent the opposing team from scoring and help their team maintain possession of the puck.
Creating space: By positioning themselves in open areas of the ice, a player can create space for themselves and their teammates, making it easier to move the puck and generate scoring opportunities.
Playing smart defensively: By positioning themselves in the right place on the ice, and making good decisions when to pressure the opposing team or back off, a player can help to limit the other team's scoring opportunities.
Being a good passer: By making accurate and well-timed passes, a player can create scoring opportunities for their teammates.
Being a leader: By providing encouragement, guidance, and direction to teammates, a player can help to improve the team's overall performance and influence the outcome of the game.
Being a good finisher: By being able to put the puck in the net when opportunities arise, a player can greatly help their team to win.
Have a take charge attitude. Everyone notices when a player has "come to play!"
These are just a few examples of ways that players can influence the play in hockey, and it's important to note that different players will have different strengths and roles on the team, which can affect how they influence the play. For example, a player who is a strong skater and good at starting the rush may focus on carrying the puck up the ice and creating scoring opportunities, while a player who is strong defensively may focus on preventing the opposing team from scoring.
It's also important to note that influencing the play is not only about individual plays but also about being a part of the team and working together to achieve a common goal. By working together and executing the team's systems and strategies, players can influence the play and make a positive impact on the game as a whole.
Furthermore, a player's ability to influence the play is not only limited to the time they have the puck, but also when they don't have it. Good positioning, anticipation, and decision-making can greatly influence the play without even having the puck on their stick.
In summary, there are many ways that players can influence the play in hockey, and it's important for players to understand their role on the team and how they can best contribute. By developing good hockey sense, skills, and habits, players can make a positive impact on the game and help their team to achieve success.
Experience
Experience is a key factor in developing hockey sense because it allows players to gain a deeper understanding of the game and to learn how to anticipate and react to different situations on the ice.
As players gain more experience playing the game, they are exposed to a wider variety of situations and learn how to react to them. They learn the tendencies of their opponents, the strengths and weaknesses of their teammates, and the strategies of different teams. This knowledge allows them to anticipate the play more effectively and make better decisions on the ice.
Additionally, as players gain more experience, they learn from their mistakes, which is an important part of developing good hockey sense. They learn to identify the root causes of errors and how to prevent similar mistakes from happening again in the future.
Experience also helps to develop a player's instincts, which are an important part of hockey sense. Instincts are built on a player's ability to recognize patterns and anticipate what will happen next. With more experience, players begin to instinctively know where the puck is going to be, where to position themselves on the ice, or when to make a particular play.
Furthermore, as players gain more experience, they also tend to have a better understanding of the game and are able to make quicker decisions on the ice. They become more accustomed to the fast pace of the game and can react more quickly and effectively to the play.
In short, experience is crucial in developing hockey sense because it allows players to gain a deeper understanding of the game, learn from their mistakes, develop their instincts, and learn how to anticipate and react to different situations on the ice. It's important to note that hockey sense is not only developed through experience but also through deliberate practice, learning from failure, and seeking knowledge about the game.
Practice makes Perfect
The better you understand the game the more effective you will be and the more you play, the better you'll get. Nothing can compete with gaining more experience and that takes time. Repetition and practicing hockey will lead to mastery level if you put in enough time.
Experts believe that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to master anything. So put in the time to get better.
Good Preparation and Attention to Details.
Good preparation and being attentive to details can help a player improve their performance on the ice and demonstrate good hockey sense. Some examples include:
Proper preparation: Arriving to games and practices on time, having all the proper equipment, and being mentally and physically prepared to play.
Consistency in practice: Putting in the effort to improve skills and stay in good physical shape.
Good nutrition: Eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough rest can help to optimize performance.
Attention to detail: Paying attention to the small things, such as proper stick handling and skating technique, can help to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Always being ready: Being alert and ready to react to the play on the ice, anticipating where the puck is going and positioning oneself to make a play.
Communicating effectively: Communicating with teammates on the ice can help to create better scoring chances and improve team play.
Staying composed: Maintaining focus and composure in stressful situations, being able to maintain a clear mind in critical moments
Taking responsibility: Taking responsibility for one's own performance and that of the team, looking for ways to improve, and learning from mistakes.
By developing these good habits, players can improve their performance and demonstrate good hockey sense. These habits need to be regularly practiced and reinforced to make them a part of players daily routine.
Good On-Ice Habits
Good on-ice habits are those that can help a player improve their performance and demonstrate good hockey sense. Some examples of good on-ice habits include:
Skating with proper technique: Maintaining good balance, using proper knee bend and keeping the head up while skating
Keeping the head up: Being aware of the situation on the ice at all times, being able to see the ice, and anticipate the play.
Keeping the stick on the ice: Being ready to receive passes and make plays at all times by keeping the stick on the ice and in a good position.
Sticking to the game plan: Knowing and following the team's systems and strategies, focusing on their role, and knowing when to make adjustments.
Proper body positioning: Positioning oneself in the right place on the ice, whether offensively or defensively, in order to anticipate and react effectively to the play.
Playing with intensity and focus: Being fully engaged and concentrated on the game, not losing focus, or giving up on plays.
Playing smart: Making smart and effective decisions, not taking unnecessary risks and knowing when to make aggressive or defensive plays.
On the other hand, bad habits are those that can hinder a player's performance and negatively impact the team's game. Some examples of bad on-ice habits include:
Poor skating technique: Lack of balance, improper knee bend, and poor posture while skating can slow players down and make them more vulnerable to injury.
Not keeping the head up: Not being aware of the situation on the ice can lead to missed opportunities and poor decision making.
Holding the stick too tightly: A tight grip on the stick can make it harder to handle the puck and make accurate passes.
Lack of focus: Not being fully engaged in the game, easily getting distracted, or losing focus can lead to missed opportunities and poor decisions.
Poor body positioning: Positioning oneself in the wrong place on the ice can make it harder to anticipate and react effectively to the play.
Being overly aggressive: Taking unnecessary risks or playing too aggressively can lead to turnovers and scoring opportunities for the opposing team.
Lack of communication: Not communicating effectively with teammates can lead to confusion and breakdowns in the team's play.
In summary, good on-ice habits are those that help to improve a player's performance and demonstrate good hockey sense, while bad habits can hinder a player's performance and negatively impact the team's game. Identifying and correcting these habits can make a big difference in a player's performance and overall success.
Recognizing cues allows your habits to kick in, allowing you to perform tasks with very little hesitation.
Good habits include communication, hard work, tracking and scanning and taking the open ice.
This video form Jamie Kompon, Assistant coach Winnipeg Jets, demonstrates good habits and details with clips from the NHL.
What does a scout look for that demonstrates a player has good hockey sense on the ice?
Always being aware of the situation on the ice: A player with good hockey sense is always aware of the position of their teammates and opponents, as well as the location of the puck. They are able to anticipate and react to the play effectively.
Making quick and accurate decisions: Players with good hockey sense are able to make quick and accurate decisions on the ice, whether it's deciding when to pass the puck, take a shot, or make a defensive play. They can evaluate their options and make the best decision in a given situation.
Anticipating the movements of the puck and players: Good hockey sense allows players to anticipate the movements of the puck and other players on the ice, and position themselves in a way that gives them an advantage.
Understanding and being familiar with team systems: Good hockey sense players are aware of the team's systems and strategies, which help them anticipate the plays and make better decisions on the ice.
Being able to adapt to different situations: Good hockey sense players are able to adapt to different situations that arise during a game and make adjustments accordingly. They have a good understanding of the game and can find solutions to problems as they arise.
Communicating effectively with teammates: Good hockey sense players have good communication skills and are able to pass along information to their teammates effectively and quickly, making it easier for the team to make informed decisions.
Being unselfish: Good hockey sense players know when to pass the puck to create a better scoring opportunity and don't force plays that are unlikely to succeed
These habits demonstrate that a player has a good understanding of the game, the ability to anticipate and react to the play, and the ability to make quick, accurate decisions. These are all important skills that are necessary for good hockey sense and for playing at a high level.