Nov 13 

by Jeff Lynt

In the world of hockey, the corners of the rink are not overlooked spaces; they are the battlegrounds where the majority of intense battles unfold. A staggering 80% of all hockey action takes place along the boards, (behind the goal-line, in the corners, and along the half boards). According to a study published at worldhockeylab.com (an analytics website), almost 54% of all 2018 NHL studied were developed from along the boards.  Recognizing the strategic importance of these zones is key to mastering the art of navigating tight spaces, ensuring possession, and influencing the outcome of the game.

Great teams understand the significance of controlling the puck in these challenging areas, demonstrating mastery in navigating tight spaces to maintain possession. Embracing the courage to go into the corners goes beyond facing physical challenges; it's about recognizing the strategic importance of these battlegrounds. It is within these spaces that players learn to thrive, honing the skills necessary for successful puck retrieval, creating offensive chances, and overall control of the play.

Mastering the intricacies of board battles is not just a skill; it's a demonstration of courage and strategic acumen. As players venture into the corners, they embody the courage needed to face physical challenges and the mental fortitude required to thrive in these tight spaces. The essence of the 50/50 race lies in the unwavering belief to bet on oneself — a mindset that can be a game-changer in securing possession and creating scoring opportunities.

Courage and Compete

Coaches consistently stress the importance of courage when engaging in physical confrontations along the boards, particularly in the corners. These areas are regarded as the trenches of hockey, where battles are waged, and possession is won. "If you can't take the puck into the zone clean, put it in the corner and go to work" is not merely advice; it's often a fundamental strategy echoed across all levels of the sport. The courage to enter the corners is a testament not just to physical toughness but also to a player's mental fortitude. Understanding the strategic value of these battles is not just about survival but thriving in these challenging spaces.

Ted Lindsey, once said to a coach, "Put the puck in the corner, if he doesn't have the courage and can't come out with it, he isn't worth a damn." Lindsey's words resonate not only as a directive but as a profound insight into the essence of hockey. The corner, for Lindsey, is more than a physical space; it symbolizes a testing ground for a player's courage and tenacity. The legendary Detroit Red Wing, a Hall of Famer, encapsulated a fundamental truth about the sport when he advised a coach to "put the puck in the corner." Lindsay underscores the importance of engaging in battles along the boards, particularly in the corners, as a measure of a player's worth on the ice. For Lindsay, the corner represents more than just a physical space; it symbolizes a testing ground for a player's courage and tenacity.

The compete level and courage to conquer the corners are the bedrock of success in board battles.  It's about bringing an unmatched intensity to every battle, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to emerge victorious from these hockey trenches. Embracing these challenging spaces as opportunities rather than obstacles sets the stage for players to master the art of navigating tight areas, ensuring possession, creating offensive opportunities, and contributing to overall team success. A player's worth is not solely measured by skill but by their compete level—by their ability to bring unparalleled intensity and determination to every corner battle, echoing the spirit of the game as Ted Lindsey envisioned it.

Mastering the 50/50 Race: Bet on Yourself

Mastering the 50/50 race to the puck is essential. Players often find themselves in tight races, competing for control. The critical mindset? Bet on yourself and trust your instincts. Whether through speed, positioning, or determination, instill the belief that you can emerge victorious – a mental edge crucial for securing possession and creating scoring opportunities.

Engaging in the 50/50 race is frequent along the boards, where players compete in dead heats. Board battles often come down to split-second races for puck possession. In these 50/50 situations, a player's mindset plays a decisive role. Cultivating the mindset of always trusting your instincts transcends physical prowess; it's about believing you can outpace your opponent. Developing speed, refining positioning, and embracing determination tip the odds in your favor, ensuring possession and creating scoring opportunities.

In the intense 50/50 race along the boards, "taking the lane" and "cutting hands" are crucial. Elite players understand gaining body position, effectively "taking the lane" to the puck. This strategic move involves using speed and positioning to create a direct path to possession. Players must grasp the significance of using power to slow down opponents' progress, gaining a decisive advantage. Winning the 50/50 race transcends speed; it demands strategic maneuvers to control and dictate the game's flow.

Mastering the 50/50 race demands not only physical attributes but also an unwavering belief in oneself. Trusting your instincts, coupled with strategic maneuvers and speed, can be the determining factor in securing possession and influencing the game's flow. Prevailing in the 50/50 race is about embracing the mental edge that sets elite players apart in critical moments along the boards.

Employ a Pre-Bump 

Mastering the 50/50 race to the puck is not only about speed and skill but also leveraging physical advantages. One key strategy that players employ to gain a crucial physical edge is the pre-bump. As players approach the impending contest for the puck along the boards, executing a well-timed pre-bump involves subtly using the body to create separation from the opponent.

The pre-bump serves a dual purpose: it disrupts the opponent's positioning while allowing the initiating player to establish a favorable stance. By initiating contact with a controlled and calculated bump, the player can create just enough space to position themselves effectively, making it challenging for the opponent to gain the upper hand in the ensuing battle for puck possession.

Timing is crucial in executing a successful pre-bump. Anticipating the opponent's movements and making contact at the right moment maximizes the effectiveness of this technique. A well-executed pre-bump not only disrupts the opponent's balance but also provides the initiating player with a split-second advantage to gain optimal body positioning for the upcoming battle.

The physical advantage gained through a pre-bump extends beyond the initial contact. It allows the player to dictate the pace of the engagement, providing them with a psychological edge. Successful incorporation of the pre-bump into a player's repertoire requires a combination of timing, precision, and awareness. Players must be attuned to the flow of the game, anticipating when and how to deploy this physical maneuver effectively. The pre-bump is not about overpowering the opponent but rather strategically using body contact to set the stage for a favorable outcome in the impending 50/50 battle.

Puck Control Mastery: Getting Off the Wall and Strategic Body Positioning

In the dynamic world of hockey, mastering puck control is a pivotal skill, and it all starts with strategic body positioning. Players must prioritize keeping their body between the puck and the opposing player, establishing a protective shield for maintaining possession. This foundational skill not only ensures control but also allows players to create vital separation from defenders, empowering them to dictate the tempo of play.

Along the boards, executing maneuvers on the wall side while keeping the body off the wall is a key principle. This tactical approach optimizes control, minimizes the risk of being pinned, and grants players the freedom to make swift, decisive moves. By seamlessly integrating effective body positioning with skilled stickhandling, players navigate tight spaces, keeping the puck securely within their control and out of the reach of opponents.

Effective puck control extends beyond positioning to the mastery of creating separation. Using the body strategically, players disrupt the proximity of defenders, preventing them from interfering with control. This separation not only safeguards possession but also provides players with the spatial advantage needed to exploit defensive gaps and generate scoring opportunities.

Quick Retrievals and Mastering Board Battle Escapes: The Art of Deception

A quick retrieval is the key to avoid being pinned, players should aim to prevent precarious situations by getting to the puck first and employing fakes and feet deception. A player's ability to think ahead and make quick decisions is crucial in escaping board battles. Utilizing head fakes, shoulder drops, and deceptive puck movements creates confusion among defenders, providing openings to break free from the wall. Incorporating feet deception, inspired by players like Sidney Crosby, adds unpredictability, making it challenging for opponents to anticipate the next move.

Developing a proactive mindset is key to executing this strategy. Instead of reacting to pressure, players should aim to dictate the flow of play. Mastering the art of puck retrieval and implementing deceptive techniques allows players to turn potential defensive situations into offensive opportunities.

When pinned along the boards, a player's ability to escape is paramount. Remaining glued to the wall limits options and makes players vulnerable to opponents looking to pin them down. Developing a versatile repertoire of moves is crucial for regaining control of the play.

Executing a quick spin, a well-timed pivot, or a deceptive stickhandling maneuver showcases individual skill and contributes to the overall fluidity of team play. Transitioning seamlessly from the boards opens up passing lanes, creates offensive opportunities, and keeps defenders guessing.

Controlling the play when seemingly trapped along the boards showcases a player's hockey IQ and skill. Utilizing fakes and feet deception demonstrates strategic thinking, ensuring that players remain dynamic and unpredictable in the fast-paced environment of board battles. As players become adept at reading the game and anticipating opponents' movements, they gain a significant advantage in maintaining possession and influencing the game's outcome.

Mastering Feet Deceit in Board Battles: Lessons from Sidney Crosby

Sidney Crosby's finesse on the ice extends beyond his stickhandling prowess; it's also evident in his mastery of "feet deceit." Observing elite players, especially Crosby, provides valuable insights into effective board play. His ability to use deceptive footwork, incorporating cutbacks, 45-degree shifts, and 10 & 2 moves, sets him apart.

Sidney Crosby's dominance along the boards is a testament to his strategic routine, showcasing a meticulous set of skills that consistently elevate his game. Central to this success is his strong core and superior puck protection techniques, allowing him to possess the puck with unparalleled control.

In the confined space along the boards, Crosby's commitment to a routine that prioritizes these techniques becomes a game-changer. His ability to extend puck possession for as long as needed is a result of relentless practice and a strong core foundation. This grants him the time and space required to find openings to the net or execute precise passes, setting up scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

An essential aspect of Crosby's board battle prowess is his determination to prevent defenders from getting their sticks on the puck. This meticulous denial of access showcases not only his technical brilliance but also serves as a strategic move to maintain control over the play. By keeping opponents at bay, Crosby dictates the flow of the game, consistently creating opportunities for offensive plays.

Feet deception stands out as a vital component of Crosby's strategy along the boards. Using his footwork to tire out defenders, he strategically exhausts opponents while maintaining possession. This relentless commitment to footwork becomes a weapon in itself, providing Crosby with a decisive advantage in navigating the tight spaces along the boards.

Crosby's dedication to refining these techniques underscores his relentless pursuit of improvement. The ongoing practice of puck protection, strategic footwork, and the prevention of defender stick interference speaks to his commitment to honing the skills that make him a standout force in the intense battles along the boards. As he continues to evolve his game, Crosby remains an exemplar of board battle mastery in elite hockey.

See our page on Puck Protection and Creating Space 

In conclusion, the courage to engage, the belief to bet on oneself, the strategic incorporation of pre-bump techniques, the mastery of escape, the finesse of feet deceit, and the ability to get off the wall converge to define a player's prowess in board battles. 

Taking the lane and incorporating the pre-bump into the playbook add layers to a player's strategy. Gaining body position through these techniques provides a physical advantage, disrupting opponents while establishing a favorable stance for the impending battle along the boards. Courage extends beyond the initial engagement; it's about taking proactive steps to dictate the flow of play, prevent precarious situations, and anticipating the opponent's moves.

The art of escape becomes paramount when pinned along the boards. Mastering this skill involves a repertoire of moves that create separation, showcasing individual skill while contributing to the overall fluidity of team play. The proactive mindset to prevent getting pinned, coupled with the strategic use of feet deceit inspired by Sidney Crosby, adds layers to a player's toolkit. Protecting the puck with precision footwork not only creates opportunities but also keeps defenders guessing and on the defensive. Learning when and how to get off the wall becomes a crucial aspect of a player's arsenal, contributing to the overall dynamism in board battles.

As players navigate the intense battles along the boards, these elements become not just skills but a reflection of their commitment to excellence in the relentless pursuit of success in the elite realm of hockey development.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Jeff Lynt

Is a Head Scout with Elite Hockey Canada. 

Founder of EHC Agency and he is a certified Hockey Scout and Agent with SMWW - Sports Management Worldwide. jeff.lynt@elitehockeycanada.com or jlynt@smww.com

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