Angling Skills

Angling

Angling is a critical maneuver in hockey that serves as both a defensive and offensive tool. Defensively, angling is used to prevent attackers from gaining access to high-danger areas, often referred to as "good inside ice." By steering opponents into less threatening zones, defenders can force turnovers, limit scoring opportunities, and disrupt the flow of the opposing team’s attack. This requires a combination of body positioning, stick placement, and speed control. A defenseman must stay between the attacker and the net, using their body to block access to inside lanes while guiding opponents toward the boards or low-percentage areas. Proper stick placement—sweeping from good ice to bad ice while keeping it on the puck—ensures attackers have fewer options. Additionally, matching the attacker’s speed allows defenders to maintain control of the inside lane and deny the shortest path to the net.

Offensively, angling is equally important and plays a crucial role in maintaining control, creating space, and exploiting defensive weaknesses. By angling effectively, players can manipulate defenders, forcing them out of position and opening up opportunities to attack high-percentage areas on the ice. Techniques like cutting off defenders, using deceptive skating maneuvers, and attacking vulnerable spots allow players to gain an edge over their opponents. Offensively, angling is not only about creating space but also about forcing mistakes and turnovers, keeping the pressure on the opposing team.

Angling is about more than just physical play—it’s a strategic approach that combines positioning, anticipation, and decision-making. Whether used to neutralize an attacker or create offensive opportunities, angling is an essential skill that can shift momentum, create turnovers, and provide a tactical advantage in any game situation.

Key Points for Defensive Angling

• Deny Good Ice: Prevent attackers from accessing high-danger areas (inside ice) by steering them to low-percentage zones (bad ice).

• Force Turnovers: Use body positioning and stick placement to disrupt plays and create opportunities for teammates to regain possession.

• Body Positioning: Stay between the attacker and the net, ensuring they must go through you to reach the inside lane.

• Stick Placement: Keep your stick on the puck and sweep it from good ice to bad ice to limit the attacker’s options.

• Match Speed: Adjust your pace to stay with the attacker, maintaining control of the inside ice and the shortest path to the net.

• Control Time and Space: Use angles to limit the attacker’s room to maneuver, forcing them into rushed or ineffective decisions.

• Anticipate Plays: Read the attacker’s movements to angle them effectively and guide them away from dangerous areas.

Key Points for Offensive Angling

• Create Space: Use techniques like cutting off defenders, getting off the wall, and controlling your hands to generate more time and room.

• Deceptive Skating: Use skating techniques such as double cuts, jab steps, middle cuts, and changes of speed to keep defenders off balance and create offensive opportunities.

• Exploit Weaknesses: Identify and attack areas of "good ice," such as open seams or areas where the opponent is vulnerable, to gain an advantage.

• Control Attack Points: Drive into high-percentage areas where scoring chances are more likely, while using stickhandling and positioning to protect the puck.

• Force Mistakes: Use angling offensively to press defenders into errors, such as turnovers or penalties, by limiting their time and space.

By mastering both defensive and offensive angling techniques, players can dominate in every zone, disrupt opponents’ strategies, and create opportunities for their team to succeed.