Powerplay / Penalty Kill

The 1-3-1 powerplay formation, also known as the "umbrella" formation, is a popular tactic used in ice hockey to create scoring opportunities with the man advantage. In this formation, there are four distinct roles: the Point, Left and Right Flanks, Bumper, and Net Front Presence.

The Point is typically a defenseman who plays at the top of the offensive zone, just inside the blue line. Their primary role is to quarterback the powerplay, distributing the puck to the Flanks and Bumper while also taking shots on net when the opportunity arises.

The Left and Right Flanks are typically forwards who play on either side of the offensive zone. Their primary role is to create passing lanes for the Point, move the puck quickly, and take shots on goal when the opportunity arises. The Left Flank is usually a left-handed shooter, while the Right Flank is usually a right-handed shooter. This means that when the Flanks are in good scoring positions, they can take advantage of their forehand shot to shoot the puck quickly and accurately towards the net.

The Bumper is a forward who plays in the high slot, between the Flanks and Net Front Presence. Their primary role is to provide a screen for the goalie, deflect shots on goal, and make quick passes to the Flanks or Point. They also need to be able to read the play and position themselves effectively in the high slot, ready to create scoring opportunities.

The Net Front Presence is a forward who plays in front of the opposing team's net. Their primary role is to create traffic in front of the goalie, deflect shots on goal, and collect rebounds. They need to be able to position themselves effectively and be ready to take advantage of any rebounds that come their way.  They can break away from in front of the net to help offer support for a pass and they must also manage the goal line area and pucks behind the net.  

The 1-3-1 powerplay formation works by creating multiple passing options and forcing the opposing team's penalty kill to move around the zone. The Flanks move the puck quickly to create passing lanes, while the Bumper and Net Front Presence create screens and deflect shots on goal.

If the opposing team tries to pressure the Point, they can quickly pass the puck to the Flanks or Bumper, who can then make quick passes to create scoring opportunities. If the opposing team focuses on the Flanks, the Point can take shots on goal or pass to the Bumper or Net Front Presence for deflections.

To score in this formation, players need to work together and execute their roles effectively. The Point player needs to be able to make quick decisions and accurate passes to keep the puck moving around the offensive zone. The Left and Right Flanks need to be able to find open passing lanes and quickly move the puck to create scoring chances from their respective sides.

The Bumper needs to be able to read the play and position themselves effectively in the high slot, ready to provide a screen for the goalie and make quick passes to create scoring opportunities. The Net Front Presence player needs to be able to position themselves in front of the opposing team's net and create traffic to disrupt the goalie's view. They also need to be ready to deflect shots on goal or collect rebounds.

Overall, the success of the 1-3-1 powerplay formation relies on teamwork, communication, and effective execution of each player's role. When executed properly, this formation can be a powerful offensive weapon and create scoring opportunities even against tough defensive opponents.

Down and In (low to high) - the puck is moved from the low area of the offensive zone (near the net) to the high area (the slot) for the shot on goal.

The sequence starts with the Right Flank in possession of the puck. The Flank can either fake a seam pass or fake a shot on goal to draw the attention of the opposing team's penalty kill. If the opposing team's penalty kill moves to cover the potential shot or seam pass, the Right Flank can then pass the puck to the Net Front Presence (NFP).

The NFP receives the puck and quickly one-touches it to the Bumper, who is positioned in the high slot. This pass can catch the opposing team's penalty kill off guard, as they may not be expecting the quick one-touch pass from the NFP to the Bumper.

Once the Bumper receives the puck, they can quickly move inside the box to free up their stick and take a one-timer shot on goal. 

This passing sequence is successful because it creates movement and passing options, forcing the opposing team's penalty kill to move around and creating gaps in their coverage. The quick one-touch pass from the NFP to the Bumper can catch the opposing team off guard and create scoring opportunities.

Play 2: Seam to Bumper scoring sequence

The sequence starts with the Right Flank in possession of the puck. The Right Flank looks for passing options, including the Bumper, Point, and Net Front Presence (NFP).

If the penalty killer over-commits to the goal line pass to the NFP, the Right Flank can quickly feed the puck to the Bumper for a one-timer shot on goal. This quick pass can catch the opposing team's penalty kill off guard.

As the Bumper takes the one-timer shot, the Left Flank and NFP can crash the net to clean up any rebounds that may occur. By doing so, they create more scoring opportunities and increase the chances of scoring a goal.

This scoring sequence is successful because it takes advantage of the opposing team's over-commitment to defending the goal line pass to the NFP. The quick pass from the Right Flank to the Bumper creates a scoring opportunity, while the Left Flank and NFP crashing the net increases the chances of scoring on any potential rebounds.