Team Scoring

Scoring in hockey is not just about individual talent, but also the result of a team's strategy and preparation. A team that can work together to create scoring opportunities will be more successful than a team that relies solely on individual efforts. The right shot, at the right time, from the right position, can be the difference between winning and losing.

The art of team scoring in hockey involves analyzing the play, finding open spaces, and making quick decisions. It requires a combination of individual skill and teamwork. For example, a player's teammates can create shooting opportunities by opening up space, screening the goaltender, or making a pass.

In order to maximize their scoring opportunities, teams must also be prepared for various situations that can arise on the ice.  Emphasizing the importance of getting players to the net, especially in the high-traffic areas close to the goal, aligns with the statistical reality that a significant percentage of goals are scored in these close-range situations.

The emphasis on generating chances off the cycle, along the boards, is a testament to the strategic advantage of controlling play in the offensive zone. This approach not only allows for sustained pressure but also provides opportunities for players to position themselves effectively in front of the net. It acknowledges the value of creating scoring opportunities through strategic plays, precise passing, and the physical battles along the boards. 

• See Scoring: Get to the Net and Create Traffic

Crossing the "Royal Road" also increases a team's chances of scoring. This refers to any pass that goes across the line below the tops of the circles, resulting in a shot on goal. Research shows that a pass across the Royal Road results in a shot on goal with a higher success rate, as the lateral movement of the puck forces the goaltender to struggle with setting their depth and angle, making the save more difficult.

Ultimately, scoring in hockey is about effective communication, cooperation, and execution. A team that can work together to create and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be the ones who consistently find success on the ice.

Below are some of the absolute necessities to include in every team's scoring principles:

On the Rush - Middle Lane Drive to the Net (Triangle Attack Option) 

This approach integrates rush drives with speed (of all players) and with a focus on net presence, emphasizing efficiency in creating scoring opportunities. It's not just about the initial shot but the structured aftermath – a practical execution where players fulfill their roles to enhance the team's scoring potential. In the quest for offensive success, this method ensures that every rush drive contributes to a collective effort, with players converging on the net and goal crease for sustained offensive pressure. 

Every rush drive is strategically crafted to establish net presence. As the team accelerates up the ice, F2 takes a direct route to the net, aiming to disrupt the defense and, when possible, split the defensemen for increased effectiveness.  During the rush, F2,  provides a passing option or positions for potential rebounds at the backside post. The shooter doesn't stand idle but follows their shot, taking up the role of the strong side circle player, strategically waiting for rebound opportunities. This systematic approach ensures that offensive pressure persists beyond the initial shot. Simultaneously, F3 becomes a dynamic component, injecting speed into the rush and offering an additional up high passing option for F1.  F3 positions themselves on the way to the slot, ready to capitalize on rebounds or create additional scoring opportunities. F3 has the flexibility to go straight to the net if needed. 

Give and Go

The give-and-go is a fundamental play in hockey that involves passing the puck to a teammate and then immediately receiving a return pass. In this play, the original passer should aim to get into a good shooting position after making the first pass. By moving into a shooting position, the player puts pressure on the defender and creates a scoring opportunity for themselves or a teammate.

The goal of the give-and-go is to create a high-quality scoring chance by taking advantage of the defender's position and by making quick and precise passes. After making the pass, the original passer can look to receive the return pass in a position where they have time and space to shoot the puck, such as in the high slot, near the faceoff circle, or in the middle of the ice.

Once the return pass is received, the original passer should be ready to shoot the puck immediately. If the shot is not available, the player can look to make another pass to a teammate for another scoring opportunity.

Cross the Royal Road

The "Royal Road" in hockey refers to an imaginary line that runs down the center of the ice, dividing it into two halves. This line is used to determine the location of shots and passes in hockey. The term "Royal Road" is used because of the perception that the center of the ice is the "royal" path to the goal, and that shots and passes down the center are the most desirable and advantageous. The "Golden Road" is a similar concept, referring to the area between the face-off circles, which is also considered a prime scoring area. 

The Royal Road can be used to increase the likelihood of scoring by making shots and passes from the center of the ice. In general, shots and passes from the middle of the ice have a higher likelihood of success compared to those from the perimeter. This is because shots from the center allow for better angles, and there is more room for error in terms of the shot's accuracy. Additionally, by making a pass or carrying the puck over the Royal Road, the defense and goaltender are forced to adjust their positioning, potentially creating more space for the attacking team to score. 

Crossing the Royal Road increases your chances of scoring because it forces the goaltender to move laterally, potentially creating vulnerabilities in their coverage. When a shot or pass is made through the center of the ice, the goaltender must move from side to side to track the puck, leaving parts of the net exposed. If the attacking team can exploit these openings, it increases their chances of scoring a goal. By crossing the Royal Road, an attacking team can create high-quality scoring opportunities and increase their chances of putting the puck in the net. 

Puck Placement for the One Timer

The pass placement is important for a one-timer shot because it can determine the success of the play. A precise and accurate pass is crucial for a one-timer shot because it allows the shooter to receive the puck in a position where they can shoot quickly and accurately. A poor pass placement, on the other hand, can lead to a turnover or an inefficient shot.

In a one-timer shot, the shooter doesn't have time to control the puck or make adjustments, so the pass needs to be in the right place for them to take the shot immediately. A well-placed pass will give the shooter time and space to shoot the puck, allowing them to get maximum power and accuracy on the shot.

Good Quality Shooting Areas

Shot attempts from 10-20 ft out from the net, have been found to account for a significant portion of all goals scored in the NHL. According to statistics, approximately 34% of all goals are scored from this area, making it one of the most high-danger areas on the ice.

The percentage of goals scored from this area increases even further when shots are taken from inside the "house," or the area directly in front of the net. This area is often referred to as the "high-percentage scoring area" due to its close proximity to the net and limited angles for the goaltender to defend.

Furthermore, if a team is able to cross the Royal Road with the puck before taking the shot, their chances of scoring increase even more. This is because crossing the Royal Road forces the goaltender to move from side to side, making it more difficult for them to defend the shot. As a result, the team is able to create high-quality scoring opportunities, increasing their chances of putting the puck in the net.

The type of shot used in hockey can greatly impact the success of the scoring attempt. While different types of shots may be used in different situations, the wrist shot is often considered to be the most effective shot in terms of accuracy and speed.

The wrist shot is a quick release shot that is taken with a flick of the wrist, allowing for a quicker release and less time for the goaltender to react. It is also more accurate than other types of shots, such as the snap shot or the slap shot, as the wrist shot allows for more control over the shot's direction and velocity.

However, it is important to note that the best type of shot to use in a given situation will depend on several factors, including the location of the shooter, the speed of the play, and the position of the goaltender. As a result, players must be able to effectively use multiple types of shots in order to maximize their scoring opportunities.

• See Get to the Net  for the       

[ Home ]