How do faceoffs work in NHL 22. What are the complete faceoff controls. How to win faceoffs in NHL 22. What is the NHL 22 Faceoff Chart. What are the best faceoff tips for NHL 22. How to improve your faceoff skills in NHL 22. What are the most effective faceoff strategies in NHL 22.
Understanding the Importance of Faceoffs in NHL 22
Faceoffs are a crucial aspect of NHL 22, serving as the foundation for possession and control throughout the game. Mastering the art of winning draws can significantly impact your team’s performance and ultimately lead to more victories on the virtual ice.
In NHL 22, faceoffs occur at the beginning of each period and after stoppages in play. The center from each team faces off against each other, vying for control of the puck. Winning faceoffs consistently can provide your team with numerous advantages, including:
- Immediate possession of the puck
- Opportunity to set up offensive plays
- Control over the pace and flow of the game
- Increased time in the offensive zone
- Better defensive positioning
The Mechanics of Faceoffs in NHL 22
Understanding how faceoffs work in NHL 22 is essential for improving your success rate. Here’s a breakdown of the faceoff process:
- Two centers line up on opposite sides of a designated faceoff dot.
- The referee approaches from the side, holding the puck.
- Players must set their grip before the puck is dropped.
- The referee releases the puck, and players execute their chosen faceoff action.
- The player who wins the draw gains possession for their team.
Timing is crucial in faceoffs. Executing your chosen action too early or too late can result in a loss, even if you’ve selected the correct counter to your opponent’s move.
Mastering NHL 22 Faceoff Controls
To excel at faceoffs in NHL 22, you must first familiarize yourself with the controls. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the faceoff controls:
Setting Your Grip
- Forehand Grip: Hold Right Analogue Left
- Backhand Grip: Hold Right Analogue Right
Basic Faceoff Actions
- Win Straight Back: Right Analogue Down (after setting grip)
- Stick Lift: Right Analogue Up, then Down (after setting grip)
- Tie-Up: Left Analogue Up (after setting grip)
- Faceoff Deke: L1/LB + Right Analogue Up (no grip)
- Faceoff Shot: Flick Right Analogue towards the goal (no grip)
It’s important to note that these controls are for left-handed faceoff takers. For right-handed players, simply reverse the grip directions.
Strategies for Winning Faceoffs in NHL 22
Winning faceoffs consistently in NHL 22 requires a combination of skill, strategy, and adaptability. Here are some key tips to improve your faceoff success rate:
- Watch the referee’s hand: Time your faceoff action with the moment the puck hits the ice.
- Read your opponent: Try to anticipate their faceoff strategy and counter it effectively.
- Mix up your techniques: Don’t become predictable by using the same move repeatedly.
- Utilize the faceoff chart: Understand which actions are most effective against others.
- Practice timing: Spend time in practice mode to perfect your timing on various faceoff actions.
- Use appropriate players: Ensure your centers have high faceoff and poise attribute ratings.
Decoding the NHL 22 Faceoff Chart
The NHL 22 Faceoff Chart is a valuable tool for understanding the effectiveness of different faceoff actions against one another. Here’s a simplified version of the chart:
| Action | vs. Forehand | vs. Backhand | vs. Stick Lift | vs. Tie-Up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forehand | Even | Lose | Lose | Win |
| Backhand | Win | Even | Win | Lose |
| Stick Lift | Win | Lose | Even | Win |
| Tie-Up | Lose | Win | Lose | Even |
This chart provides a general guideline for which actions tend to be successful against others. However, remember that timing, player attributes, and other factors can influence the outcome of each faceoff.
Advanced Faceoff Techniques in NHL 22
Once you’ve mastered the basics, consider incorporating these advanced techniques into your faceoff repertoire:
The Faceoff Deke
The faceoff deke is a high-risk, high-reward move that can catch opponents off guard. To execute it, press L1/LB and flick the Right Analogue Up without setting a grip. This move can be effective against opponents who consistently use tie-ups or stick lifts.
The Faceoff Shot
In certain situations, particularly on offensive zone draws, the faceoff shot can be a surprise tactic. To perform this move, simply flick the Right Analogue towards the goal without setting a grip. While it’s unlikely to result in a goal, it can create chaos in front of the net and lead to scoring opportunities.
Grip Switching
Advanced players can try switching their grip at the last moment to confuse opponents. This technique requires precise timing and can be risky, but when executed correctly, it can give you a significant advantage.
Improving Your Faceoff Skills Through Practice
Becoming proficient at faceoffs in NHL 22 requires dedication and practice. Here are some ways to hone your skills:
- Utilize Practice Mode: Spend time in the game’s practice mode to work on timing and techniques without the pressure of a real game.
- Analyze Replays: After matches, review faceoffs to identify areas for improvement and study successful techniques.
- Play Against Friends: Engage in friendly matches to practice against human opponents with varying strategies.
- Join Online Communities: Participate in NHL gaming forums and communities to share tips and learn from experienced players.
- Watch Professional Players: Study faceoff techniques used by top NHL 22 players in tournaments or online streams.
The Role of Player Attributes in Faceoff Success
While skill and strategy play significant roles in winning faceoffs, player attributes also have a considerable impact. When selecting your faceoff takers, pay attention to these key attributes:
Faceoff Rating
This attribute directly affects a player’s ability to win draws. Centers with higher faceoff ratings have a better chance of success, all other factors being equal.
Poise
Poise influences a player’s performance under pressure. High poise can help maintain consistency in crucial faceoff situations, such as late-game draws or during penalty kills.
Strength
While not as crucial as the faceoff rating, strength can give players an edge in physical battles during tie-ups and stick lifts.
When building your team or selecting lines, prioritize players with high faceoff ratings for your center positions. This can significantly improve your overall faceoff success rate.
Situational Faceoff Strategies in NHL 22
Different game situations call for varied faceoff approaches. Here are some strategies to consider for specific scenarios:
Offensive Zone Faceoffs
When taking a faceoff in the offensive zone, your primary goal is to create scoring opportunities. Consider these tactics:
- Use the tie-up technique to allow your wingers to swoop in and grab the puck.
- Try a clean win back to your defensemen for a quick shot on goal.
- Attempt a faceoff shot to catch the goalie off guard or create a rebound.
Defensive Zone Faceoffs
In your own zone, the priority is to clear the puck and relieve pressure. Employ these strategies:
- Aim for a clean win back to your defensemen for a quick clear.
- Use the stick lift to disrupt your opponent’s play and potentially gain possession.
- If losing consistently, consider using the tie-up to buy time for your teammates to help.
Neutral Zone Faceoffs
Neutral zone faceoffs offer opportunities to establish possession and control the game’s pace. Try these approaches:
- Win the puck back to maintain possession and set up your offense.
- Use the tie-up to create a puck battle and potentially spring a teammate for a breakaway.
- Attempt a faceoff deke to catch your opponent off guard and gain the offensive zone quickly.
Power Play Faceoffs
During power plays, winning the faceoff can be crucial for maintaining offensive pressure. Consider these tactics:
- Prioritize clean wins to quickly set up your power play formation.
- Use the tie-up to allow your extra attacker to swoop in and gain possession.
- Be prepared for aggressive penalty-killing units trying to disrupt your play.
Penalty Kill Faceoffs
When short-handed, winning faceoffs can help eat up valuable time. Employ these strategies:
- Focus on clean wins to clear the puck down the ice immediately.
- Use the stick lift to disrupt the opponent’s power play setup.
- Be prepared for tie-ups and have your wingers ready to battle for loose pucks.
By adapting your faceoff strategy to the specific game situation, you can maximize your chances of success and give your team a significant advantage.
Common Faceoff Mistakes to Avoid in NHL 22
Even experienced players can fall into bad habits when it comes to faceoffs. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them:
Becoming Predictable
Using the same faceoff technique repeatedly makes it easy for opponents to counter your moves. Vary your approach to keep your opposition guessing.
Ignoring Player Attributes
Failing to consider faceoff ratings when selecting your centers can put you at a disadvantage. Always try to have your best faceoff takers on the ice for crucial draws.
Poor Timing
Executing your faceoff action too early or too late can result in losses, even if you’ve chosen the correct technique. Focus on timing your move with the puck drop.
Neglecting to Read Opponents
Failing to observe and adapt to your opponent’s tendencies can lead to unnecessary faceoff losses. Pay attention to their preferred techniques and adjust accordingly.
Overusing Aggressive Techniques
While moves like the stick lift and tie-up can be effective, overusing them can lead to penalties or easy counters. Use these techniques judiciously and mix them with basic wins.
By avoiding these common pitfalls and consistently working on your faceoff skills, you’ll see a marked improvement in your success rate and overall performance in NHL 22.
NHL 22: How to Win Faceoffs, Faceoff Chart, and Tips
There’s a lot of fun to be had in NHL 22 by playing on the back foot, laying down big checks, and catching teams out on the rush. Still, the more assured method of controlling the game and eventually coming out on top is to retain possession for long spells.
In ice hockey, possession in each phase begins in the faceoff circle, with teams who’re strong in the duel tending to enjoy more of the puck in each game. So, to help you to win more faceoffs and control the flow of the game, here’s everything that you need to know about faceoffs in NHL 22.
How do faceoffs work in NHL 22?
Faceoffs are a core play in ice hockey, with the drop of the puck deciding which team will come out with possession following stops in play. For the most part, in NHL 22, unless you tweak your special teams, the appointed center of your line that’s on the ice will take the faceoff against your opponent’s center.
To start a faceoff, two centers will stand on opposite sides of a designated faceoff dot. Next, the referee will approach from the side with the puck in their hand. It’s at this point in NHL 22 that you’ll want to set your grip, wait for the referee to throw the puck to the ground, and then perform your faceoff action of choice.
Those who want to know how to win faceoffs in NHL 22 would do well to work on watching the timing of the referee’s puck drop first, as how you time your faceoff action is the primary decider of if you come out with the puck. From here, understanding which actions tend to win against others can come into play.
Complete NHL 22 faceoffs controls
As you can see in the image above, the faceoff controls in NHL 22 are relatively simple: you set and hold one of two grips with the right analogue and then pick your move once the puck drops. However, there are several faceoff actions that you can pull from this set, as follows:
- Set Forehand Grip Prior to Drop: Hold Right Analogue Left
- Set Backhand Grip Prior to Drop: Hold Right Analogue Right
- Aim Puck Win Direction: Hold Left Analogue towards intended receiving player
- Basic Forehand Controls: Right Analogue Left (Grip), Right Analogue Down (Win Straight Back)
- Basic Backhand Controls: Right Analogue Right (Grip), Right Analogue Down (Win Straight Back)
- Forehand Stick Lift Controls: Right Analogue Left (Grip), Right Analogue Up (Stick Lift), Right Analogue Down (Pass Puck Back)
- Backhand Stick Lift Controls: Right Analogue Right (Grip), Right Analogue Up (Stick Lift), Right Analogue Down (Pass Puck Back)
- Faceoff Deke Controls: L1/LB and flick Right Analogue Up (Don’t set a Grip)
- Forehand Tie-Up Controls: Right Analogue Left (Grip), Left Analogue Up (Push Back Opponent)
- Backhand Tie-Up Controls: Right Analogue Right (Grip), Left Analogue Up (Push Back Opponent)
- Faceoff Shot Controls: FlickRight Analogue towards the goal (Don’t set a Grip)
The faceoff controls listed above show the grip direction for the more common left-handed faceoff taker (those who hold their left hand lower down the stick). For a right-handed faceoff taker, flip the grip controls to the other side.
How to win faceoffs in NHL 22
To win a faceoff in NHL 22, you need to set your grip before the puck drops, not play your faceoff action until the puck has hit the ice, and pick a faceoff action that will beat that of your opponent.
However, to have an even better chance of winning a faceoff, you should make sure that your faceoff takers have high attribute ratings for faceoffs and poise. Even then, you almost certainly won’t win every draw, with a 57 per cent faceoff win percentage considered elite-tier in the real NHL.
NHL 22 Faceoff Chart
In the table below, you can see our findings from several faceoffs using the different actions and how they’ve tended to pan out. Of course, faceoff taker attributes, timing on the draw, and other situational elements will sway results. So, consider this faceoffs table to be loose guidance and what we found to be the result the majority of the time in our playthrough of NHL 22.
| Faceoff Action | Basic Forehand | Basic Backhand | Forehand Stick Lift | Backhand Stick Lift | Faceoff Deke | Forehand Tie-Up | Backhand Tie-Up | Faceoff Shot |
| Basic Forehand | E | L | L | L | W | W | W | W |
| Basic Backhand | W | E | W | W | W | L | L | W |
| Forehand Stick Lift | W | L | E | W | W | E | W | W |
| Backhand Stick Lift | W | L | L | E | W | W | E | W |
| Faceoff Deke | L | L | L | L | E | L | L | E |
| Forehand Tie-Up | L | W | E | L | W | E | L | W |
| Backhand Tie-Up | L | W | L | E | W | W | E | W |
| Faceoff Shot | L | L | L | L | E | L | L | E |
Use the above faceoffs table by picking your action on the left and comparing it to the opponent’s actions across the table. Key: W (Win), E (Even Chance), L (Loss).
As shown in the faceoffs table above, we found the following to be the general themes of faceoff actions through our simulations of draws:
- Basic Backhand is superior to Basic Forehand most of the time;
- Forehand Sticklift is better than Backhand Sticklift most of the time;
- Backhand Tie-Up tends to produce more wins than Forehand Tie-Up, but the split here was more marginal;
- Deke and Faceoff Shot very rarely work, especially against human opponents who know how to take faceoffs.
Tips for winning faceoffs in NHL 22
Faceoffs are relatively simple in NHL 22, controls-wise, and several draws will be decided by a mere split-second of better timing from one side of the faceoff circle. Still, there are a few ways to better your chances of winning possession when the puck drops.
1. Get the best faceoff centers in your lines
Being a game that revolves around player attribute ratings, having a higher-rated faceoff taker in the circle will automatically give you an edge. In NHL 22, Patrice Bergeron, Ryan O’Reilly, Sidney Crosby, and Jonathan Toews boast the highest faceoff scores, so they’ll tend to win more duels if your timing and action selection is correct.
Generally speaking, two-way centers tend to have strong ratings for faceoffs, so if you want to win the puck more often when your bottom-six lines are out, seek to bring in one of these defence-minded skaters.
2. Watch for Quick Draw
NHL 22 brings with it a new feature: X-Factors. Of all of the Zone and Superstar Abilities now available, it’s Quick Draw that you want to look out for in the faceoff circle.
The Zone Abilities are the most influential, and in its Zone Ability form, Quick Draw grants the effect of exceptional quickness in faceoffs, increased effectiveness in tie-up wins, and enhanced defensive zone faceoffs. As a Superstar Ability, Quick Draw grants great faceoff ability.
Ryan O’Reilly is the only player with the Quick Draw X-Factor as their Zone Ability in the base game of NHL 22.
3. Timing is the most crucial factor
Any player who doesn’t have their grip set as they glide towards the drop spot or is fidgeting before the puck drops is likely going to lose the draw. As for the basics of timing faceoffs: have your grip held firmly on the backhand or forehand once your player sets their feet, and then don’t perform your faceoff action until just after you see the referee lean in to drop the puck.
4. Watch your opponent’s hands
An example of what to look for to spot your opponent using a forehand grip.
To see which faceoff action your opponent could use, keep an eye on the hand that they place lower down the stick.
If you can see their fingers and thumb, they’ll be using a forehand grip. A basic forehand draw can often be beaten by a basic backhand, forehand stick lift, or backhand stick lift. Also, a better-timed basic forehand or one by a better center can win these duels.
If you can see the knuckles of their glove, they’re going backhand, which can be beaten by either tie-up move or a better-timed basic backhand draw – or one performed by a superior center.
If your opponent stands without setting their grip, they’re either not contending or, more likely, aiming to attempt a faceoff shot or faceoff deke. In these instances, you can attempt the same to get a flashy win, but you’re better off just going with any other faceoff action as you’ll win the duel with proper timing.
5. If in doubt, set-up on the backhand
An example of what to look for to spot your opponent using a backhand grip.
In our playthrough of testing faceoff actions in all of the different duel match-ups in several situations, it was found that the basic backhand move is the most trusty and often the easiest move to pull. Against CPU skaters, it’s rather effective, but you’ll want to mix it up online as better players will be wise to the backhand set-up.
Hopefully, the tips above will help you to become a master of the duel in NHL 22, but the key to winning more faceoffs is your timing and the use of highly-rated skaters.
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How to Win Faceoffs in NHL 22
Faceoffs are the bread and butter of hockey. They allow you a fair and square chance to win back possession of the puck after an event has led to a faceoff. The events that will put you in a faceoff position against your opponent include:
- Start of the match or the half
- When a goal is scored
- If play has been stopped due to an attacking player in the offensive zone
- The puck has been hit out of bounds
- The puck is hit out of bounds directly from the faceoff
- A player gets an injury
- An icing is called by the referee
- Illegal hand pass has been commited
If you don’t know how to execute the different types of faceoffs in NHL 22 or aren’t prepared with a faceoff strategy as a whole, most often than not, you’ll lose every single faceoff and that’s no fun.
So, in this guide, I’ll show you everything that you need to know to win nearly every faceoff that you come up against. Do note that for the most part, it is a game of rock, paper, scissors, so playing mind games with your opponent is crucial to your success.
Understand the Different Faceoffs in NHL 22
| – Tie ✅ You Win ❌You Lose | Basic Forehand | Forehand Sticlift | Basic Backhand | Backhand Sticklift | Tie-Up | Deke |
| Basic Forehand | – | ❌ | – | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Forehand Sticlift | ✅ | – | ❌ | ✅ | – | ✅ |
| Basic Backhand | – | ✅ | – | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Backhand Stick lift | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | – | ✅ | ✅ |
| Tie-Up | ❌ | – | ✅ | ❌ | – | ✅ |
| Deke | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | – |
The table from above includes every possible faceoff combination between you and your opponent and the most likely outcome for each combination. For reference, you’re on the left-hand side (where the faceoffs are in bold) and your opponent is on the top.
So, as an example, let’s say that your opponent tries to win possession by using the backhand sticklift faceoff. In order to counter that, you’ll need to either go for the forehand sticklift or the backhand basic backhand faceoff. Anything else and you’ll either tie or lose the faceoff.
It’s also worth mentioning that the table above isn’t 100% accurate but rather a good indication of what you can expect in the large majority of cases.
Note: If you and your opponent end up going for the same faceoff, it will all come down to your player’s faceoff ratings. Even then, it might end up being a tie and a jumbled-up mess.
My best advice is for you to literally memorize the chart from above and pay attention to what kind of a faceoff your opponent is likely to pull off. That way, you can quickly determine a counter and win nearly every face-off that you come up against.
Now, let’s take a look at how you can win every single faceoff that you are likely to come up against in NHL 22.
Basic Forehand
The basic forehand is one of the most useful faceoff actions as that technique can beat any sort of tie-up or deke (particularly because the tie-up is the most used faceoff technique).
While it’s super useful, it can also be countered very easily if you come up against a player that is confident at faceoffs as both the forehand sticklift and the backhand sticklift can beat the basic forehand.
In order to execute the basic forehand, hold the right analog stick to the position of your opponent’s dominant hand, and as soon as the puck hits the ice, flick it back towards your teammates.
This is probably the second easiest faceoff and amongst the most useful ones.
Forehand Sticklift
Before I get into the forehand sticklift faceoff, I want to let you know that this is one of the slowest faceoff techniques out there. It’s really not useful if you want to quickly get possession of the puck and strike towards your opponent’s net.
I would only really use this animation if I am trying to gain possession and slow down the play, especially if I am defending.
In order to execute this faceoff, move the right stick towards the dominant hand (right for right-handed players and left for left-handed players), and as soon as the puck is released, flick the right analog stick upwards. To aim the pass, simply use your left analog stick and point it in the direction of where you want to pass.
The forehand sticklift is one of the most useful faceoffs as your probability of winning is 50%. If you use the forehand sticklift, you’ll beat any opponent who tries the basic forehand, backhand sticklift, and the deck faceoff. You will only lose if your opponent goes for the basic backhand and as for the rest, you’ll see a tie.
Basic Backhand
This particular faceoff will beat a forehand sticklift as well as the backhand sticklift. It is a faceoff that many players tend to use early due to the initial anticipation of a tie-up draw.
While it’s super useful against more experienced players who use mind games in their faceoff strategy, funnily enough, this faceoff can only be beaten by the tie-up.
So if you’re playing against more beginner players, it’s worth paying attention to the more basic faceoff techniques and how to counter them.
In order to execute the basic backhand, as soon as the referee starts to move the puck down towards the ice, move your right analog stick in the direction to that of the dominant hand of your opposing player (as an example, from the image above, flick the right analog stick to 9 o’clock).
Once the puck touches the ice move your right analog stick down to six o’clock
Backhand Sticklift
Similar to the forehand sticklift, the backhand sticklift requires some pretty good timing to pull it off on a regular basis. With the backhand sticklift, you will win against opponents who try the basic forehand, tie-up, and the deke faceoff techniques.
In order to execute the backhand sticklift, make sure that you push the right analog stick to the opposite side of your player’s dominant hand (right for left-handed players and left for right-handed players) right before the puck hits the ice.
When the puck touches the ice, flick your right analog stick forwards.
In order to aim the pass from the faceoff (provided you win), use your left analog stick to aim the pass towards one of your team players.
Tie-Up
This faceoff is particularly useful when you want to take your opposing player out of play and open up space for your winger to swoop in, get the puck, and either strike towards the opponent’s net (if in offense) or create the potential for an attack.
The tie-up technique can be performed from any stance so do make sure to move the analog stick either to the right or to the left before the puck is dropped on the ice.
In order to execute the tie-up faceoff, push forward your left analog stick as soon as the puck hits the ice, which will make your player go forward and block your opponent’s faceoff player from trying to get the puck. This will ultimately leave the puck behind your faceoff player for your winger to snatch it up.
The tie-up faceoff will only work if your opponent goes for the basic backhand or the deke faceoff. If they go for anything else, you’ll either tie or lose the faceoff.
One thing to remember is that most players will go for the tie-up because it’s the simplest one to execute. If you end up in a tie or losing the faceoff, that’s not really a problem since you can still win possession of the puck.
Deke/Shot
The deke is one of the riskiest yet most rewarding faceoffs. In order to perform the deke faceoff, hold L1 (for PS) and LB (for Xbox) right before the puck is being dropped and then press the RAS (right analog stick) forward as soon as the puck is released by the referee and hits the ice as if you were to perform a snap shot.
Do note that the timing for this faceoff is crucial. You can’t do it too early or too late or else, you’ll lose the faceoff.
If I were you, I’d use the deke/shot faceoff strategically in places where I can obviously benefit from executing it. It’s only really worth trying if you’re in the offense as if you’re defending, you don’t want to be messing around and losing possession of the puck, especially since that can easily lead to an unnecessary goal.
It’s also worth mentioning that you’ll lose the faceoff pretty much against any type of faceoff (refer to the table above) with the exception of the deke faceoff, which your opponent is very unlikely to attempt, especially if they’re in their half.
Other Helpful Tips to Win Every Faceoff
Timing is Crucial
No matter what faceoff you decide to go for or how high faceoff rating your player has, you will lose faceoffs almost every time if you don’t time them perfectly.
Remember that the higher you climb in the leagues, the better players you’ll play against where the margin for error really is zero. One lost faceoff in defense can easily lead to a goal so always pay attention.
The best time you want to execute your faceoff is as soon as you notice the referee moving downwards to place the puck. Too early will pretty much lose you the faceoff and going too late will too.
Pick the Best Faceoff Player
When your opponent has chosen the same faceoff as you and their timing is as perfect as yours, then the player who wins the faceoff will come down to the one who has a higher faceoff rating.
Thus, it is crucial for you to have a player with high faceoff stats if you want to maximize your chances. Yes, most of the great faceoff players do cost a fair chunk of coins, but if you learn the best ways to get coins on NHL 22, you will be able to afford a faceoff player that will get the job done every time.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to win faceoffs in NHL 22, it’s time for you to memorize the table and each counter technique to every faceoff.
It will take you some time, but it’s worth it. It’s absolutely necessary for you to win more faceoffs than your opponent, especially if you’re defending as that will dramatically reduce the goals you concede.
NHL Tips: FACEOFFS
Faceoffs are much more complex in NHL 11.
During replays you can choose between defensive, normal and aggresive formation for your team. You do this by moving the LS down, right or up.
When it’s time for the face off get into position by moving the the RS to 9 or 3 o’clock. If you’re a left shooter bringing the RS to 9 will put you in a forehand stance. 3 o’clock puts you in back hand stance. Then move the RS down to try to win the puck.
In a forehand stance (as a left shooter and with a normal faceoff formation) if you win the puck you will send it backwards to the right. So if you’re in the offensive zone making a faceoff to the left and you want to take a direct shot with your right D, you have to be i forehand stance.
You can also:
1) Stick lift – move the RS up instead of down (you have grip your stick first).
2) Tie up your opponent – skip moving the RS at all and instead move the LS up.
3) Deke off the draw – hold L1 (LB) and move the RS up after the drop.
4) Shoot – move RS up.
As to when you should move the RS up/down it depends. Most of the time, I would say at the moment the ref drops the puck. Offline usually means you should wait a fraction of a second longer and online you might have to be a little early. Try to be systematic. If you loose a faceoff (where both players don’t try any tricks) try waiting a little longer next time. If you loose again, try being a little early. When you’ve felt out the latency, try remembering how long you waited when you won the puck and repeat your success.
But timing isn’t everything. Faceoffs are really a bit like rock, paper and scissors now. EAsports explains in a recent video:
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT NHL 11 ELECTRONICS GAMES PS3 XBOX 360 NINTENDO WII PSP iPHONE APPLE PC BLUERAY TV HOCKEY ELECTRONIC ARTS LCD PLASMA COMPUTERS EA SPORTS
Faceoff Tips | Rick Heinz – Goalie Player Hockey Schools
The faceoff is an often-overlooked element of hockey that can give your team the edge by gaining puck control at the start, or resumption of play. However, despite its importance, when many centres approach a faceoff situation they have no real idea of what to do and end up improvising the draw. If you want your team to gain an advantage, it’s important to study faceoff techniques and procedure.
Skate guards
To give you an idea of how good elite players can be at the dot; the best player in hockey at faceoffs last year (with more than 400 faceoffs taken) was Antoine Vermette of the Anaheim Mighty Ducks whose faceoff win percentage was 63.8%. This is proof that players who know what they’re doing at faceoffs can win the draw often. Without further delay, we offer the following tips so you can become better at faceoffs and further help your team to victory.
Know the Faceoff Rules
You’ve probably seen centres thrown out of the faceoff circle when watching an NHL game. This happens when they break a faceoff rule. The rules for NHL faceoffs are laid down in the official NHL rule book. Often, centres are thrown out for not having their stick on the ice (in this case, they’re probably trying to cheat the draw by moving early) but they can also be thrown out for not taking their proper position in time. Remember to get into position quickly and keep your stick on the ice until the linesman drops the puck. Then you can move your stick.
Another important rule to know is when a faceoff takes place in a team’s defensive zone, the centreman on defense gets to decide where to put his stick down first. Keep in mind the puck must be dropped between the two sticks, so the centre’s sticks must be on opposite sides of the faceoff circle. This is important to know because in the case of a faceoff to the right or left of the goalie, the defensive player will usually want to place their stick so they can swipe the puck away from the net off the draw. If you see your opponent abusing this rule by putting their stick down first, let the linesman with the puck know.
Have a plan going in to the faceoff
Hockey’s a fast game with plenty of improvised movements, but that doesn’t mean your team can’t strategize and set up plays before games and between periods. When your team goes into a faceoff draw, everyone should know the preferred outcome. If you have a defenseman behind you who is particularly good at snapping a quick shot off the draw, they should know you are going to try and win the faceoff to them.
A second element to planning the faceoff is to have a strategy if the draw is not won cleanly. Usually, you would like either your left or right winger to swoop in and claim the puck if they see the centre is tied up, but not both. The other should be looking to get in front of the net on offense or moving to a more defensive position if the draw is in your team’s zone.
Faceoff Matchups
For important game situations, sometimes its good to play faceoff matchups. Study the opponents to determine who’s strong and weak at draws and understand the same about your team. If you see your opponents fourth line out there and it’s a critical faceoff you may want to send out your skill players to give you a better chance of winning the draw.
Of course, knowing the strategy is nothing without plenty of practice. Repetition, taking draws repeatedly, will make you skilled at faceoffs and an asset to your team.
We hope these tips will make you a better player at the faceoff dot. For more tips, drills and hockey advice, register for a Rick Heinz hockey camp in Canada or the United States. For more information contact us at in a city or town near you!
Call of Duty: Cold War | Face Off – Multiplayer Tips & Guides | Black Ops Cold War
Learn how to play the multiplayer game mode: 3v3 Face Off in Call of Duty Black Ops Cold War (COD Cold War)! Know Face Off tips & recommended weapons, what is face off, equipment!!
All Multiplayer Modes List
What Is Face Off? – Mode Overview
| How To Win |
|---|
| Depends on the game mode |
Face Off is a close-quarters 3 versus 3 game mode. It plays similarly to 2v2 Gunfight as players must secure victory inside a very small map. Unlike Gunfight however, players immediately respawn after death and can use Custom Loadouts. There is also no Scorestreaks in this game mode.
Objectives Vary
Unlike the Deathmatch-only Gunfight, players must satisfy objectives in Face Off to win the match. These objectives are random and use rules from common game modes. Given the scale, the objectives and conditions are adjusted to fit a smaller player count.
Face Off Game Modes
Uses 2v2 Gunfight Maps
Face Off makes use of the small and very intimate maps from the Gunfight game mode. Expect very short but intense encounters in this game mode.
Check Out All Maps Here!
Face Off Gameplay Tips
Grind For XP Here
3v3 Face Off is always held in a very compact map, requiring little travel time to encounter an enemy. You also respawn immediately after you die, making it very easy to go around and shoot some more. If you’re planning on grinding for XP, completing objectives, or weapon levels, this is the best game mode to do it.
Better With 2XP
You can get double XP tokens for both player XP and weapon XP from the Battle Pass. Also, stay tuned for announcements for special events that implement global 2XP for all. Take advantage of these and grind your weapons and rank to easily reach max weapon levels and Prestige!
Check Out Double XP Events Here!
Maps Are Very Small
As mentioned above, the maps used in Face Off are from 2v2 Gunfight. Expect little to no legroom and occasional spawn camps.
Check Out All Maps Here!
Play The Objectives
If you get game modes like Hardpoint and Domination, proactively play the objectives. Remember that killing enemy players is not the only way to win in some matches.
Face Off Recommended Weapons & Equipment
Bring SMGs, Shotguns, & ARs
The most aggressive team in Face Off is the clear winner. With that, bring close-quarters weapons like SMGs and Shotguns, and use them to quickly get kills. Assault Rifles also work well here but are eclipsed by the SMG and Shotgun when it comes to CQC.
Check Out The All Weapons Here!
Use Tacticals
The maps leave no room for enemies to easily dodge both tacticals and lethals. Tacticals can also give your teammates an advantage if properly used. Bring Flashbangs or Stun Grenades and use them whenever possible. It also helps if you have the Danger Close Wildcard.
Check Out All Tactical Equipment Here!
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Face Off – Everything You Need to Know | Tips
The world of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has received a plethora of updates during its life, with one of the most recent being the playlist update that took place on June 23rd. This playlist update switched up some of the game modes that players can experience when they jump into the high-octane game. One of the new game modes that were added to the title with this recent playlist update is Face Off, which allows players to experience new game modes on specific maps that there were not able to before. Fortunately, we have everything you need to know about Face Off covered for you.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Face Off
Players will find that this new game mode is a hybrid between 3v3 Gunfight and traditional multiplayer, where the action is ramped up to a high degree.
You can find the official description for the Face Off game mode below:
“Face Off meshes the strategic 3v3 side of Gunfight to the fun and frenetic nature of traditional Multiplayer modes. Play modes like Domination, Kill Confirmed, Grind, and more on a variety of Gunfight modes in this playlist. Find a partner, then work together to best the other team.”
There is no doubt that players who jump into this particular game mode in the latest entry in the legendary first-person shooter franchise will be able to experience an array of adrenaline-fueled moments that will keep them entertained for hours.
Check out one of our video guides for the popular first-person shooter where we take a look at all of the weapons that are available in the Warzone Battle Royale Gulag area:
Do you want to learn more about Call of Duty besides the details of the Face Off Modern Warfare game mode? If so, be sure to check out our dedicated hub for the high-profile game or three of our most recent pieces of coverage below:
What are your thoughts on the Face Off game mode in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare? Let us know over on Facebook and Twitter!
Alternative Defensive Zone Faceoff Formation – Beer League Tips
Faceoffs may seem like a trivial component of a hockey game, but winning more faceoffs directly translates into more scoring chances.
This post will introduce you to an alternative to the standard faceoff alignment commonly used at high levels of play.
Problems with Traditional Faceoff Formations
Most beer league teams still use the basic center ice faceoff formation in all positions on the ice. While it works fine for center ice and the attacking zone, it is not a very good setup in the defensive zone.
There are alternatives, however. It is important to note that this alignment is only appropriate for a defensive zone faceoff, but I believe it is a much better arrangement.
In the traditional faceoff alignment, a few positions have to skate through other players to reach their assigned coverage area. In addition, none of those routes takes the player into an area where the puck is likely to be. Finally, a shift in the attackers position further challenges defending players to gain a positional advantage.
In the diagram (at the right), the attacking team has an area of uncontested ice after the faceoff (highlighted in grey). In addition, cleanly won faceoffs result in both the RW and RD having open space to get an uncontested shot from within this grey area before the defending player can reach them, or even try to block a shot, since they are coming from an off angle.
Alternative Defensive Zone Formation
An alternative lines up players with their coverage area, and the shooting lane.
In this formation, the wingers (who need to cover distance quickly after a faceoff) can jump more quickly because they have the same initial skating pattern regardless of whether or not the faceoff is won or lost, and they’re not asked to engage with other wingers in the event a puck battle ensues in a contested faceoff.
The following takes place in this formation
- Defensemen engage immediately with opposing wingers
- Wingers move immediately
- Wingers move directly at the opposing defensemen
- Wingers always remain in the shooting lane
- Strong side winger (LW in the example) moves through the soft spot to steal soft faceoff wins
- Both wingers gains speed for quick breakaway in case of a clean win.
The biggest challenge in this system is that it puts pressure on the strong side defenseman (LD in this example) to retrieve pucks in a faceoff win, so it’s not a good system if your defenders are weaker skaters on your team.
Set Play Breakaway
This setup is particularly good at exposing the potential for breakaway plays due to the wingers moving aggressively up the center part of the ice. In any kind of clean win (and sometimes even in a lost faceoff), one or both of the wingers are able to get a step on flat footed defenders at the point, potentially allowing for a number of breakaway plays. One of the most common is pictured in the diagram. Although it is possible in other faceoff formations, it is especially practical in this one due to the angle of attackers and defenders movement.
Related
90,000 Tips for Beginner Football Players
First advice. Equip a soccer field. Its length is 90 meters, width – 60. The upper goal post must be two meters from the ground, and the distance between the side posts must be six meters.
Second advice. Make friends with the ball. To do this, learn how to hit with the kick and head. First, master the blow with the middle of the rise, then with the inner and outer parts of it. Do not lean back on impact.
Get the ball to “stick to your foot.”Hit first on a stationary ball, then practice strikes on a rolling one, and only then on a flying ball. Try to hit with both feet. When hitting your head, try to look at the ball without shutting your eyes. Do not substitute your head under the ball, but, tilting the body back, try to hit the ball with your head.
Third advice. Learn the techniques of stopping the ball. Remember: a rolling ball is stopped with the sole, a steeply falling one – with a hip, and a ball flying high – with a chest in a jump. If the ball falls vertically from above, raise your leg lift to meet it and, touching the ball, lower your leg.If the ball rolls quickly across the field, place your relaxed leg in front of it and pull it slightly in the direction of the ball’s movement. The ball should “stick” to the leg.
Fourth Council. Learn to dribble the ball by pushing it with the kick. By increasing your running speed, at the same time increase the power of the push. At the same time, learn to throw the ball from the sideline: throw from behind your head, without taking your feet off the court.
Fifth tip. Learn to take the ball away from your opponent. The surest way is tackles.Knock the ball out from under the opponent’s feet with a twine throw. You can tackle by throwing forward to the ball with both feet. But be careful not to hit your opponent in the legs. For this, the judge will fine you.
Council sixth. Learn the simplest tricks to deceive the enemy. Do you know how to make a false swing? The opponent put out his foot to block the path of the ball. Swinging, do not rush to hit, it is better to push the ball to the side and drive it further. If you have the ball and the opponent is running towards you, you can turn the ball to the side at the last moment by turning your foot.Do you know how to “take away the ball” for yourself? To do this, having lured the opponent onto yourself, hold the ball on top with your sole, and then continue moving.
90,000 Record throw-in 51 meters (video)
Record out
© Thomas Gronnemark / Personal
The strike is hardly a dangerous football standard, but it should not be underestimated either. Especially when guys like the Dane Thomas Grönnemark get down to business. In the past, he is a successful athlete, and now he is the author of a special method of throwing outs.The ball in his hands is capable of sowing panic in the opponent’s penalty area. Having set a record for throw-out distance (51.33 m), he now trains players from the top clubs in his country.
How did you learn this? And most importantly, why? Outs are my passion. I just love them. It seems to me that I spent 30 or 40 thousand hours practicing faceoffs (this is about three years). Every game has a bunch of outs, but the players don’t learn to throw them in. This is strange to me. So I started to develop my own methodology, and since then I have been working in the largest football clubs in Denmark and beyond.
You have broken the world record for throw-in range. Tell us how it happened.
I decided to break the record of 49 m, but I knew that I could not do it with a regular throw-in. On average, I could only throw 42 meters. Then I decided to try to throw the ball with a somersault. To learn this, I trained for a long time with the coach of the Danish National Rhythmic Gymnastics Team.
How long did you manage to throw the ball? The ball flew 51.33 m at a speed of about 100 km / h.
Sounds impressive! What was the most difficult thing? The most difficult thing was to keep the ball in my hands during somersault. One day while walking, I took my daughter by the hand. Her hands were sticky with candy, and then I got the idea to use licorice for perfect grip on the ball.
Don’t you think that many people underestimate the importance of outs? In modern football, throw-in power is not given enough attention. In Denmark, on average, 30-40 outs are thrown per game, and in 50% of cases the players lose the ball due to the pressure of the opponents.Teams do not take advantage of the opportunity to score an additional ten to one and a half goals per season. This throw does not have to be long. Short, quick, precise – the strike adds dynamism and flavor to football.
Midtjylland players practice outs.
© Thomas Gronnemark / Personal
You work with many professional teams. What’s your way of transforming a player into a “super thrower?” I’m taking a scientific approach. For example, while analyzing one training video, I noticed that during the throw-in, the player’s legs are too close to each other.I told him about this, and in the next attempt he threw the ball five meters further. There are a lot of little tricks here.
I am currently working with Kean Hansen for Midtjylland (reigning Danish champion – ed.). With my help, he learned how to throw the ball 36 meters. Thus, he has already made seven assists this season. During Midtjylland’s performance in the Europa League, the coach used throw-outs as a secret weapon.
Can you be called an innovator in any sense? I am constantly looking for new ways to throw outs – various spins, grabs and styles.Almost all body parts are involved, but a good throw should always come from the hip.
Anyone can learn this or is there a need for a certain body type?
I’ve seen players of all shapes and sizes throw out well. Long arms can give you an edge, but that’s not the deciding factor. Flexibility is key. If I had to choose between strength and flexibility, I would not hesitate to choose the latter.
Bookmakers give a weak line for face-offs in KHL
The market simply “beats” even with high margins.
Before the 2019/20 season, bets on face-offs in the KHL were considered a lottery, because the center forwards who broke the rules on the spot gave way to other players, and they turned out to be extreme forwards without the necessary skills or defenders at all. Now everything is different: if a player fouls, then he is given a warning (in case of a repeated violation, he will receive a small penalty for delaying the game), but there is no need to change.
The innovation has minimized the element of randomness: those hockey players who have this element as pumped up as possible get up on the throw-in.Therefore, we boldly declare that the rates on this small market are pure analysis.
Of the minuses – modest highs and high margins (on average 7.5%), but nevertheless, the market easily “beats” at a distance. Why? The answer to this question in his blog was clearly formulated by the professional capper Pavel Kirichenko:
Bookmakers clearly do not try to develop in this direction [betting on statistics] – it is easier for them to block more or less winning players than to bother with the correct line.
Let’s understand with specific examples how to use bookmaker’s laziness.
First, it is important to understand that face-offs are not a rivalry between two teams, but a battle of eight centers. Yes, it is quite important that partners take rebounds, but at the professional level, everyone has pumped this element about equally, so the error is minimal.
Moving from theory to practice. To bet successfully on outcomes and handicaps, you need to figure out the players who make the difference. From year to year, these are the same center forwards, “seasoned” with several new legionnaires.Remembering 20-25 people and their club affiliation will not be difficult. Here is a list of the best on the “spot” as of November 16:
Player | Number of face-offs | % of won face-offs | Team |
Patrice Cormier | 232 | 68.5 | Ak Bars |
Andrey Loktionov | 9000 9002 161 | ||
Korban Knight | 445 | 65.8 | Avangard |
Justin Azevedo 0 | 9000 9000 | Ak Bars | |
Joonas Nättinen | 9000 2 176 | 60.8 | Severstal |
Andrei Stas | 359 | 60.2 | Avangard 4 | 322 | 59.9 | Avangard |
Rob Klinkhammer | 328 | 59.8 | |
Zach Mitchell | 393 | 59.5 | Dynamo (Riga) |
Pavel Datsyuk | 296 | Avtomobilist | |
Sergey Andronov | 387 | 58.9 90 090 | CSKA |
Joonas Kemppainen | 383 | 58.2 | SKA |
Aleksandr Kadeikin 11 9000 3590 | Salavat Yulaev | ||
Yori Lechtera | 426 | 58 | Spartak |
Francis Pare 9000 Francis Pare 9000 , 4 | Dynamo (Minsk) | ||
Alexander Protapovich | 223 | 56.5 | Avtomobilist |
56.4 | Dynamo (Riga) | ||
Stefan Da Costa | 137 | 56.2 | Ak Bars |
Andrey Svetlakov | 298 | ||
Justin Danforth | 452 | 55.5 | Vityaz |
Maxim Shalunov 900 309115 9000 900 CSKA |
The list can be taken as a basis and periodically updated, although there will be almost no edits – the leaders are already clear.When these guys are on the ice, their teams get a huge edge on the spot, and the number of face-offs shows that almost all clubs are using the main centers to the fullest. They go into circles not only with their link, but also with others to win the puck and quickly be replaced. And, conversely, if they are not there, then the team will noticeably squander.
Let’s see how Avangard performs on face-offs with and without Knight:
