How to win a faceoff. Mastering Hockey Face-Offs: 5 Essential Strategies for Dominating the Dot

How do you consistently win face-offs in hockey. What are the key techniques and strategies for dominating face-offs. Why are face-offs crucial for controlling the game and creating scoring opportunities. How can players improve their face-off skills through practice and preparation.

The Importance of Face-Offs in Hockey

Face-offs are a critical component of hockey, serving as the primary method for restarting play and determining initial puck possession. Winning face-offs consistently can significantly impact a team’s performance and overall success in a game. But why exactly are face-offs so crucial?

Winning face-offs provides several key advantages:

• Immediate puck possession and control
• Opportunity to set up offensive plays or defensive strategies
• Momentum shifts in crucial game situations
• Increased time of possession throughout the game
• Reduced defensive pressure and scoring chances for opponents

Teams that dominate in the face-off circle often find themselves with more scoring opportunities, better puck control, and an overall advantage in dictating the flow of the game. This makes mastering face-off techniques an essential skill for centers and a valuable asset for any hockey team.

Preparing for the Face-Off: Mental and Physical Readiness

Success in face-offs begins long before the puck drops. Proper preparation, both mental and physical, is crucial for consistently winning draws. How can players best prepare themselves for face-off success?

Mental Preparation

Approaching the face-off circle with a clear strategy and focused mindset is essential. Players should:

• Visualize their intended moves and potential outcomes
• Analyze the opponent’s tendencies and adjust strategies accordingly
• Communicate plans with teammates to ensure coordinated efforts
• Maintain confidence and composure, regardless of previous face-off results

Physical Readiness

Being physically prepared for the face-off can give players a significant edge. Key aspects of physical readiness include:

1. Proper stick grip and hand positioning
2. Optimal stance and body alignment
3. Quick reflexes and hand-eye coordination
4. Core strength and balance to maintain leverage

By focusing on both mental and physical preparation, players can significantly improve their chances of winning face-offs consistently.

Mastering Face-Off Techniques: Key Strategies for Success

Winning face-offs requires a combination of skill, technique, and strategy. What are some of the most effective techniques used by successful face-off specialists?

The Clean Win

The clean win is the most straightforward face-off technique, involving a quick, powerful motion to draw the puck directly back to a teammate. To execute a clean win:

1. Position your stick blade flat on the ice, close to the puck
2. Keep your body low and balanced
3. Use a quick, explosive motion to pull the puck backwards
4. Follow through with your stick to ensure a clean draw

The Tie-Up

When a clean win isn’t possible, players often resort to the tie-up technique. This strategy involves:

• Using your stick and body to prevent your opponent from cleanly winning the draw
• Tying up your opponent’s stick to create a scramble for the puck
• Allowing teammates to swoop in and gain possession during the ensuing battle

The Counter Move

Experienced face-off takers often employ counter moves to catch opponents off guard. These may include:

• Faking a draw in one direction before quickly switching to another
• Using a spin move to shield the puck and gain positioning
• Anticipating and reacting to the opponent’s intended move

By mastering these techniques and developing a diverse repertoire of face-off strategies, players can adapt to various situations and improve their overall success rate.

The Role of Body Positioning and Leverage in Face-Offs

Proper body positioning and leverage are crucial factors in winning face-offs. How can players optimize their stance and use their bodies effectively during draws?

Optimal Stance

An effective face-off stance should provide balance, power, and quick reaction time. Key elements include:

• Feet shoulder-width apart for stability
• Knees bent to lower center of gravity
• Upper body leaning slightly forward
• Head up and eyes focused on the puck

Utilizing Leverage

Leverage can be a game-changer in face-offs. Players can gain an advantage by:

1. Positioning their stick blade close to the puck for quicker reactions
2. Using their lower body strength to push off and gain momentum
3. Employing their free hand to fend off opponents or assist in puck control
4. Angling their body to protect the puck and limit opponent access

By focusing on proper body positioning and leveraging their physical strengths, players can significantly improve their face-off success rate.

Adapting to Different Face-Off Situations and Locations

Face-offs occur in various locations on the ice, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities. How can players adapt their strategies based on the face-off location and game situation?

Defensive Zone Face-Offs

When taking face-offs in the defensive zone, the primary goal is to clear the puck and relieve pressure. Strategies may include:

• Emphasizing a clean, powerful draw to teammates positioned for a quick zone exit
• Using tie-up techniques to buy time for defenders to gain possession
• Communicating defensive coverage plans with teammates before the draw

Offensive Zone Face-Offs

Offensive zone face-offs present opportunities to create scoring chances. Players should consider:

• Drawing the puck to open teammates for immediate shots on goal
• Using set plays to create confusion and open up scoring lanes
• Employing aggressive tactics to maintain offensive zone possession

Neutral Zone Face-Offs

Face-offs in the neutral zone often focus on gaining territorial advantage. Strategies may include:

• Drawing the puck forward to create rush opportunities
• Using bank passes off the boards to bypass opponents
• Employing defensive-minded draws when protecting a lead

By adapting their approach based on ice location and game context, players can maximize their face-off effectiveness in any situation.

Developing Face-Off Skills Through Practice and Analysis

Becoming a proficient face-off specialist requires dedication, practice, and continuous improvement. How can players effectively develop and refine their face-off skills?

Targeted Practice Drills

Incorporating specific face-off drills into practice sessions can significantly improve performance. Effective drills may include:

• Repetitive draws against a stationary object to perfect technique
• One-on-one face-off competitions with teammates
• Simulated game situations with varying face-off locations and scenarios
• Reaction time exercises to improve quickness and anticipation

Video Analysis and Self-Evaluation

Reviewing game footage and analyzing face-off performance can provide valuable insights. Players should focus on:

1. Identifying patterns in successful and unsuccessful face-offs
2. Studying opponent tendencies and developing counter-strategies
3. Evaluating body positioning and leverage techniques
4. Assessing timing and synchronization with teammates

By combining targeted practice with thorough analysis, players can continuously refine their face-off skills and adapt to evolving game situations.

The Mental Game: Psychological Aspects of Face-Off Success

While physical skills and techniques are crucial, the mental aspect of face-offs often separates good players from great ones. What psychological factors contribute to face-off success?

Confidence and Self-Belief

Approaching each face-off with confidence can significantly impact performance. Players can build confidence by:

• Celebrating small victories and learning from losses
• Visualizing successful face-offs before each draw
• Maintaining a positive internal dialogue
• Focusing on personal improvement rather than comparing oneself to others

Focus and Concentration

Maintaining mental focus during face-offs is essential for success. Strategies to enhance concentration include:

1. Developing pre-face-off routines to center the mind
2. Practicing mindfulness techniques to stay present in the moment
3. Blocking out distractions and focusing solely on the task at hand
4. Using breathing exercises to manage stress and maintain composure

By honing their mental game alongside their physical skills, players can achieve a higher level of consistency and performance in face-offs.

Integrating Face-Off Success into Overall Team Strategy

While individual face-off skills are important, integrating these abilities into the team’s overall strategy can maximize their impact. How can teams leverage face-off prowess to enhance their game plan?

Coordinated Face-Off Plays

Developing set plays from face-offs can create immediate scoring opportunities or defensive advantages. Examples include:

• Quick shot plays off offensive zone draws
• Designed breakout patterns from defensive zone face-offs
• Neutral zone trap setups initiated by face-off wins

Specialized Face-Off Roles

Assigning specific face-off responsibilities based on player strengths can optimize team performance. Consider:

1. Designating primary face-off takers for crucial situations
2. Utilizing different players based on face-off location and game context
3. Developing face-off specialists for power play and penalty kill situations

By integrating face-off strategy into the broader team game plan, coaches can create a cohesive approach that maximizes the impact of face-off wins and minimizes the consequences of losses.

In conclusion, mastering the art of face-offs in hockey requires a combination of physical skill, mental preparation, strategic thinking, and team coordination. By focusing on these key aspects and continuously refining their approach, players and teams can gain a significant advantage in this crucial aspect of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the sport, dedicating time and effort to improving your face-off skills can pay dividends in overall performance and team success.

Five Keys to Winning a Face-Off in Hockey

There are several strategies for winning a hockey face-off—we will examine each in future posts—but some important principles apply to all of them. (See our previous post on Hockey Face-Off Rules and Strategies.) Follow these steps to improve the chance that your team ends up with the puck after the draw.

1. Have a Plan

Decide on your strategy for winning the draw—pulling the puck back through your legs, sweeping it toward the boards, or taking out the opponent’s stick, for example—before you approach the face-off circle. There are two reasons for this: first, you need to let your teammates know what to expect, so they can be ready to react; and second, things happen so quickly that you don’t have time to make a decision on the spot. Having a plan will make your actions more decisive and allow you to focus on your moves.

2. Get a Grip

Once you’ve settled on what you’re going to do, get your grip sorted out before you approach the face-off circle. If you’re drawing the puck through your legs or to your backhand side, turn your bottom hand over, so both hands are gripping the stick from the same side. Make sure you choke up on the stick to give yourself better control and to keep your opponent from knocking your stick out of the way. You need to be ready to react the second you’re in position for the puck to drop.

3.  Establish a Power Position

When you get into position at the face-off circle, bend your knees and get low to the ice, with your head over the circle. It’s important that you maintain balance, however, so don’t have too much of your weight forward. If you’re off-balance, you can be knocked off the puck more easily. Staying low will allow you to use the quickness of your hands and wrists—since you’ll be choked up on your stick—and gives you enough leverage to keep your stick from being knocked away by your opponent.

Adjust your feet to give yourself more room to the side where you plan to send the puck. For instance, if you’re going to send the puck behind yourself to the right, set your right skate as close to the line as possible and your left foot off the line on the other side. This way, your right skate won’t interfere with the puck or your stick when you make your move.

4. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize

Don’t look at the ice, at your opponent’s stick, or anywhere else but at the puck in the official’s hand. By staying focused on the puck, you can react immediately when you see the dropping motion begin. Those milliseconds can mean the difference between winning and losing a face-off.

5. Be Ready to Use Your Body

A face-off is not always a clean win for either player, which leaves the puck up for grabs after the initial attempts. Use your body to shield the puck or drive the other player off it, after which you can kick the puck to a teammate or allow another player to reach in and scoop it away. There are two basic ways to use your body: you can quickly push off with one skate to rotate around the puck and get between it and your opponent, or you can simply drive into your opponent to push him back. Again, know which tactic you plan to use before you set up for the face-off.

Why is Winning the Face-Off So Important?

The ability to win face-offs is a huge asset in hockey, helping to ensure that your team gains possession of the puck—which means control of the game and less vulnerability at your own goal. When you’re in your own zone, winning the face-off keeps the other team from attacking your goal and gives you a chance to start moving the puck up the ice. If the other team is on a power play, winning the draw in your own end is even more important, giving you a better opportunity to clear the puck.

Of course, at the other end of the ice, winning the face-off is an offensive boon that can lead to a quick shot—which can catch the opposing goalie off guard—or let you set up your offense without having to fight for the puck. A team whose centers consistently win face-offs usually gets more shots and controls the game.

Becoming a consistent face-off winner requires practice, focus, and determination. Having quick hands is important, but proper preparation for each draw is equally important. As you work on specific strategies—a forehand push, sending the puck to the side with a backhand, a spin move, or tying up the puck so another player can skate in and win it—keep in mind these five keys, and you’ll win these minor battles more consistently.

How to Win Faceoffs in Hockey – Face Off Tips

If you are a centermen one of your major responsibilities on the ice is to win face-offs. Some players who are new to the game overlook the importance of this job and approach the face-off dot without much thought, but no matter what level of hockey you play the face-off win is vital for your teams success. A lost face-off could result in a goal for the other team, while a nice clean and well thought out face-off win could lead to the game winning goal. When you think of faceoffs in this manner you begin to understand how important it is to win, hopefully this will get your fired up to win more faceoffs and try some of the tips and tricks I share in the video and article below.

How to Win Face offs Video

NHL’er Wayne Primeau Giving you some tips

I had the opportunity to shoot a quick video with Wayne Primeau, here are a few faceoff tips from a former NHL hockey player.

A step by step guide to winning more face offs

1. Have a plan when you approach the face-off dot
   • There are many different ways to win a face-off, how you plan to win the face off depends on where the face-off is taking place. In the neutral zone you may try something cheeky like tapping the puck forwards and blasting past the centermen, in your own end you may tie-up the other centermen and have your defence or winger come in and get the puck, in the offensize zone you could win the puck back on your fore-hand, back-hand, between your legs or even put it right on net. Never approach the face-off without a plan
2. Let your team mates know about your plan
   • Think of where you want to win the face-off to, and let your players know. If you are going to win it back to the defencemen, give a little wink to the d-man so he knows the puck is coming. If you are going to tie up the centermen let your players know so they can be prepared.
3. Get nice and low
   • I probably said this about 20 times in the video, haha. When you are low to the ice you can react faster to the puck drop and you will be anchored to the ice. It is important to be nice and stable when the puck drops in case the other centermen tries to push into the circle.
4. Choke up on the stick
   • In the video I show you how I like to hold the stick, but it’s not just me. Watch almost any NHL player and they move their top hand about halfway down the stick, and their bottom hand right near the blade. This helps increase their reaction time, and allows them to get more power and leverage on the stick. If both players go for the puck at the same time you need to be able to out muscle the other guy, so it is important to get your bottom hand close to the blade.
5. Switch up your grip
   • If you are going to win the puck on your backhand or between your legs you should modify the grip on your stick. Roll your bottom hand over and hold the stick as if you were going to cross-check someone in the teeth. This grip helps you improve your quickness and power, I show the grip in the video above.
6. Use your body!
   • You don’t always need to win the puck back with your stick, there are other options. You can forget about the puck altogether and just tie up the other centerman (and have your winger or defence come in and get the puck) or you can just chop the other players stick (moving it out of the way) and then go for the puck. You can also try spinning into the face-off dot and then using your feet to kick the puck to one of your players.
7. Know your opponent
   • Knowing your opponent is very helpful if you want to win more faceoffs, if the other centermen likes to go for the crisp win every time, modify your face-off plan, instead of going for the puck, just chop his stick out of the way, then get the puck. I had a centermen who would always push the puck forwards and then blast past me, I knew it was coming so I quickly closed my legs. The puck bounced off my shin pad while he flew past me, I then grabbed the puck split the D and got a shot on net.
   • You can get to know the centermen by paying attention to their technique when you line up for a faceoff and while the other lines are facing off. If there is a particularly good centerman you know of try to remember what team he is on so you can be prepared the next time you play them!
8. Tape up the slash zone
   • Centermen tend to break sticks more than other players, it’s because the flex zone of the stick takes so much abuse during faceoffs. I like to tape up the bottom part of my stick to avoid those little chips that eventually lead to the stick breaking mid-shot. The tape also gives you a bit of grip during the face off.

Tips From the Pro’s

Here is a great video from the Washington capitals with two of their top faceoff guys

Here is another good video with Craig Adams, he talks you through the process and teaches you how to read the other center.

David Steckel is consistently among the top NHL face-off winners, last year he was the #1 face-off winner in the league. I have embedded a video below with a few tips from David Steckel.

Face off Infographic

How to win an NHL faceoff as a winger

“I try to win five draws for my center each and every night,” St. Louis Blues right winger David Perron declared after Game 1 of the Western Conference Final.

This appeared to be a strange sentiment from the career winger, who has taken an average of about one faceoff every two games over his 13 years in the NHL. Ryan O’Reilly, Perron’s regular centerman, takes over 20 per game.

But taking faceoffs wasn’t what Perron was talking about.

He was speaking about the secret war of the faceoff dot — not center vs. center, but winger vs. winger or winger vs. defenseman, jockeying to win the puck.

Hockey is perhaps the most random of sports.

And nothing represents the chaos of hockey more than its object of pursuit, the puck. You can predict, more or less, where a ball will bounce, off a wall, on the parquet, even slicing through the grass. But that puck — a six-ounce vulcanized rubber disc — can have a mind of its own.

The faceoff is another expression of this disorder: The referee, try as he might, will drop the puck differently every time. The puck might hit the ice on edge. And the faceoff doesn’t happen just once, like the jump ball might in an NBA game — this act of anarchy occurs about 60 times a night.

But hockey is also attempt after attempt to bring order to lawlessness. From a distance, the faceoff looks like 10 mice, five on each side, scurrying for one piece of cheese. It’s much more than that: Between opposing center and center, winger and winger, it’s a series of orchestrated battles to win the war for the puck.

But one of these faceoff battles receives significantly more fanfare than the others. Center vs. center is celebrated, while winger vs. winger is overlooked. That shouldn’t be the case.

”Coaches bring that up all the time,” a former NHL coach turned scout tells SB Nation. “They recognize the centerman is only 50 percent responsible for the faceoff. Wingers help the other 50 percent.”

”It could be the most under-appreciated thing in hockey because it gets you puck possession,” a former NHL winger turned scout adds.

Indeed, it’s a secret war with very tangible results.

Down 4-3, the San Jose Sharks needed the puck — and a goal — with 70 seconds left and ticking on Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals.

Tomas Hertl and Tyler Bozak were the centermen of record on this draw, but it was the battle along the wall between 39-year-old Joe Thornton and 35-year-old Jay Bouwmeester that would make the difference.

Bozak won the faceoff into the corner. But Thornton drove the weight of his stick onto Bouwmeester’s, preventing the St. Louis defenseman from reaching the loose puck. Thornton, his stick establishing inside position, rimmed the puck back up the wall to Brent Burns.

Aided and abetted by full possession, Logan Couture would tie up the score. San Jose stole Game 3 in overtime.

”It’s determination and having a good stick,” Perron notes. “It’s at least a three-man faceoff now. Because a lot of pucks go sideways.”

Thornton certainly showed determination and a strong stick to ensure Sharks possession. But there’s more than one way to outdraw the opposition.

”Really good wingers are guys who anticipate the puck drop and get a jump on loose pucks,” observes the former NHL coach.

Jaden Schwartz got a jump here, spiriting the puck away from the Brayden Schenn-Couture tie-up at the dot. Seconds later, puck possession would lead to a Schwartz goal and a 2-0 St. Louis lead. Schwartz’s effort would set the Blues on a fast track to a pivotal Game 5 victory.

Not every winger competes for faceoffs in the same way, either.

”Sometimes, you have to jump in front of him. Sometimes, you lift his stick,” Perron says. “There’s guys who will let you jump and there’s guys who will fight every inch.”

No Shark lined up against Perron more often in the Western Conference Finals than left winger Evander Kane.

”Quite honestly, the first game, I wasn’t happy. I don’t think I helped [O’Reilly] at all,” Perron admits. “Kane waits until the last second and tries to get under your stick. I’m going to keep my stick as long as I can and try to go under his last second. A lot of times, he’s not letting me do that. So I’ll try to jump in front of him.”

This strategy backfired on Perron in Game 1. O’Reilly won the faceoff to Perron’s side, but Perron, perhaps reacting to Kane getting under his stick, tried to jump around. However, the puck was behind him.

Kane spun, reaching the puck first. He dumped it in, helping San Jose establish possession for 30 seconds, eventually forcing St. Louis to ice it. These were the 50-50 battles won that helped give the Sharks a series lead.

”You have to watch the puck. Just like the guy who’s taking the faceoff, you have to watch the puck, watch it come out of the linesman’s hand,” Kane points out. “It’s trying to get guys off balance. Try to get that inside position, depending on where the puck goes.”

By Game 6, however, Perron had adjusted.

Protecting a 4-1 lead, minutes away from eliminating San Jose, Tyler Bozak won the puck once again to Perron’s side. This time, Perron, instead of jumping in front of Kane, didn’t over anticipate, and used his body as a shield to keep Kane away from the puck. This afforded Perron’s teammate Colton Parayko a chance to dump the puck into the zone; the Blues would retrieve it, shaving 30 valuable seconds off the Sharks’ season.

Shortly thereafter, Ivan Barbashev potted an empty netter, sending St. Louis to their first Stanley Cup Final appearance in 49 years.

Perron’s work off the draw to gain possession won’t appear on any scoresheet, but his centerman appreciated it.

”It gives me a lot of confidence in the circle. If I don’t win it clean, I know he’s there and working,” O’Reilly says. “It’s tough in the circle, you lose a couple, you can get a little frustrated. When you have a guy like that, that’s worried about that, about possession, it shows how invested he is in winning. It shows a lot of character.”

”When you play with a guy like O’Reilly, you know he’s going to win at least 50 percent of his draws,” Perron says of his teammate, who has won 57.9 percent of his faceoffs since 2015-16. That’s good for second in the league. “You can help him get to 55, 60 percent.”

It’s an art, a winger helping his center win a faceoff. So who are the artists? What Patrice Bergeron is to two-way centers, who’s the Bergeron of faceoff-winning wingers?

Perron cites Schwartz and Alexander Steen, but he can’t offer a “gold standard” winger.

In fact, among Perron, Timo Meier, Gustav Nyquist, and two former NHL wingers turned scouts, all failed to name a winger who wasn’t a teammate.

“Nothing I’ve thought about,” Nyquist acknowledges. “It’s a good question, actually.”

This is perhaps the best illustration of how under-appreciated the art is, that even its practitioners can’t identify its masters.

”It’s hard to scout,” the former NHL winger says. “It takes a lot of watching and scouting of that area to figure out who that person is and why.”

Throughout his career, however, it’s been easy for Perron to identify fellow wingers who weren’t good at this job: “There are guys, without mentioning names, on other teams that I played for, who basically just sit back and wait for the results.”

Perhaps then, a winger’s role on the faceoff is like so many unheralded but absolutely essential jobs on the ice, in day-to-day life: You don’t notice until it’s not being done.

Faceoff basics

I haven’t dealt with this subject in my column for over 20 years. I have a bit of a different view of faceoffs, even though I was a defenseman all of my career. When I played (50 years ago), defensemen faced off in their own end. And in my case, I was very good at it, so I also often faced off at the off-side dots, too. I remember well facing off against Doug Woog when Wisconsin played Minnesota.

Winning or losing the battle of faceoffs can mean winning or losing games in which two teams are evenly matched. Of course, success at the end faceoff circles is more critical because they can result in scoring chances. But neutral zone faceoffs also determine which end the puck ends up in right afterwards and so these also influence goal scoring on a broader basis.

There are four basic potential faceoff strategies:

1. Trying to win the draw by drawing the puck back to a teammate.

2. Trying to neutralize the other center with stick and/or body, so that a teammate can come in and pick up the puck – and doing it without getting a penalty.

3. Trying to push the puck ahead to a teammate or self, breaking quickly at the drop of the puck.

4. Allowing the other center to draw the puck back, in effect, taking a passive role.   

There are some other options that can be employed at special times in a game, such as trying to get a shot off directly on the drop of the puck with only a few seconds left (in the offensive zone) when behind by a goal. However, the four basic strategies are used 99 percent of the time.

There are times when each of these strategies is appropriate, as well as when they are not. Of course, the most important aspect of each is that all teammates – including the goaltender in the defensive zone – know what the attempt is going to be and what their jobs are. First, let’s take a look at appropriate and inappropriate times for each and then move on to the jobs of the other teammates.

1. Win the draw

It is not often a good strategy to win a clean draw in the offensive zone. This strategy is often a win-or-lose situation in that if the draw is not won, the other team gets the puck and probably a clean shot at the net. On the other hand, it would be a reasonable strategy in the offensive zone to try to get a clean shot and is most likely to be the strategy at the offside dots and center ice – unless the opposition center is clearly superior at faceoffs. It does not make much sense to continue the same strategy if the odds are high of losing.

2. Neutralize, and then win

This strategy is most likely what will be employed in the defensive zone so a teammate can help. It can also be very effective in the offensive zone with the side wing coming across to pick up the puck. It is harder to employ at the offside faceoff dots and center ice because the forwards are lined up across from each other and most times will neutralize each other until it is determined which center will draw or get the puck back to their defensemen. It could also be used anywhere on the ice when facing a center that is hard to beat on a straight draw.

3. Pushing ahead

This strategy can be employed at any faceoff except in the defensive zone. It is most often used as a surprise move to keep the opposing centers off-balance. It can be very effective when used in the offensive zone, especially if the opposition does not do a good job of covering the area between the faceoff dot and the net.

4. Letting the opposing center win

This strategy would not be used in the defensive zone, but it has its place. Most often, it would be used when a team is ahead late in the game and the faceoff is in the neutral zone. This moves the puck “in the right direction” for a team that is concentrating on getting and keeping the puck out of its own zone and as far up the ice as possible.

It is important for everyone to know what the strategy is – and what their jobs are as part of the strategy. It is equally important for everyone to know what to do, at least generally, if the strategy does not work. I say “generally” because it is not possible to plan very far in advance in hockey. The consequence of a faceoff can create a forecheck situation, a backcheck situation, a shooting situation, a rebounding situation or any number of situations and variations. 

I like to spend time, especially in the defensive and offensive zones, having mock faceoffs. This means everybody lining up in faceoff positions, checking with them occasionally to see if they know their primary jobs as part of the strategy, then throwing the puck (standing where the ref would be) to see how the players react for about 3-5 seconds. These are great teaching situations and can be done at both ends at the same time. Early in the year, this drill may be needed for 10 minutes every three or four practices for the first month and a half. It is critical for young teams and is still important for older teams as well.

It is most important that players know their roles in the defensive zone because breakdowns there can result in easy goals. The wing that must get through to cover the shooter might be the most critical. Then, of course, on the other side of the coin, the offensive player who has to block the winger that is going after the shooter is pretty important, too.

Sometimes, these things can seem pretty complicated to a young player, but the mock faceoff drill can allow players to understand, especially if the coach walks through and explains it the first time. Even high school coaches need to take time to explain roles early in the season. There can be no assumption about players knowing and understanding. I found a surprising lack of understanding at the high school level, even as to what happens in the neutral zone. Weak coverage of the opposing wings is pretty common and will result in some easy opposition goals until the message gets across.

Faceoffs are a key teaching area for all coaches and can have a great bearing on success. Centers need to have specific times set aside to practice the stickwork part of faceoffs – to gain the skills to be able to accomplish the strategies by initially getting the puck where it is supposed to go. This can also be done off-ice.

John Russo, Ph.D., is founder and now mentor to the Upper Midwest High School Elite League. He was a captain at the University of Wisconsin and recipient of prestigious hockey awards at the state (Peterson award) and national levels (Snooks Kelly). His Coaches Corner columns have appeared in Let’s Play Hockey each year since 1986.

Order John Russo’s new chapterized book, “The Best of 26 Years of John Russo’s Coaches Corner.” It has been described as a “must read” for all youth coaches. Go to Russocoachescorner.com for information and ordering.

NHL 21: How to Win Faceoffs

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Published on October 18, 2020 | Updated on April 2nd, 2021 at 02:33 pm Andrew McMahon

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In NHL 21, you’re going to need to score in order to win the game. This means that getting possession is key, as it is the only way to go on the offensive and score points. Faceoffs are the best way to control the puck, so you’re going to want to get really good at them. Here is everything you need to know about how to win faceoffs in NHL 21.

Faceoffs occurring in NHL 21 whenever you start a new period, score a goal, or have a stoppage in play. As such, you’ll definitely be doing a lot of them throughout each game you play.

How to Win Faceoffs in NHL 21

It is important to note that there are a number of different faceoffs in NHL 21. Each one of these has their own specific advantage, especially when playing against harder AI or more experienced users online.

Below, we have a table detailing the different types of faceoffs and how to execute them in-game.

Move Name	Controller Movement
Backhand Back	Hold right stick away from your player’s dominant hand, move down on the right stick at puck drop.
Backhand Sticklift	Hold right stick away from your player’s dominant hand, move up on the right stick at puck drop.
Forehand Back	Hold right stick toward your player’s dominant hand, move down on the right stick at puck drop.
Forehand Sticklift	Hold right stick toward your player’s dominant hand, move up on the right stick at puck drop.
Tie-up	Hold the right stick to the right or left, move up with both the right and left sticks at puck drop.
Walkthrough	Press LB and up on right stick at puck drop.

It is important to note that some of these are best used only in certain situations. For example, a tie-up is a movement best reserved when playing with someone else on your team.

Give you teammate a heads up that you’ll be doing a tie-up and they’ll be able to swoop in and grab the puck, hopefully with an open lane to boot.

When it comes down to it, a lot of winning faceoffs is just going to come down to timing. As such, just keep practicing them and you’ll steadily improve.

Work on these faceoffs and we’ve got no doubt you’re on your way to becoming the next big superstar in NHL 21.

That is everything you need to know about how to win faceoffs in NHL 21. If you’re still looking for some more coaching that’ll help you on the ice, check out the rest of Twinfinite, as we’ve got plenty of other helpful guides throughout the site.

NHL 21 – How to Win Faceoffs

One of the key elements of modern hockey is puck possession and one of the best ways to secure puck possession is to win as many faceoffs as you can and, in NHL 21, knowing as much as you can about winning faceoffs is just about as key to winning as passing or shooting is, as they start nearly every play in the game and there are tons of stoppages of play that lead to faceoffs.

Before moving on to the different techniques, there are a few things to note when considering how to win a faceoff. First above all other things is timing: in order to make a move on the puck, the key is to use your technique after the puck has been dropped but before the puck hits the ice and the closer you get to the puck hitting the ice, the better chance you have of winning. Another thing to consider that no matter how well you do with timing or how much of an advantage you gain with technique, your faceoff statistic determines the largest advantage. Also, keep in mind that as you’re going to the circle, the technique you’re loading up before the puck drops is telegraphed, so be sure to switch stances as close to taking the puck as possible.

What we’ll be doing here is outlining the different faceoff techniques, how to perform them, and in what circumstances that they would be useful.

Forehand Back

Prior to the puck dropping, you’ll want to hold the right analog stick to the player’s dominant hand – to the right if they’re right-handed and left if the player is left-handed – and then wheel the right analog stick back when the puck is dropped and as close as you can get to when the puck hits the ice. You’ll know you’re doing it right as the player will change their stance as you tilt the right analog stick.

This is probably the easiest technique to pull off that isn’t just smashing the stick on the ice but is also the easiest technique to counter so keep that in mind when taking a faceoff, especially if you’re playing online.

Forehand Stick Lift

Another forehand faceoff technique, this one is a little bit more sensitive to timing. This one requires you to move the right analog stick towards the dominant hand – right for righties, left for lefties – and then, just as the puck hits the ice, swing the right analog stick forward. From the forehand stance, the player will attempt to lift the opponent’s stick so they can shield the puck and make a pass. Where that pass goes is dependent on where you’re pointing the left analog stick. This one requires a little bit more finesse but is more effective than the other forehand technique.

Generally speaking, players with better hand-eye and faceoff stats seem to get better results from the use of this faceoff technique so it’s probably not best to use this technique in Be A Pro with a rookie you’re developing, from the start.

Backhand Back

Backhand stances are for players who feel a little more confident in their faceoff ability as it relies heavily on timing and good stats. This technique is performed by holding the right analog stick opposite the player’s dominant hand – left for righties and right for lefties – prior to puck drop and then, when the puck drops and as close as you can to when the puck hits the ice, swing the right analog stick backward.

This faceoff technique, if performed right, can work out very well in a lot of faceoff scenarios. However, it can be a bit of a gamble because there are a lot of times where you could lose the faceoff no matter what you do, depending on your stats and what the opponent decides to use against you.

Backhand Stick Lift

Much like the forehand stick lift, this technique requires a little more confidence and finesse to pull off than its regular technique in that stance. To perform this technique, you have to lean the right analog stick opposite your player’s dominant hand – right for lefties and left for righties – prior to the puck being dropped and, when the puck is finally dropped and as close to the puck hitting the ice as possible, roll the right analog stick forward. This technique technically works very similarly to the forehand stick lift but performs the technique on the backhand, throwing your opponent off and requiring a much steadier hand.

Much like the forehand stick lift, you need to hold the left analog stick to direct the puck towards one of your teammates once the technique succeeds and the puck is yours. Like any technique used to win faceoffs that’s on the backhand, it’s a bit of a gamble as it requires good timing, good stats, and recognizing what stance your opponent is in.

Tie-Up

The tie-up is a good technique to use when you need to take the opponent out of the play and you can trust the winger to swoop in and get the play moving quickly. You can perform this technique from any stance so feel free to lean the right analog stick either left or right prior to the puck being dropped. Once the puck is dropped, though, push the left analog stick upward, and your player will attempt to tie their opponent up with their body and their stick, leaving the puck for a winger to snatch it up.

This is one of the easiest techniques to pull off and it’s possibly one of the more confusing to anticipate as it can be flexibly pulled off from either stance or even without a stance. This relies almost solely on your faceoff stat and is a great fit if you’re not sure how your opponent will react to the play.

Deke / Shot

This is one of the riskiest and, potentially, most rewarding ways to win a faceoff. To perform a deke on the faceoff dot, hold the L1 button for PS4 and LB for Xbox One prior to the puck being dropped and then pressing the right analog stick forward the moment after the puck is released. The timing is absolutely unforgiving with this one and relies not only on your faceoff stat but also on your hand-eye and deke stats as well.

While not as risky, that doesn’t mean every situation calls for a shot off the faceoff nor will it always pay off.  To shoot from the faceoff dot, you can have either stance active, meaning you can lean the right analog stick in either direction but make sure you let go the moment the puck drops and press forward just as the puck hits the ice, as if you were performing a snap shot.

These faceoff techniques are flashy and don’t necessarily involve your teammates in the play, not to mention they don’t necessarily attempt to maintain puck possession, which is the purpose of a faceoff, meaning they could backfire in a big way. I wouldn’t recommend trying these techniques until you’re very confident in your faceoff taking skills.

There’s a fair amount of variety in what you can do in the faceoff circle outside of the basic swiping at the puck and, hopefully, this guide will help you press the offense and win some games.

Be sure to check out our review of NHL 21 as well, which was released on October 16th, 2020 for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.

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NHL 21 How to Win Faceoffs

Fans of ice hockey know how important winning faceoffs is to securing possession and scoring more goals. The same holds true in EA sports NHL 21, where knowledge on the ways to win faceoffs go a long way in helping your team retain the puck and create more chances on the ice.

Gaining possession and getting an early jump on puck and arena control is integral to the sport. To build plays and score goals regularly, in both Be a Pro and HUT Rush, puck control is the most important factor. A guaranteed way to gain access to the puck throughout the game is to win faceoffs. Mastering the skill in the game takes some time as there are a variety of ways to perform it.

In NHL 21, faceoffs take place every time a new half or period of the game begins, if either team scores a goal, or if there is a foul or fight in the game resulting in a stoppage. Every game has at least 8-10 faceoffs which means that it is a skill worth learning and mastering to dominate opponents in Ultimate team or offline play.

Faceoff Moves

Timing

Watching for the puck drop is crucial. As the referee holds the puck down and the players take positions inside the circle, watch the puck position closely. Usually, the player who performs the faceoff action first, after the puck hits the ice, is the player who gains possession and passes to a teammate.

It is essential to watch and learn the timing of the puck drop to establish a set pattern for your faceoff style. Once you understand when the referee lets the puck go, faceoffs in NHL 21 become a whole lot easier to win.

Forehand Back:

To perform a Forehand Back Faceoff move, you need to switch the stick to your selected player’s dominant hand. For this, you use the right analog stick and move it to the right (for right-handed players) or left (for left-handed players). This allows your player to assume a forehand grip and wait for the puck to drop.

To perform the Forehand back Faceoff move in NHL 21, hold the right analog in the desired direction. As the puck hits the ice, pull the right analog stick down. This forces your player to quickly sling the puck back to the teammate who is the designated receiver for the faceoff. This is the most used and successful faceoff as it is easy to time and perform. But, it is easy to counter in online matches so watch out for repetition as opponents could read your preferred faceoff easily.

Forehand Sticklift

This is the second forehand faceoff on this list and can be a highly effective way to mix up your forehand styles and earn more faceoff wins in NHL 21. This is a highly effective way to counter big defenders in faceoff scenarios with the small players with better deking and puck control.

To perform this, move the right analog towards the dominant hand of the player inside the circle. Once you have a forehand grip, hold it and wait for the puck to drop. When the puck hits the ice, quickly move the right analog up. This makes the player perform a quick pivot and shield the puck, lift the stick and pass to the teammate while facing him.

You can use the left analog to direct the pass after winning a faceoff in NHL 21 using the sticklift method. Simply point the left stick in the direction of the teammate who you think should receive the puck and you will pass to him automatically.

Backhand Back

This is another method of trying to win faceoffs in NHL 21 using the unorthodox grip where the non-dominant hand of the player forms the upper hand while gripping the stick. To initiate this grip, you need to move the Right analog in the direction opposite to the dominant hand of the player (Right analog left for a right-hander and vice versa).

As the puck hits the ice, pull the right analog stick down. This forces your player to quickly sling the puck back to the teammate who is the designated receiver for the faceoff. This is a variant to the forehand back faceoff method in NHL 21. It can be used to throw your online HUT opponents off your patterns and ensure that you secure more faceoff wins in NHL 21.

Backhand Sticklift

This method is used as an alternate to the backhand back method for players who prefer backhand faceoffs over forehand dominant steals. To use this move, you need to hold the right stick in the opposite direction to the dominant hand of the player (Right analog left for a right-hander and vice versa).

When the referee drops the puck on the ice, you need to flick the right analog stick up (or forwards) to activate the backhand sticklift. This makes the player perform a quick pivot and shield the puck, lift the stick and pass to the teammate while facing him.

You can use the left analog to direct the pass after winning a faceoff in NHL 21 using the sticklift method. Simply point the left stick in the direction of the teammate who you think should receive the puck and you will pass to him automatically.

Tie-up

The tie-up is a move where you use your stick to block the opponent from reaching the puck. As he scuffles to break free from the tangled mess of hockey sticks, your teammate rushes in from the side to neatly push the puck out and pass to a teammate or dribble towards goal.

The controls for the tie-up is the same for either of the grips. For both forehand and backhand holds, simply hold the left analog stick upwards or forwards. This is an easy way to trigger the move and is the easiest of the faceoffs to perform.

Deke/Shot

This is the coolest looking move in NHL 21 and gives you the highest chance of victory from faceoffs in NHL 21. This allows you to slide the puck through the opposition players’ legs or simple shoot from faceoff circles.

Obviously, the shots from faceoffs are not very effective from the middle but in faceoffs closer to the goal, you can try them out to surprise players in Ultimate Team Rush games and score highlight-reel goals that will force a few rage quits.

To perform the deke faceoff, hold the LB button before the referee drops the puck and then flick the right analog forwards the exact moment the puck is released. Timing is crucial in this move as you need to be fast and have to have good deking players in your squad to pull this off. But if performed right, it is the most satisfying faceoff in the game.

To shoot from faceoff, simply flick the right analog stick forwards as the puck touches the ice to perform a slapshot. This can be performed with either grip and is effective in certain areas.

The deke and shot have the most chances of victory and can only be countered if the opponent predicts this and performs the same move, which will lead to a tie-up.

Try out these various faceoffs in NHL 21 to hold on to the puck and maximize your chances of shooting and scoring in the game.

90,000 How to Win a Faceoff in Hockey

This article will show you how to win a face-off in hockey. We don’t think it’s worth explaining how important this game moment is. How can he play a decisive role in a match and decide the outcome of the meeting a few seconds before it ends? A player who knows this technique perfectly will undoubtedly raise his rating in the team.

Reverse grip throw-in

The most common move among center forwards.Correct fit is very important, legs are bent, body weight on the leg, where the leading arm is. At the moment of wagering, we transfer the body weight to the other leg. So that all the body weight is involved in the process of winning the face-off, and not just the arms. Grip the club 2/3, intercept the lower hand with the palm down, move the upper one 10-15 centimeters lower. It is best to look at the puck with the referee holding it in his hand before the throw-in, rather than the point where it will fly. You need to hit the back of the hook on the puck at the moment when it comes into contact with the ice.

Correct grip throw-in

We do the same as with the reverse grip, only in the other direction. We change the grip of the lower hand to the usual one.

Throw-in with an opponent’s stick

Let’s make a reservation right away that this technique is prohibited by the rules, but it is still often used in professional hockey. The trick is as follows – a second before the referee throws in the puck, you need to block the opponent’s stick and play the puck for yourself.

Throw-in with opponent’s stick

This technique is also prohibited by the rules, but it is also often used.Especially in his own zone, so as not to give the opponent a clean possession of the puck. A second before the referee throws in the puck, block the opponent’s stick and roll onto him, thereby leaving the puck behind you. So that your partner can take possession of her.

We shared our personal experience on how to win a face-off in hockey. Ice hockey school Iceday invites everyone to train. Have a nice day, everyone!

90,000 How to win a face-off in hockey?

Ice hockey throw-in is a procedure that starts and resumes play after being stopped.This is an important element that influences the course and outcome of a match.

Therefore, every hockey player should know how to win a throw-in. This is not as easy as it seems at first glance. The ability to win in the fight for the puck comes with experience and requires careful attention to certain points.

How to Learn to Win a Faceoff in Hockey

Winning a face-off allows the team that possesses the puck to impose its tactics on opponents. Knowing some secrets helps to achieve success in the confrontation for the puck:

Faceoff Hits:

• If the throw-in is taken in the opponent’s half, the puck must be taken away and immediately passed to the defender.He is unlikely to be covered and will be able to shoot at goal. Even if the puck is not in the net, one of the attackers will be able to finish it off.
• If the throw-in is taken in midfield, the puck may be covered with a hook and attempted to push it in front of the opponent’s goal. Another option is to forward it and try to get ahead of the enemy.
• If the throw-in is taken in the penalty area, try to pass it to a defender who can stall for time, or send it to the opponent’s half of the field with a strong throw.
• To win a faceoff in hockey, you need to have as many homework as possible. Partners should be aware of the plans drawn up for a particular situation.
• Study the tactics of playing opponents, pay attention to how the players behave during the throw-in, what techniques and tricks they use. This knowledge allows you to prevent your opponent’s actions and gain time.
• Pay close attention to the stick and do not forget that if it breaks, no one will stop the game.To increase the strength of the handle, wrap it with tape. The wrapped handle is less slippery and less likely to break when knocking or blocking an opponent’s stick.

Knowing how to win a face-off in hockey gives you an advantage over your opponent. Therefore, when throwing in, try to move the center of gravity of the body as low as possible and fix your position with the help of skates. The more difficult it is to break the balance, the more chances you have to win a single combat for the puck. Work with your body, block your opponent and give one of your partners the opportunity to pick up the puck, hit the opponent’s stick or pass with your feet – this is not prohibited.It is especially important to learn how to win a faceoff while still in children’s hockey school. The “AT Hockey” hockey school prepares real professionals in their field.

90,000 INSERT

A throw-in in the defending zone gives coaches and players time to implement the blanks. Thanks to this, hockey players get the only chance to play football (again, we are talking about American football).

Teams need to be prepared for the throw-in using a number of measures. First, train them thoroughly by practicing and simulating game sequences.Set aside time during your practice once a month to build on the actions you want to take on the throw-in at each point. This takes time, and perhaps, as a result, the pace of training will slow down, but during the game there are about 60 face-offs, which means that you can get possession of the puck or lose it 60 times – so the time spent is worth it.

In addition to all players practicing faceoffs, center forwards need to work not only on winning the puck, but also on shooting from the spot.It won’t take a trainer a lot of time to do 50 reps quickly with the center striker before or after training, focusing on this technique. Center forwards must practice winning a throw-in from a comfortable and uncomfortable hand by joining forces and, in some cases, gaining possession of the puck through surprise.

Consider getting a book on throw-in situations, with a description of the players’ responsibilities and diagrams to illustrate the implementation of the various episodes.Some teams burn DVDs that are watched by the center forwards. They, just like point guards in football, need to know the formation pattern and understand how to line up. Such a DVD should contain comments and provide a clear picture of the game episodes. Based on this, as well as from the shooting angle, it is best to collect fragments of NHL matches, varsity and youth matches, and then edit the material for the players.

Finally, depending on the age of your group, you might want the center to choose the option that their squad will play during the match, or suggest the one they think is the most effective.This kind of player participation in the tactical process can be productive: the players will concentrate as much as possible on their performance, because then they will especially want the case to be crowned with success.

Design throw-in sequences from each spot and for different situations. The way a team line up in a five-on-five game is significantly different from how they do it in a four-on-four and three-on-three game. Do not forget also about the play in the majority according to the scheme “five against four”, “four against three” and “five against three”, playing in the minority according to the scheme “four against five”, “three against four” and “three against five”, as well as situations when the goalkeeper replaced at the end of the match becomes the sixth “field”.

Throughout our NHL career, working with three different teams and seven different head coaches, we have implemented many prepared throw-in combinations, and they usually fell into the following categories.

Offensive zone throw-ins

Throw-in in the attacking zone gives the opportunity to create a chance to score after the implementation of the prepared combination. Even if the team loses the throw-in, there is still the opportunity to take possession of the puck and shoot or score a chance to score.Many extremely complex offensive zone faceoffs have been developed over the years, but these formations incorporate the basics of offensive zone strategy and provide teams of all levels with ample opportunities. You can challenge your teammates to come up with your own combination, but don’t overwhelm your team with too many choices to continue playing.

Offensive Zone: Faces Won

In the offensive zone, it is imperative to win the throw-in and hold the puck.This section describes the various prepared combinations after a won faceoff. The team is not able to play them all every match. You have to use different variations, but as with other systems of play, the key to success is performing correctly. Offer players one episode per match and they’ll get used to all the combinations so that they can adjust their actions without hesitation at the end of the year. In addition, when you play different situations from match to match, opponents are caught off guard, not knowing what to oppose in response.Let the opposing team’s coaches figure out which combination you are going to play and what type of guardianship to use for it.

Washer deep in zone

For a number of reasons, an attacking center forward may play a throw-in game as if he is helping his opponent win the fight by knocking the puck back into the corner of the attacking zone (figure 11.1). Behind this imaginary loss of the puck lies the tactic that both wingers take position, preparing to put pressure on the opponent, who rushes after the puck into the corner on the back flank.Thanks to rapid and unexpected pressure, it is often possible to intercept the puck and, therefore, achieve the desired result, that is, take control of it, as well as create a chance to score or shoot on goal. After the interception is made, the player in possession of the puck may shoot or steer it into the area behind the goal, then exit from the other side. This strategy should be used only once or twice during a match or if the center striker is trying to win a face-off against a specific opponent (this is how the player gets a scheme with which to gain possession of the puck by losing the face-off).

Figure 11.1.

Intra-court throw-in

Begins with the direct intent to win a throw-in by directing the puck to the attacking defender. Defending players confront and / or attempt to block the line of throw to the attacking defender. The right winger in the inside of the rink moves into the area above the circle at the outer edge of the long board (figure 11.2). Center and left attackers rush sharply towards the goal.The goal of the attacking defender is to get the puck towards the center of the ice and simulate a click. When the defensive players react to this trick, the defender passes a pass to the side to the inside winger, who ultimately makes a real shot at goal through the screen.

One variation of this combination is that the center striker builds up the atmosphere at the goal, and then pulls back to open up in the area of ​​the far patch. Now the right forward can pass him.

Figure 11.2.

Deploy

This offensive zone throw-in is very effective against teams that are putting heavy pressure on both defenders after the throw-in. When both wingers begin to put pressure on the defender, the roll-out is a great pass and shot opportunity. After a won throw-in towards D1, the two wingers (RW and LW) switch positions (figure 11.3). The center forward rushes to the area in front of the goal.D2 moves on the outer edge, D1 rolls back behind the blue line, fakes a throw and passes the pass to LW, who has found a free space (further and to the side of D1). LW can now either shoot from under the players or pass to RW or D2.

Figure 11.3.

Bypass maneuver

In this formation, much like the inside-to-outside formation, the inside winger is involved and moves to the boards (figure 11.4). Such a scheme, instead of the option when entering the zone, makes it possible to send the puck to the goal, deep into the zone.This variation also begins with the explicit intent to win the throw-in by passing the puck back to the attacking defender, however, once it is captured, he does not retreat and the puck stays directly behind the center forward. The winger (RW) located inside the zone rolls back or is pushed back to the side, grabbing the puck on the way and going around the whole group. Moving into the area behind the net, RW can either shoot at the net or pass the puck to C or LW.

Figure 11.4.

Throw to the right side

In some cases, a throw-in has no clear winner. This simple combination is effective when the center striker realizes that he needs to limit the movement of his opponent’s stick and take possession of the puck with his foot. In this throw-in scheme, the two wingers are usually swapped, unless the winger at the boards is taking a lead-hand shot. The center striker is trying to get hold of the puck, which is slightly behind him (figure 11.5). Thus, the attacker at the side gets the opportunity to move to the side to the goal and make a quick shot at the goal from under the players. Sometimes, in this situation, the center-forward can only block the opponent’s stick, leaving the puck behind him, and the winger can jerk to make a shot.

Figure 11.5.

San Jose slide

This offensive zone throw-in is useful when your team is trying to turn the tide.This is another type of game that can be used to wreak havoc on the defending team. The center striker gives the puck back to D1, who, having accepted the pass, quickly moves along the boards into the depths of the zone (figure 11.6). The right winger, who covers the sides, goes around the circle from above and fortifies himself at the far post, dragging the defending player with him. The left winger is also sent to the goal, giving the defender the opportunity to make a pass to the goal at any time. As D1 moves along the boards into the depths of the zone, C pretends to head towards the goal, and then steps back a little into the free space on the far patch and prepares to receive a one-touch pass from D1.Such movements after the throw-in create confusion in the defending team’s guardianship scheme.

Figure 11.6.

“Four from center to edge”

During the game, there are times when, like in football in the last minutes of the match, a team tries to play a simple episode of the “last chance” type. In a four-from-center-to-edge throw-in combination, both forwards are in the inside of the court, and one of the defenders is in the depth of the zone on the dividing line on the outside of the throw-in circle (figure 11.7).

Figure 11.7.

This combination provides the center striker with many options, making it difficult for the defending team to defend. Some teams will attempt to throw the puck past your player on the blue line. Eliminate this possibility by placing the winger who is inside the court slightly behind in the corridor. A four-from-center-to-edge throw-in will allow the center striker to throw the puck forward and then pass to one of the two forwards in front of him; give the puck back to D1 for a shot from behind the shielding goalkeeper; direct the puck towards the boards for D2 to shoot or pass to D1.This combination is often used when there are seconds left until the end of a match or period, as it ends in quick shots at goal with a large number of players in front of the goal line.

Blocking the stick in the fight for the puck

In some cases, the center striker is simply trying to gain possession of the puck for his team. This is often best done not by winning the throw-in, but by blocking or restricting the opposing center’s stick (figure 11.eight). If an attacking center can block a defending center for quite some time, then his teammates – both wingers – can attack face-off circles to try to gain possession of the puck. This strategy is often referred to as grabbing the puck. During matches, there are situations where one center is overpowering the other, so by limiting the movement of the stick, the player who is constantly losing faceoffs increases the team’s chances of gaining possession of the puck.

Figure 11.8.

Offensive Zone: Face-Off Lost

Players must prepare to win the throw-in and play in the offensive zone as described in the section, but they must also know what to do when the center loses the throw-in. If the players are prepared for this turn of events and understand how they will put pressure on their opponents to get the puck back, they will succeed much more than acting on a whim. Below are the strategies you can use to get the puck back and essentially start forechecking.

Double pressing

After losing the throw-in, C moves higher in the area of ​​the patch (figure 11.9). RW dashes over the circle and presses the defender to gain possession of the puck. RW must make sure that he turns around and does not rush to the center of the ice on the strong side. Force the defending player into the pressure zone, pushing him off the free edge. LW also rushes quickly to cover the free edge of the goal and exclude the possibility of a pass from one defender to another.D1 is ready to join the attack during the pass to the long-range attacker. D2 remains in the center of the court for a backup.

Figure 11.9.

Forcing according to the scheme “1-2-2”

After losing the throw-in, RW presses hard in the corner, forcing the defending player in the goal area to send a pass to his teammate (figure 11.10). In the event of a defensive pass to a colleague, RW crosses the court either behind or in front of the goal and applies force.C is ready to block play along the starboard side. When the puck moves to the free edge, it closes the center passage. LW covers the far side. D1 and D2 stay in the center of the court and react to passes to the middle.

Figure 11.10.

Neutral zone throw-ins

At one time, many coaches, especially European ones, paid little attention to throw-ins from the neutral zone. They believed that such face-offs do not play any role and have no consequences.In most cases, their players played the throw-in sluggishly. Now, almost all coaches recognize the importance of winning a throw-in and mastering the puck. As a result of the change in attitude towards face-offs in the middle zone, many new strategies have appeared, aimed at organizing a swift attack after them or applying force pressure in case of loss on the spot.

Neutral Zone: Faces won

Only in a few cases does the attacking team gain an advantage on a throw-in from the neutral zone.After a lost throw-in, the opponent will apply forceful pressure with one or two players, block the pass lines or cover the ice, so it is very important to prepare a plan. These actions are usually just as effective in driving the puck around the court as the options for regrouping in the neutral zone. Here are seven play scenes during the throw-in at the center point and the throw-in points on the blue line.

Center point, three options

C throws the puck back to D1, who passes the puck to D2 (figure 11.eleven). C picks up speed in a wide U-turn. RW dashes towards the far blue line. LW rushes at an angle to the center of the blue line. D2 can pass either to RW during his move, to LW’s center lane, or to the outside edge of C. Alternatively, D2 can cross the red line with the puck and dump into the offensive zone, where it is picked up from the outside edge by C.

Figure 11.11.

Far reflection

This throw-in episode also occurs from the center circle.After winning the throw-in, C goes over the red line (figure 11.12). Both wingers go to the top corner at the blue line. D1 passes to D2, who tries to pass to C so that he quickly throws the puck into the corner where RW picks it up. D1 can also pass to RW, which sends the projectile behind the defending players, where it is picked up by C. It is good to start the match at this point by immediately putting pressure on the opponent.

Figure 11.12.

Figure 11.13.

Forward from behind

LW is left behind for the throw-in with the left-back in front of him (figure 11.13). C pushes the puck to the left flank. While waiting for the throw-in, LW breaks into the gap and tries to push the puck past the opposing defender or throw it behind him. The RW is also rapidly moving forward with the LW.

Angled to the weak flank

This throw-in occurs on the blue line of the defending zone. C throws the puck back to D1, who passes it to D2 (figure 11.fourteen). D2 goes to the center. LW shields or covers a player inside the ice to give D2 more time to work the puck. RW rushes sharply into the corner at the far blue line. D2 kicks the puck off the board into this area, where RW picks it up and leads. C throws himself over the center to possibly make a two versus one situation.

Figure 11.14.

Center Forward Breakthrough

C throws the puck back and D2 passes it to D1 (figure 11.15). RW sees that the puck is out of its zone and moves towards the far blue line. C blocks opposing C and then dashes through the center aisle. LW stays on the free flank deep in the zone to hedge the cross pass. D2 rushes to help D1. D1 can pass to C or RW, who is in a hurry to the far blue line, and also, if the pass is not possible for either of these players, has the option of playing on the free flank of LW.

Figure 11.15.

Center Forward Reverse

After winning the throw-in, C pivots to the opposite side of the pass passed from the defender to the defensive player (figure 11.16). LW rushes to the side, and RW closes the center aisle. D2 can pass to LW or RW, but his main option is to send the puck to the free edge of C, who has gained good speed.

Figure 11.16.

Closely alongside

This throw-in pattern is used in leagues where touch-through forwarding has been introduced, where the team desperately needs to gain possession of the puck in the offensive zone and create a chance to score. There is a risk that the puck will be thrown over the goal line.C pushes the puck back to D1, which quickly propels it along the bead to the far corner (figure 11.17). LW rushes to the puck trying to get ahead of the defender. Having got hold of the puck, LW knocks it outside the goal of RW, who tries to hit them.

Figure 11.17.

Neutral Zone: lost face-offs

To regain possession of the puck after a lost face-off, you can use these strategies on a face-off from any of the five circles in the neutral zone.In most situations in this area, they lead to a forechecking team.

Double pressing

In the event of a lost throw-in, both wingers quickly move forward to put pressure on the opponents (figure 11.18). C covers the center area, eliminating the possibility of passes to the opposing team’s center. D1 and D2 are ready to intercept the boards and to press the player who received the pass.

Side pressure

In the event of a lost throw-in, the side winger (LW) forces the defending players to pass from across the court from under the players (figure 11.19). C covers the middle of the ice. RW closes the far side. D1 and D2 hold tightly in the center of the court.

Figure 11.18.

Figure 11.19.

Pressing from the inside to the outer edge

On a lost throw-in, C moves quickly between the two opposing defenders and drives the puck carrier to the outside edge (figure 11.20). While C moves to the right, RW closes the board and blocks passes to the winger there.LW closes the center of the court. D1 is ready to take the puck back from RW. D2 plays in the center of the court, watching the pass to the free flank.

Figure 11.20.

Defending throw-in

As a result of a won throw-in in the defending zone, it becomes possible to move the puck out of the zone and go on the attack. In the event of a lost throw-in in the defensive zone, the team is forced to defend and, in fact, go to guarding in the defensive zone until the puck is intercepted.We will discuss both options and suggest strategies for each.

Defense Zone: Faces won

Here are seven play-offs that teams can use in the event of a won defensive throw-in. Teams must practice getting out of the zone after winning a throw-in on both sides of the court. The choice of an option will to some extent depend on how the team forechecks, as well as on which option is convenient for you in terms of the team’s ability to execute it.

The last two options in this section, the one-on-one breakaway and the quick swap game, are gimmick blanks that can only be used a couple of times a year. They can be used at any time during a match, but they are usually reserved until you are one point down, as each carries some risk. The success rate for these episodes is much lower than for the rest of the above options, however, if your opponents are not ready for them, you can catch them by surprise.

Rotation and transition along the strong flank

If the opposing side’s side winger exerts hard pressure and also blocks the pass to D2, then D1 pulls the puck back and out of the pressure by guiding the LW puck down the boards on the strong side. Before turning around with the puck or getting out of the pressure, D1 must first withstand the pressure so that the opponents think that he is going into the zone behind the goal. C provides support in the depth of the zone, and RW provides support by moving across the court (figure 11.21). D1 can also ricochet the puck off the board or protective glass into the neutral zone, and both wingers can rush into this area. Doing so will catch teams off guard whose defenders are joining the attack, and perhaps create a two-on-one situation.

Rotate in a circle to the center

In this case, too, the opposing side winger exerts severe force pressure. D1 moves back with the puck, pulling the pressing opponent with him and trying to reach the area behind the goal.Realizing that he will not succeed, he passes back to C. Depending on the nature of the pressure being applied, D2 provides support in front of the goal or moves to the free flank, preparing to receive a pass from another defender. In case of heavy pressure on D1, D2 should stay in front of the net. LW moves back to provide side support and RW assists by moving across the ice (figure 11.22).

Figure 11.21.

Figure 11.22.

Short pass from defender to defender at the goalpost

After winning the throw-in, D1 gains possession of the puck and makes a short pass to the near goal post of D2 (figure 11.23). From the near post, D2 drives behind the goal, evaluates the possibilities of passing along the boards and makes a direct pass to the winger or center attacker in the center of the court, or, if possible, gives a back pass to his partner.

Figure 11.23.

Toss to partner

If the opponents are pressing only one player, then D1 quickly tosses the puck to D2, who opens up on the free flank at the gate, waiting for a pass from a teammate. Moving to the free flank, D2 should try to move to face the court and be ready for a pass when it is made.RW goes to the side, and LW crosses the landing to the far patch. C provides support in the depth of the zone (Figure 11.24).

Figure 11.24.

Free along side

This formation can be used to catch opponents by surprise or at the end of the game when you are behind or ahead of the enemy in the score. C wins the throw-in by giving the puck to D1, he guides it along the toeside (defenders may switch positions before the throw-in to make it easier to play along the boards).RW moves to the corner at the blue line and then takes a shortcut across the ice to hedge LW (figure 11.25). LW must reach the corner at the blue line before the opposing defender. LW can drive the puck through the neutral zone or, if the opponent stays in the zone and joins the attack, throw the puck off the boards behind RW’s back.

Figure 11.25.

One-on-one episode

C throws the puck backwards D1, which swiftly bends around the goal (figure 11.26). D2 creates a screen in front of the goalkeeper to give D1 time to act out the situation. RW rushes sharply towards the opposing defender. LW rolls over to the side, demanding to give up the gear. RW crosses the court at an angle towards the center circle. D1 top or bottom sends the puck to RW, which goes head-to-head. RW should make a heads-up gap as the opposing defenders won’t have time to react. In leagues where touch-through is active, in the worst case, RW will take the puck into the offensive zone.In the same place where no-touch forwarding is in effect, in the worst case, the throw-in will again be carried out from your zone.

Figure 11.26.

Quick-swap circuit

This is a truly unexpected option that requires training and application at key moments in a game or season. When opposing teams find you are using this scheme, they will expect it and therefore be able to react faster. This scheme can be implemented once or twice over the years as a tricky move, when the team is behind in the score and a throw-in occurs in its zone.C throws the puck back D1 (figure 11.27). RW rushes towards the opposing defender as if he is going to cover his own. Then he passes the defender and heads for the bench. One of the attackers waits at the opposite edge of the bench and quickly heads towards the far blue line. LW moves to the side awaiting a pass. D1 fakes a pass to LW and then addresses the puck to the newly re-emerging forward at the far blue line.

Figure 11.27.

Defense Zone: Lose Faces

There are two line-ups that teams can use in the defense zone.The following are the responsibilities of each player in the event of a lost faceoff. The most common formation is five across, where all players line up to defend, and the defender from behind gives you an offensive advantage if you win the face-off, but requires some hasty rearrangements if you lose.

“Five across”

This common formation is typically used for 80% of throw-ins in the defending zone. After losing the throw-in, C is left to face the center forward (figure 11.28). RW breaks through to the inside of the circle and exerts force around the corner near the blue line. LW moves to the far side and prepares to chase the second defender in case of a pass. D1 and D2 stay with their strikers. The five-across formation has become the defensive throw-in formation standard used in the NHL. She has only one option – when some teams leave D2 a little behind, in order to get out of the zone faster in case of a won throw-in.Each of the five players has clearly defined responsibilities and can be adjusted based on the formation.

Figure 11.28.

Back protector

Some teams prefer to leave the defender directly behind the center forward during the throw-in in order to get out of the zone faster (figure 11.29). If the throw-in is lost in this formation, C remains face to face with the center. RW exerts side pressure while D1 takes over the offensive player he was in line with.LW moves to the far side and prepares to apply forceful pressure on the opposing defender in the event of a pass. D2 quickly steps forward and takes over the inside of the attacker.

Figure 11.29.

Power throw-in

In a power play, it is very important to win the throw-in or draw it, but still gain possession of the puck. If the opposing team throws the puck out of their zone to line up again, it usually takes 20 seconds.This is both discouraging and tiresome for the majority players. There are three ways to master the puck and set up here. Players and coaches should try to determine what the minority team is going to play if the faceoff is won, so you can get the puck back even if the faceoff is lost.

Traditional spread

When C wins a throw-in or draws it, both wingers move to knock the puck back to the defenders. If the throw-in is lost, RW breaks into the corner and begins to put pressure on the opposing defender.LW blocks the out-of-zone blowout from defender to defender of the minority brigade or supports RW in the corner. C begins to apply force pressure and back up RW and LW (Figure 11.30). While you strive to win all faceoffs, since they are so important to mastering the puck during a power play, you may want to instruct the center forward to hold the opposition and give the wingers a chance to get out of their predicament. This will increase your chances of mastering the puck.

Figure 11.30.

Doubling on the outer flank

In this formation, there are two forwards on the same flank, so that an additional player can participate in the attempt to gain possession of the puck. RW and LW line up along the side. On a throw-in where the puck is tied, RW shields the goalkeeper and LW throws the puck back to D1. D2 is always in a position to help block the passage through which the opposing center can throw the puck deep into the zone immediately after the throw-in.In this example, if the opposing center is left-handed, D2 needs to roll back a little (figure 11.31). If the throw-in is lost, LW breaks into the corner and stops the defender. RW extends and takes possession of the puck.

Figure 11.31.

Doubling within the zone

In this formation, two forwards are inside the zone, D1 at the boards and D2 behind on the blue line (figure 11.32). If there is no clear winner on the face-off, RW and LW move forward to pass the puck back to D2.RW is initially in a position that is convenient to block the passage through which the opposing center can throw the puck into the zone immediately after the throw-in. In this example, if the opposing center is left-handed, RW will have to step back. If the throw-in is lost, RW breaks into the corner and stops the opposing defender. LW extends and gains possession of the puck. In some cases, this throw-in opens up LW space at the net and the puck is tied in the face-off circle.If RW possesses her at this time, he can quickly discard her LW.

Figure 11.32.

90,073 Tough throw-in 90,074

Because faceoffs are so important in a minority game, they are covered in detail in chapter 10 on this topic. As mentioned in this chapter, it is very important for minority players to gain possession of the puck. The minority team seeks to upset the game by forcing the opponent back 200 feet (61 meters) behind the puck, re-starting the out-zone attempt.Most faceoff options are covered in Chapter 10 (pages 145-148), but here are two common strategies to use after winning a faceoff in the defensive zone.

Throw into the corner

In this situation, when C wins the throw-in, LW runs deeper into the free corner (figure 11.33). D1 kicks the puck back to LW, who kicks it out of the zone. D2 must screen the opposing team’s inside winger to give LW time to take possession of the puck and throw it deep into the ice.

Figure 11.33.

Ejection from the area along the side

It is best if the defenders switch places: this will enable one of them, who is at the board, to send the puck tightly along it (figure 11.34). C attempts to win the throw-in by sending the puck into the corner, or holding his opponent so that the puck stops behind. D1 (now left-handed) jumps out quickly and sends the puck tightly along the bead or protective glass.

Figure 11.34.

Special Throw-in Situations

This section deals with throw-in strategies for a four-on-four game and situations with a goalkeeper change at the end of the match. While four-on-four face-offs are not very common during matches, it is imperative that the team be prepared, especially as in almost all levels, overtime four-on-four is used to decide the outcome of the match. Goalkeeper replacement situations are also rare, but they are critical in determining the end result.

Four-on-four throw-in

We present one line-up for offensive play and two line-ups for defense in a four-on-four situation. In the case of a lost four-on-four throw-in, it is much more difficult to defend the ball as the center is usually busy with the throw-in and cannot deal with the opposing defender. It is worth considering a strategy in which the defender implements the throw-in.

Four across

Center forward attempts to win the throw-in by throwing back D1 or D2.If the throw-in is lost, F2 must overcome the temptation to go to the board defender and stay on the spot (figure 11.35).

Figure 11.35.

The center striker joins the fight to break free and start pressing the defenders on the strong side. If the defender passes the puck to a teammate, then F2 goes to the line of the shot. D1 takes over the opposing center and D2 takes over the inside attacker. This formation is more traditional for the teams in the defense zone, but it can be difficult for the center striker to free himself when it is implemented.

Defender scores in

This solid defensive formation is rarely used because the defensive throw-in has to be executed in it. Assign D1 to play on the face-off point and leave D2 behind the opposing attacker (figure 11.36). If the throw-in is lost, D1 and D2 take on the opposing attackers, while F1 and F2 go to the opposing defenders. If the opponent lines up three players in front of the throw-in point, D1 should try to get the puck out of the opponents’ F1, and F2 plays a two-on-one situation.

Figure 11.36.

Passage along the side

Having won the face-off in a four-on-four situation, the teams must make it difficult for the opponent with the option at the outer edge. C on the throw-in pushes the puck back D1 to the board (figure 11.37). D1 takes a position a few paces from the dividing lines on the outside of the board face-off circle. D1 can shoot while F2 is at the goal, or pass to D2 for a one-touch click.D1 and D2 should switch places to make it easier for them to shoot.

Figure 11.37.

Goalkeeper replacement

When a team changes the goalkeeper for the sixth field player, it is an exciting moment of the match. As a rule, this happens in the last minute of the meeting, and the strategy is to create a goal-scoring chance immediately after the throw-in. The game shouldn’t be too difficult, but all players should be aware of which variation they are pursuing. Here are some strategies.

Scheme “from the inside to the outside edge”

C wins the throw-in or leaves the puck behind. LW, C and EX (additional striker – sixth skater) rush to the goal (figure 11.38). RW makes a wide pivot to the outside and grabs the puck or receives a pass from D1. C jumps out onto the patch. RW tries to pass the puck to C; back D1 to the area in front of the goal; or to the rear flank D2.

Defender slide

RW returns to assist on the throw-in, with D1 on the inside of the circle (figure 11.39). C kicks the puck back to D1. EX (extra forward) heads for goal. D2 glides and prepares for a one-touch shot (in this example, D2 is left-handed). D1 can shoot at goal or pass to D2 for a quick shot.

Figure 11.38.

Figure 11.39.

Double version

Two strikers take positions inside the court (figure 11.40), and one at the boards (this player must be left-handed).C can throw the puck to the side, counting on a quick shot EX (extra striker), and the center striker has the option to push the puck forward and quickly send it to the goal, where LW and RW are.

Figure 11.40.

90,000 Ice hockey throw-in

The throw-in is to put the puck into play. In fact, a throw-in is a very important element of the game of hockey, and professional players spend a lot of time practicing this element, because a throw-in won can literally save the game.Also, one of the indicators of a player’s statistics is the percentage of faceoffs won. Whoever wins the face-off – – owns the puck , and, accordingly, controls the course of the match.

Where the throw-in takes place.

Throw-offs may take place on the court at specific points called throw-in points. There are nine such points in total: , two points in each zone in the immediate vicinity of the goal, and five in the middle zone – four points at the borders of the blue lines, and one is the central one.

At center point , throw-ins are taken at the beginning of the periods, after a goal has been scored, or because of an error by the referee in the event that the referee detects a forward but later changes his decision. In the center, the throw-in is made by the chief arbiter, in other cases the linesmen are involved.

The remaining throw-in points of are used depending on the situation in which the match was stopped. For example, if the goalkeeper fixes the puck, then the throw-in will take place at the point that will be closer to the place where the puck was fixed – at one of the throw-in points located in the zone.Also at this point, a throw-in will take place if a rule violation occurs, followed by a penalty. In this case, the throw-in goes into the zone of the team whose player violated these rules themselves. Moreover, even if the rules were violated in the opponent’s zone, the throw-in will be made in the zone of the team that will remain in the minority.

The four face-off points at the blue line are most commonly used to bring the puck back into play when offside. From which side the offside position was recorded – from that side the throw-in will take place.

Chief Arbiter.

Responsibility for assigning a throw-in at one or another point of a throw-in rests with the chief referee, it is he who must quickly analyze the situation and designate a place to put the puck into play. There are times when the fate of the whole match depends on such decisions of the referee. For example: 10 seconds before the end of the match, the referee erroneously fixes a forward, assigns a throw-in in the team’s zone, the opponent wins the throw-in and scores a goal – and there is not enough time to recoup.Now you understand why the throw-in is a very important element of the game.

How to win a throw-in?

Hockey players all over the world practice this element long and hard. There are several ways to win a faceoff:

Win a throw-in by reaction.

And the most obvious of them is to react before the opponent and quickly send the puck to a partner.

True, it is not so easy to do this in practice as in words, and, I repeat, such an action requires long and persistent training.

Power Manner – Win Faceoff

The second possible option for capturing the puck at in a forceful manner – as soon as the puck touches the ice, you need to quickly block the opponent’s stick and try to push it away from the puck. In such cases, the player can give the puck to his partner with a skate, or wait until that same partner picks up the puck on his own.

As we noted earlier – the one who wins the throw-in owns the puck and, accordingly, the initiative, therefore, if you play hockey, do not be lazy and take time to practice this element of the game, because once won a throw-in will help you and your partners win !!!

90,000 What the attackers think about on the face-offs

This element, which is simple at first glance, starts each period of each hockey match, after which it is repeated after each stop of the game – on average 60-70 times per match.This is, of course, about faceoffs.
The viewer, watching the meeting with half an eye, pays attention only to which team gets the puck, and every time when it gets to the guys for whom this viewer is rooting, his soul becomes a little warmer. Even if he does not even close, how much dexterity, skill and thorough planning are needed for the puck to bounce to whoever it needs at least 50% of the time.

Do you want to know what a center forward should think about every time he leaves for a spot? On this topic, we talked to several star center-forwards, who routinely have to face off 15-20 face-offs per match.
“There is a lot to keep in mind, especially if the throw-in is near your goal or in the attacking zone,” Pittsburgh captain Sidney Crosby explained to NHL.com. ? In what situation is your team: in the majority, minority or equal squad? How much time is left until the end of this segment? Is there a specific and simple combination that will allow us to quickly change, or for this everyone will have to work more? There is a lot to think about.And, of course, you need to be sure that your partners are aware of what is happening, because very often it is your wingers, who at this time are holding back the extreme opponents, who will help you win the throw-in. But since we do this so often, all these factors are automatically scrolled through our heads in a couple of seconds. ” I estimate – who is my opponent, – told the NHL.com / ru Boston forward Patrice Bergeron, four-time Selka Trophy winner. – Lefty? Right-handed? The guy I know? A guy I don’t know? Where are his partners located, how did they leave? What, from my point of view, does he intend? Basically, all you’re trying to do is win the face-off. It’s the most important. But you need to think about all the factors that frame this particular throw-in. “

We have all seen hundreds of times how partners just before the throw-in discuss something, hotly gesturing.And the center forward does not necessarily take the floor in this debate. Bergeron’s explanations:

Video: Bergeron scores on the majority

“In some cases, when you know where you would like to send the puck from a point, you have to be sure that your partner knows about it and will be there to get the puck. But this is not at all the kind of meeting that I am alone in. It is a committee, because we must have an agreed plan of action for any scenario, whether you win a throw-in or lose.But when we try to play a planned combination, then, of course, there must be both the wingers and the defenders in the course. ” they have an advantage: everyone stands on a point on the flank on which it is more convenient. his forte, which certainly helps, ” he told the NHL.com / ru. – Before last season, the league tightened the screws a bit in the rules, it became more difficult to cheat. Although the guys, getting to the point, are still looking for any advantage. “

Video: TOP-BAF: Nylander scored from Matthews’s cool pass

For Mark Scheifle, faceoffs have become a particularly complex science that requires an instant analysis of the entire database accumulated in his head.

“Every throw-in is a completely new beast,” said the Winnipeg center forward. – Naturally, you always take a standard stance, but depending on whether you are fighting, for example, with Mikko Koivu or Ryan Johansen, you need to do it differently.It’s the same with Connor McDavid or Stephen Stamkos. The most important thing with face-offs, I think, is that you have to have a wide arsenal of skills, tactics and strategies, because if you do the same thing every time, your opponents will quickly find a key to you. It is very important to alternate technique. This is the only way to consistently achieve success on the face-offs. ”

For all his tricks, Scheifli is a good but far from outstanding spot master. He won 51.2% of the face-offs last season.This is an indicator with which he shared only 61st place in the league among forwards who have played at least 500 pieces. A truly elite score is 55% or more. There were only 17 such people in the NHL last year. Former Buffalo forward Ryan O’Reilly (traded to St. Louis in the summer) was the best by a whopping 248 face-offs won over his closest pursuer, and his percentage was better at 60.0%. From year to year, the top ten virtuosos in this category, in addition to O’Reilly, include Antoine Vermette, Claude Giroud, Jay Beagle and Jonathan Toews.

Video: BAF-FLO: O’Reilly sends the puck under the crossbar

It is curious that Russian hockey players play on the spot – one of the traditionally weakest skills of their entire arsenal. Apparently, there is not enough emphasis on this in Russian hockey schools. No less than 500 face-offs last season in the NHL were played by 120 people, among whom there were only four Russians. Here are their results: Vladislav Namestnikov – 45.8% (101st place), Artem Anisimov – 45.7% (102nd place), Evgeny Kuznetsov – 44.2% (107th place) and Evgeny Malkin – 43 , 7% (110th place).There were seven Canadians and three Americans in the top ten of last season, while Leon Dreiseitl became the best of the Europeans (56.1%, 11th place).

[Latest NHL News on Twitter @NHLrussia]

last season alone, 913 face-offs out of 1,726 (52.3%) – But this is the most important part of the game.And for me, with the number of faceoffs that I play, it is extremely important to do it successfully. This is what brings puck ownership to your team. For example, I studied the manners and tendencies of many linesmen. Despite the fact that there are rules that clearly describe their actions, each of them has their own habits. And I have also worked out a special process, how not to disclose my intentions to the opponent in advance, and at the same time try to find out what plan he has and decide how to adapt to it. “

“It happens once every 100 years.” Incredible NHL goal with split-second throw-in

“It happens once every 100 years.” Incredible NHL goal with split-second throw-in

Los Angeles perfect play from 2017. This can hardly be repeated.

9 February 2021, 12:45
/ NHL

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What can you do in one second? Blink, inhale, snap your fingers.Los Angeles once won a match after a throw-in with a split second left in overtime. The chance was almost zero, but Angers Kopitar and Tyler Toffoli succeeded – literally at the snap of their fingers.

Where is my money ?! How the great Lemieux scored a goal straight from a throw-in

Journalist Mark Madden teased Super Mario that he would never be able to do it. And he joked.

Los Angeles at the start of the 2017/2018 season was one of the best teams in the NHL and almost never lost.The ordinary match with “Boston” was not easy – most of the game the score was 1: 1, and in overtime Tuukka Rusk and Jonathan Quick played brilliantly, neutralizing several dangerous moments.

Things were going smoothly and inevitably to shootouts, when Boston defender Tory Krug sent the puck into the wrong zone, not reaching the red line a couple of meters. The scoreboard froze 0.4 seconds – after consulting, the referees threw another half a second.

“No chance at all that they will succeed”

Los Angeles took a time out and replaced Quick for the fourth field.“During the time-out, the coach said to win the throw-in and shoot. Doughty and I stood behind Kopitar. He had to win the throw-in, and one of us, to whom the puck was closer, had to throw as quickly as possible, ”Toffoli said.

“The clock has been rearranged by nine tenths of a second, but still this is unlikely to be enough.” “In general, there is no chance that they will succeed,” the commentators were talking before the decisive throw-in.

Los Angeles still had one advantage – because of the forwarding, Boston did not have a center-forward on the ice, and David Pastrnyak took the throw-in.He was opposed by one of the best centers of the NHL in playing on the spot – Anzhe Kopitar.

During the time-out, the Boston bench was planning how to delay the throw-in. You could try to earn a removal for violating the procedure in order to release the center onto the ice or cover the puck with your hand, but Pastrnyak did not have time to do anything. “The throw-in was so fast that he didn’t have time to get sent off,” Boston coach Bruce Cassidy said.

“They couldn’t repeat this even in 100 attempts”

But Los Angeles managed everything, and even with a margin, keeping it within only half a second! Kopitar not only won the throw-in cleanly, but sent the puck straight to Toffoli’s stick, and he hit the ball with a shot.“I think this will not happen again for a long time. This is the first time in my entire career that I see it work exactly as it was intended, and so quickly, ”said Kopitar.

Video copyright NHL Enterprises, L.P. You can watch the video on the NHL website.

“I definitely haven’t seen such goals in overtime. It was amazing, incredible! We thought that if we succeed in winning the throw-in cleanly, then we might have enough time, and put two right-handers behind Kopitar so that it would be convenient for them to throw, “Kings coach John Stevens beamed at the press conference.

“It happens once every 100 years. It’s hard to lose that way, ”said Boston striker Brad Marchand. “How could this have happened? They couldn’t do it even in 100 tries, ”Cassidy could not believe his eyes. An incredible goal that could only have happened with a bit of luck and perfect execution, and Los Angeles executed everything flawlessly. Indeed, this can hardly be repeated.

Thank you for your attention, Alexander Petrushak worked for you.With the victory! Until we meet again in hockey!

Match statistics: Shots: 43-31; Shots on target: 24-20; Goals: 3-2; Face-offs: 22-26 Blocked shots: 6-7; Strength techniques: 17-14; Foul against a player: 3-2; Penalty: 6-8

3rd period stats: Shots: 10-11; Shots on target: 6-3; Goals: 1-0; Throw-ins: 10-11; Blocked shots: 4-0; Strength techniques: 6-3; Foul against a player: 1-0; Penalty: 2-4

Match ended

VICTORYAAAAA !!!

60:00

That’s it, the final siren sounds!

Muscovites shoot the goalkeeper 4 seconds before the end

Controlling the puck, time is melting

We do not allow guests to enter our area and remove the goalkeeper

Kucheryavenko won the throw-in, Burdasov threw in touch – past

Burdasov throws from under the defender in a counterattack – the keeper stops the game

58:00

Last two minutes of 3 periods

Vasiliev inflicted a hidden shot – Furkh covered the puck

The game takes place in our zone, but without moments

Spartacus starts to press

Stoa throws low – Furh parries

Full teams

Khokhryakov pulled the puck and made a pass, and Pestushko splendidly closed from his knee – 3: 2!

53:38
GOAL! 3: 2
Pestushko Maxim

(Khokhryakov Pyotr, Martynov Egor)

[4×4]

MAX PESTUSHKO !!!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALL

Burdasov threw great at the near one – the goalkeeper is on the spot

52:35
DELETE:
Nikitin Nikita

(Rudeness)
2 minutes.

52:35
DELETE:

Bobylev Vladimir
(Rudeness)
2 minutes.

Spartacus

Nikitin charges sharply from the slides – Bespalov beats off

Lemtyugov makes a long-range shot – past the alignment

Pianov gives out to the distant on the connected Anelev, but our Swede does not have time to close

Cautious game without moments goes

50:00

Half 3 periods behind

Spartak in full force

Can’t create anything dangerous

46:23
DELETE:

Provolnev Vladislav
(Lock)
2 minutes.Spartacus

45:00

5 minutes played in the third

Osipov was taken out on a throw – past the alignment

Medvedev throws from the half-zone – the goalkeeper is on the alert

Nikitin kissed from the side – Bespalov caught the puck

Let’s continue!

3 period

Match statistics: Shots: 33-20; Shots on target: 18-17; Goals: 2-2; Throw-ins: 12-15; Blocked shots: 2-7; Strength techniques: 11-11; Foul against a player: 2-2; Penalty: 4-4

2nd period stats: Shots: 19-9; Shots on target: 9-9; Goals: 1-2; Throw-ins: 9-10; Blocked shots: 0-4; Strength techniques: 6-4; Foul against a player: 1-1; Penalty: 2-2

Break

Muscovites needed less than a minute to level the score

Gilroy’s long throw reaches the target – 2: 2

38:59
GOAL! 2: 2
Gilroy Matthew

(Högström Markus, Glazachev Konstantin)

[5×5]

Spartacus

2: 2, Spartak equalized…

Scored a goal for the defender Spartak Högström – 2: 1

38:01
GOAL! 2: 1
Högström Markus

(Nikontsev Anatoly, Vasiliev Alexander)

[5×5]

Spartacus

Goal scored – 2: 1

Högström threw from the blue line, Voronin corrected on a nickle and the puck ended up in the net of our goal

Video viewing at the request of the Vanguard is in progress

2: 1, Spartak scores

Burdasov makes a very cool shot – the keeper parries with difficulty

The Vanguard advantage is clear now

Kucheryavenko throws in, Lemtyugov corrects on a penny – unsuccessfully

35:00

5 minutes left before the break

Drunken with brushes from the right circle – by

Pestushko loaded from the crawl zone after Perezhogin’s pass – Bespalov pulled out the puck

Voronin threw from the side – Furkh calmly took into the trap

Kucheryavenko folds well, Khokhryakov closes – the keeper is on the alert

Lauta threw from a few meters – next to the bar

He scatters teeth with feints of two opponents and makes a throw on horseback – above the gate

Spartak in full force

Lauta on touch closes Medvedev’s pass – the goalkeeper manages to move and reflects

Once again Osipov fired, this time from the crawl zone – inaccurate

Osipov from blue charges very strongly, but past the alignment

29:56
DELETE:

Nikontsev Anatoly
(Hooking)
2 minutes.Spartacus

Vanguard in full force

Leshchenko makes a throw-up, and Kalinin shoots dangerously – Furkh is just dragging!

Our guys lasted a minute

Lauta’s active actions in the minority force the goalkeeper to pinch the puck, the throw-in will be in the opponent’s zone

Glazachev clicks lethally – Furkh reflects with a shield

26:50
DELETE:
Perezhogin Alexander

(Playing with a club held high)
2 minutes.

Perezhogin threw sharply from under the defender – the goalkeeper caught the puck

Burdasov closes in touch – by

Anelev made a gorgeous breakthrough, beat Kirillov and shot Bespalov into the near corner – 2: 0!

23:49
GOAL! 2: 0
Anelev Yunas

(Lemtyugov Nikolay, Yunkov Mikhail)

[5×5]

YUNAS ANELYOV !!!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALL

Bobrov makes an unexpected throw on horseback – Furkh parries

Spartak is very active at the start of the second period

Zubov and Parshin had a chance to solve, but they could not bring it to the throw.

Let’s continue!

2 period

1st period stats: Shots: 14-11; Shots on target: 9-8; Goals: 1-0; Throw-ins: 3-5; Blocked shots: 2-3; Strength techniques: 5-7; Foul against a player: 1-1; Penalty: 2-2

Break

Medvedev delivers a powerful shot from blue to Bespalov’s helmet

Anelev takes over the game and gives it to Lemtyugov, Kolya can’t quit from a good position

Last minute of the period

Vanguard in full force

Zubov robbed an opponent and threw dangerously – keeper

Berdnikov point blank – Furkh is reliable

Lauta ran away along the edge and delivered a strong throw – the goalkeeper parried

Stoa closes dangerously – Furh is fine

15:29
DELETE:
Osipov Alexander

(Lock)
2 minutes.

Anelev from blue charges, Lauta corrects – a little inaccurate

Nikontsev dangerously threw the bottom of his mustache – Furkh coped

Burdasov is on fire! 5 (4 + 1) points in 3 games after returning to the ranks!

Kucheryavenko gave from behind the gate on a penny, the puck hit the foot of the defender of Spartak and bounced to the side where Burdasov was on duty, hitting the net from the zero angle – 1: 0!

09:51
GOAL! 1: 0
Burdasov Anton

(Kucheryavenko Alexander)

[5×4]

ANTON BURDASOV !!!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOALL

Osipov was taken out of the right circle – Voronin took over

08:51
DELETE:

Alexey Bondarev
(Lock)
2 minutes.Spartacus

We locked Spartak in its zone for two shifts

Sobotka and Perezhogin alternately throw from close range – the goalkeeper drags

Radiated with a whip to the neighbor – past the alignment

Kucheryavenko from the fight against the crawl zone kissed – by

Högström delivers an ultra-long throw – no problem for Furkh

05:00

5 minutes played while the zeros are on the scoreboard

Sobotka from the left circle throws – block

Medvedev clicks from the blue – the goalkeeper parries

Voronin threw sharply with an uncomfortable – our keeper on the alert

The game starts at good speeds

Glazachev shoots from the entrance to the zone – Furkh is in place

Go!

1 period

Anthem of the Russian Federation

Teams go out on the ice

Starting goalkeepers: Dominik Furkh (33) – Nikita Bespalov (31)

Composition of “Vanguard” in fives:

1st: Egor Martynov (55) – Evgeny Medvedev-k (82), Maxim Pestushko (16) – Vladimir Sobotka (17) – Alexander Perezhogin (37)

2nd: Erik Gustafsson (26) – Yunas Anelev (5), Denis Parshin (27) – Ilya Zubov (38) – Valentin Pyanov (21)

3rd: Nikita Nikitin (86) – Alexander Osipov (2), Pyotr Khokhryakov (62) – Alexander Kucheryavenko (15) – Anton Burdasov (71)

4th: Nikita Lisov (60), Artur Lauta (32) – Mikhail Yunkov (19) – Nikolay Lemtyugov (13)

Spartak squad by fives:

1st: Markus Högström (4) – Matthew Gilroy (97), Konstantin Glazachev (18) – Ryan Stoa (94) – Lukasz Radil (69)

2nd: Dmitry Kalinin (7) – Yaroslav Dyblenko (28), Vyacheslav Leshchenko (27) – Vadim Berdnikov (8) – Igor Mirnov (11)

3rd: Alexey Kirillov (81) – Alexey Bondarev (9), Mikhail Plotnikov (88) – Artyom Voronin (17) – Alexander Vasiliev (10)

4th: Vladislav Provolnev (45), Anatoly Nikontsev (12) – Victor Bobrov (38) – Maxim Potapov-k (15), Vladimir Bobylev (47)

Good day! In 45 minutes, the KHL regular championship match between Avangard Omsk and Spartak Moscow will begin at the Omsk Arena

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