Positioning 101 where to be and where not to be on the ice Phase Matrix Ice Hockey

Positioning 101

where to be and where not to beon the ice

Phase Matrix Ice Hockey

What we’ll cover:

The basic job of each position

Where to be:

• during face offs

• in the defensive zone

• in the neutral zone

• in the offensive zone

Offsides

Shift changes (when, why, how)

When everything goes to hell

Forward: Center

Leads the line, drives plays

Tells the forwards where to be/go in the face off

Wins face offs

On defense: assists D, covers extra player, gets possession

On offense: drives the play, makes opportunities, passes, scores

Forward: Center

Area of responsibility

Forward: Center

Face offs

C

RW

LW

C

RD

LD

C

C

C

LW

RW

LD

RD

RWRD

LDLW

C C

LW

RW

LD

RD

LW

RW

LDRD

G

LW

RW

LDRD

G

LW

RD

LD

RW

G

RW

LW

C

RDLD

G

RW

LW

C

RDLD

G

RW

LW

C

RD

LD

G

C

Bring the puck into the offensive zone; rush, pass, fake

Control the puck (forecheck) and make opportunities for the rest of the line

Shoot, SCORE!!!

In the defensive zone, cover opposing D, look for the puck and breakout

Forward: Right Wing, Left Wing

Forward: Left Wing, Right Wing

Area of responsibility

LW

RW

RD

LD

LW

RW

RW

LW

C

RD

LD

LW

RW

LW

RW

LW

RW

C

LD

RD

RWRD

LDLW

C

LW

RW

C

LD

RD

CLD

RDG

C

LDRD

G

C

RD

LD

G

RW

LW

C

RDLD

G

RW

LW

C

RDLD

G

RW

LW

C

RD

LD

G

Forward: Left Wing, Right Wing

Face offs

On defense, cover opposing forwards, intercept passes, break up plays

Does not screen the goalie: ties up players but also MOVES THEM OUT OF SLOT

Backcheck, deliver puck to forwards

Follows behind driving forward line, takes passes or defends after turnover if necessary

Defense: Right Defense, Left Defense

On offense, helps keep puck in offensive zone but not at the cost of staying ahead of advancing forwards!

Defense: Left D, Right D

Area of responsibility

LD

RD

LDRD

RW

LW

C

RD

LD

LDRD RD

LD C

LW

RW

LD

RD

RWRD

LDLW

C C

LW

RW

LD

RD

C

LW

RWG

C

LW

RW

G

C

LW

RW

G LW

RW

C

RDLD

G

RW

LW

C

RDLD

G

RW

LW

C

RD

LD

G

Defense: Left Defense, Right Defense

Face offs

Offsides

Offsides is when a player precedes the puck into the offensive zone.

It will result in a whistle and a face off in the neutral zone.

C

RW

LWLW

C

RW

Shift or Line Changes

Shifts or lines change when:

1 to 1.5 minutes: ENOUGH. 2+ minutes: TOO LONG.

Forwards try to change with their line

• The bench coach/captain calls for one

Change when the puck has offensive momentum, never during defense

• There is a whistle, a new face off and the last shift is ready to get off the ice

• A player is fatigued or hurt and wants relief

What to do when it all goes to hell

• On defense: cover a player (not the goal!)

• On offense: aim for space, cover points

Keep your position, make sure all positions stay covered:

Follow the play, not the puck

You have more time than you think: relax

WIN!WIN!WIN!WIN!

And above all:

Phase Matrix Ice Hockey