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