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MUSINGS FROM THE BENCH

This week we have a set of Small Area Games (SAG) that focus on surfing and angling.

The Art of Surfing

In surfing, “Hang Ten” refers to the maneuver of standing on a surfboard and placing all ten toes over the front edge of the board. This is a challenging technique, typically performed on a longboard, where the surfer aims to get as close to the nose as possible while maintaining balance.

Surfing in hockey is all about being on your toes and skating forward, angling and attacking the opposition in the OZ and NZ.

The first drill focuses on “Surfing”. The term surfing refers to a defensive player skating up ice towards the opposition and angling them away from the “good “ ice between the dots.

It is important for the defensive player to angle correctly and continue to skate forward. It takes some time to teach, but once players understand, they are able to skate forward, angle, attack and separate the puck by matching the speed of the offensive opposition.

Rather than accept the rush as a defender by skating backwards, the defender can dictate the rush of the offensive players when done correctly.

OZ/DZ Angling

The second drill focuses on angling in the DZ/OZ. This drill helps players to understand their position on the ice, closing the gap and creating contact with the offensive player.

Surfing and Angling are not easy concepts to execute. Give the players lots of reps to enforce. It could take a few weeks for players to begin to understand the “Art of Surfing”

Small Area Game #1

Rolly Angle Game

This SAG has a focus on angling and surfing in a small area.

1. Xs attack around net with puck.

2. Coach lays puck behind net, first two Xs go around net, either X can pick up puck.

3. First two Os gain ice and angle, play live 2v2

4. On whistle, opposite side coach lays puck and four new players go

Small Area Game #2

Weeks DZ/OZ Angle 1/4 Ice

This SAG has a focus on OZ/DZ angling.

1. Set up as shown

2. Left diagram is defensive zone angle

3. Right diagram is offensive zone angle 

4. Repetitions start on the whistle

5. Vary starting positions & timing 

6. * Progressions: add offensive players, defensive players or bothSwitch on whistle (new puck)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

PERFORMANCE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK