Articles
The 7 Habits that Make You Look “House League”
Seven habits that kill momentum — and what Belmont players do instead.
Problem. Description. Solution. Clean these up and you look like a Blazer — not house league.
Defensive Gap Control
Problem
The defense is so far back from the attacker that he’s defeating the purpose of supporting the goalie.
But instead, the defence is creating a screen, making it more difficult for the goalie to see what’s coming.
Solution
Attack the player and establish a gap
Fly By
Problem
The most annoying fly-by is when you see a player on your team skate with a 60% effort while reaching out and waving their stick by the puck carrier.
Then tops it off by finishing the movement by making a HUGE circle taking themselves out of the play.
Solution
Attack the player, establish a gap, if you get beat, stop and go as hard as you can back into the play
High Shots
Problem
Goalies have great gloves at U18 AA.
Shooting over the net sucks.
Solution
- A hard wrist shot along the ice is more effective than flicking the puck top corner.
- If you go high, go blocker side
- Just over the pads is another great scoring zone!
Standing Still
Problem
Whether playing offense or defense, the team that utilizes active motion will be the team that has the most advantage.
The biggest pet peeve I have while coaching is a player standing still and watching the other team move the puck around effortlessly.
Solution
Skate with a purpose, this has benefits:
- causing turnovers
- creating openings for teammates
- offensive pressure
- and much more
Turn Overs At the Blue Line
Problem
Turnovers at both blue lines are the number one momentum swing in the sport of hockey.
Solution
- Wingers on Defence: Do whatever it takes to get the puck out of our zone
- Players on Offence: Get the puck deep. Losing it on the blueline creates an odd man rush
Not Capitalizing On 2 ON 1’s
Problem
When we don’t get a scoring chance on a 2 on 1 it is a wasted opportunity
Solution
An odd-man rush towards the other team’s goalie should always result in a quality scoring opportunity.
Don’t be selfish!
Shooting at the Logo
Problem
A shot right at the goalies chest or glove freezes the puck and ends the offensive play.
Solution
Shooting with a purpose will create a scoring chances or find the back of the net, resulting in a goal.
Goals come from Rebounds and Loose Pucks.
Fix the habit. Change the look.