By Ian Taylor - Director, Hockey Development

Game Date: October 12, 2016

Welcome to our new feature called OMHA Video Coach! In this segment we will review a video clip from game action and then break down the sequence into frames identifying key skills, individual and team tactics, strategy and hockey IQ. Video is a great teaching tool that can be used by both players and coaches.

When in possession of the puck, the game of hockey comes down to creating mismatches or numerical advantages – the basic mismatch is the 2v1. The following situation consists of a 2v1 starting in the neutral-zone.

Now, let’s take a closer look and break it down…

• After a turnover, TML34 receives the puck in the neutral zone outside the dot-line*
• TML34 immediately generates speed using linear crossover and drives inside dot-line* and directly at OTT6
• This forces OTT6 to retreat inside dot-line to protect the middle lane and to manage the gap between himself and TML34

*The dot-line is an imaginary line that runs the length of the rink through the faceoff dots on either side of the rink, dividing the rink into three lanes

• TML34 kicks the puck wide to TML29 at speed and who has an open outside lane with time and space

• TML29 enters the offensive zone with speed and reads support, back-pressure from OTT19 and positioning of OTT6
• OTT6 recognizes the speed of both TML29 and TML34 which causes him to pivot from backwards to forwards – he is now chasing the play
• TML34 continues to generate speed using linear crossovers to drive middle lane to the net

• TML29 creates a dual-threat (pass or shoot) by getting to the dot-line
• With time and space, TML29 slows - eyes and head are up – assessing options
• OTT6 is now turned facing his own goal and aims to take away passing lane to the middle lane
• The goaltender, OTT41, must play the shot option of TML29
• TML34 drives the net and gets into balanced-position – wide legs, low, strong on stick, stick on the ice
• TML29 executes saucer pass to TML34

• TML34 drives far post and re-directs pass into the net

Watch the video again to see the importance of establishing speed in possession in the middle of the ice and using the dot-line to creating mismatches and manipulate the movement and feet of the defenders in a 2v1 situation.

Bonus video: Have a look at Auston Matthews’ first professional goal last season in the Swiss Elite league– pretty much a carbon copy of this goal.