Practicing and Maintaining Skills - Part I
Here is video I thought may be of interest. This clip is of Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins working on stick handling and their skating skills. This is a similar drill we have worked on in the past and will continue to work on in the upcoming sessions.
In the video they are working with a stick laying on the ice whereas we have worked with a different type of training device that allows for the puck to pass under and encourages a quick stick.
Hopefully this will demonstrate how an NHL player performs this exercise and show that even they continue to use drills such as these to maintain their skills.
Thank you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SjCSJ1uY9bk
Practicing and Maintaining Skills - Part II
Here is yet another example of one of the best players in the world working on various skills. Many of the drills introduced to the Eagles' practices will require the same concepts and skill sets. Remember, the goal is to master these skills. Although drills or certain skills may seem easy to perform the goal is to be a master at them and get to a point where these skills become instinctive in game situations. When this is achieved it is still necessary to maintain these skills with repetition and frequency. From the easiest of skills to the most difficult, they all can be improved on and developed.
Enjoy this short video of Crosby and understand the time and training it took for him to get to reach this level and the what it takes to maintain this level of skill set.
Thank you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mePka76hdCc
Adjusting to the Pass
Eagles Players,
This is a good example for both defensemen and forwards on how to adjust your body to the pass in order to have a quick release of your shot. Whether you are in the slot (like this example) or at the blue line, this technique can be effective for getting shots through defenders to the net and as well as not allowing a goalie to get set up.
If you watch closely you will see how Martinez points his toes outwards and utilizes his inside edges. This allows him to pivot around the pass and set up to shoot, all in one motion. Note that he does not waste time by over handling the puck. He receives the pass and adjusts his body and stick to the puck in order to be in a shooting position right away. For situations like this you are also in a better position to create other options by dragging the puck backwards to improve your shooting lane if needed.
Use this technique in practice and get comfortable with turning your body and receiving a pass.
For all the defensemen, also watch Doughty at the beginning of the clip how he fakes a shot then keeps his feet moving to avoid the defender (Hossa) to create space.
Click the following to access the sent link:Alec Martinez Goal on Corey Crawford (07:38/3rd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030326-593-h
This is a good example for both defensemen and forwards on how to adjust your body to the pass in order to have a quick release of your shot. Whether you are in the slot (like this example) or at the blue line, this technique can be effective for getting shots through defenders to the net and as well as not allowing a goalie to get set up.
If you watch closely you will see how Martinez points his toes outwards and utilizes his inside edges. This allows him to pivot around the pass and set up to shoot, all in one motion. Note that he does not waste time by over handling the puck. He receives the pass and adjusts his body and stick to the puck in order to be in a shooting position right away. For situations like this you are also in a better position to create other options by dragging the puck backwards to improve your shooting lane if needed.
Use this technique in practice and get comfortable with turning your body and receiving a pass.
For all the defensemen, also watch Doughty at the beginning of the clip how he fakes a shot then keeps his feet moving to avoid the defender (Hossa) to create space.
Click the following to access the sent link:Alec Martinez Goal on Corey Crawford (07:38/3rd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030326-593-h
3 Vs 2 / Middle and Weak Side Drive
Eagles Players,
In this highlight you will see a slight variation of the typical 3 vs 2 where the puck carrier takes the puck wide and deep into the zone.
Notice that St. Louis will have the puck in the middle of the ice at the offensive blue line and passes the puck out wide to a teammate that was ahead of the play and is waiting at the blue line. Because the player waiting at the blue line does not have speed it makes sense for the other two players to get to the net. A simple shot on net results in a goal. Note that it is not a big hard shot with a big wind up, the player simply puts the puck on net leading to a scramble in front and a tap-in for St. Louis. Listen to the announcer on the replay and notice how the players going to the net are determined and 'hungry' not only to get to the net but to 'pounce' on any rebounds or loose pucks.
Remember, there must be depth on the offensive attack and the offensive triangle must be evident. In this example the player who has the puck once crossing the blue line does not have speed thus making sense for the other two players to drive to the net. As St. Louis goes to the net, the defensemen (Doughty) now has to make a decision..."Do I stay up on the puck carrier or do I stay with St. Louis going to the net?" The result is that the Doughty gets caught in between and St. Louis has a clear path to the net and an easy goal.
Create depth, create traffic at the net and get pucks on the net!!
Click the following to access the sent link:Martin St. Louis Goal on Jonathan Quick (06:27/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030414-333-h
In this highlight you will see a slight variation of the typical 3 vs 2 where the puck carrier takes the puck wide and deep into the zone.
Notice that St. Louis will have the puck in the middle of the ice at the offensive blue line and passes the puck out wide to a teammate that was ahead of the play and is waiting at the blue line. Because the player waiting at the blue line does not have speed it makes sense for the other two players to get to the net. A simple shot on net results in a goal. Note that it is not a big hard shot with a big wind up, the player simply puts the puck on net leading to a scramble in front and a tap-in for St. Louis. Listen to the announcer on the replay and notice how the players going to the net are determined and 'hungry' not only to get to the net but to 'pounce' on any rebounds or loose pucks.
Remember, there must be depth on the offensive attack and the offensive triangle must be evident. In this example the player who has the puck once crossing the blue line does not have speed thus making sense for the other two players to drive to the net. As St. Louis goes to the net, the defensemen (Doughty) now has to make a decision..."Do I stay up on the puck carrier or do I stay with St. Louis going to the net?" The result is that the Doughty gets caught in between and St. Louis has a clear path to the net and an easy goal.
Create depth, create traffic at the net and get pucks on the net!!
Click the following to access the sent link:Martin St. Louis Goal on Jonathan Quick (06:27/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030414-333-h
Driving to the net / Puck Protection
Eagles Players,
In our recent session with Dr. Freigang, we viewed a clip involving puck protection. The first link below is of the same video highlight of Toffoli taking the puck to the net and using his leg to protect the puck and ultimately scoring a goal. The second video highlight does not result in a goal but is a terrific example of generating speed in the neutral zone to beat the defensemen wide. Carter does not try to make a fancy move on the defensemen in the neutral zone but rather builds speed then continues gathering speed using crossovers towards the net. As he prepares to make a move and shoot on net he, like Toffoli, uses his leg to protect the puck. Note that he drives to the far post. This gives him more scoring options rather than skating to the near post and ending up beside or behind the net.
As you perform drills in practice that resemble plays such as these, try to remember these examples and, as Dr. Freigang has taught us, visualize the opposing player as you practice protecting the puck with your leg.
Drive the net - Puck protection Click the following to access the sent link:Tyler Toffoli Goal on Corey Crawford (14:19/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030323-295-h
Jeff Carter-Driving wide, puck protection Click the following to access the sent link:Henrik Lundqvist Save on Jeff Carter (18:45/2nd)
his video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030414-528-h
In our recent session with Dr. Freigang, we viewed a clip involving puck protection. The first link below is of the same video highlight of Toffoli taking the puck to the net and using his leg to protect the puck and ultimately scoring a goal. The second video highlight does not result in a goal but is a terrific example of generating speed in the neutral zone to beat the defensemen wide. Carter does not try to make a fancy move on the defensemen in the neutral zone but rather builds speed then continues gathering speed using crossovers towards the net. As he prepares to make a move and shoot on net he, like Toffoli, uses his leg to protect the puck. Note that he drives to the far post. This gives him more scoring options rather than skating to the near post and ending up beside or behind the net.
As you perform drills in practice that resemble plays such as these, try to remember these examples and, as Dr. Freigang has taught us, visualize the opposing player as you practice protecting the puck with your leg.
Drive the net - Puck protection Click the following to access the sent link:Tyler Toffoli Goal on Corey Crawford (14:19/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030323-295-h
Jeff Carter-Driving wide, puck protection Click the following to access the sent link:Henrik Lundqvist Save on Jeff Carter (18:45/2nd)
his video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030414-528-h
Winger chip / 2 vs 1
Eagles Players,
Although this seems like a very simple play this is one of the more important plays and skills a winger must execute countless times in a game. The play happens early on in the clip but pay attention during the replay and pause it if needed to understand the read that the winger makes in regards to the players forcing him and how he distributes the puck.
Notice that the winger, rather than stopping on the boards, reads that he has two players pinching 'down' on him so he also continues in the same direction 'down' the boards. He does this for a few reasons.
1. To avoid a hit and make a play with the puck.
2. To make a play sooner rather than later to get the puck to his centerman.
3. To draw the pinching players away from a good defensive position in order to create an odd-man situation for his teammates.
As a winger, reading the situation to make a play with the puck is one of your more important responsibilities. Your goal is to get the puck out your defensive zone by either passing it to a teammate, chipping the puck out of the zone or skating it out.
For plays in which the puck is played up the wall to you, you must read:
-What sort of pressure do I have on me? Is the defenseman pinching down on me? Is one of their forwards pressuring me?
-How much time do I have to make a play?
-Where is my support from my teammates?
It is imperative to have your 'head on a swivel' to know where everyone is located on the ice. This will give you an advantage once you have the puck as you will have more information allowing you to make a good play.
Also, notice how the centerman is patient to get into a good supporting position for his winger so that he can skate into the pass with speed and create the 2 vs 1.
Please click on the link below to view the highlight.
Click the following to access the sent link:Jeff Carter Goal on Corey Crawford (14:44/3rd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030322-649-h
3 vs 2 / Middle Drive / Pass
Eagles Players,
As mentioned several times in our practices it is important to have a player drive to the net when entering the zone. In many cases it should be the player in the middle of the ice. There is a previous posting on this page demonstrating a 3 vs 2 with the middle player going to the net and in that case there was a shot on net which led to a goal.
This particular clip demonstrates how a player can create space and a passing lane behind him as he pushes the weak-side defensemen back towards the goal. This highlight will show Nash finding that passing lane and at the same time he gets prepared, or 'opens up', for the pass to take a one-timer because he is a left handed shot. This is important as it does not allow the goalie to get across his crease and set up for the shot.
Three key points that lead to this goal are:
1. The player with the puck in the middle of the ice passes the puck to the 'outside' as they enter the zone.
2. The middle player continues towards the net creating space and a passing lane behind him.
3. A quick release from Nash does not allow the goalie a chance to set up and ultimately results in a goal.
Keep these points in mind during our practices and especially for our controlled scrimmages.
Please click on the link below to view the highlight.
Thank you.
Click the following to access the sent link:Rick Nash Goal on Dustin Tokarski (18:58/1st)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030312-319-h
As mentioned several times in our practices it is important to have a player drive to the net when entering the zone. In many cases it should be the player in the middle of the ice. There is a previous posting on this page demonstrating a 3 vs 2 with the middle player going to the net and in that case there was a shot on net which led to a goal.
This particular clip demonstrates how a player can create space and a passing lane behind him as he pushes the weak-side defensemen back towards the goal. This highlight will show Nash finding that passing lane and at the same time he gets prepared, or 'opens up', for the pass to take a one-timer because he is a left handed shot. This is important as it does not allow the goalie to get across his crease and set up for the shot.
Three key points that lead to this goal are:
1. The player with the puck in the middle of the ice passes the puck to the 'outside' as they enter the zone.
2. The middle player continues towards the net creating space and a passing lane behind him.
3. A quick release from Nash does not allow the goalie a chance to set up and ultimately results in a goal.
Keep these points in mind during our practices and especially for our controlled scrimmages.
Please click on the link below to view the highlight.
Thank you.
Click the following to access the sent link:Rick Nash Goal on Dustin Tokarski (18:58/1st)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030312-319-h
Defensive Zone Net Front Play
Eagles Players,
There is one small area game that we have played a few times in practice that focuses on net front play from a defensive point of view. The game is set up with two nets on the goal line on either side of the actual goal crease and both are facing the blue line. Four players are in the zone playing 2 vs 2. These 'active' players must then pass the puck to their teammates at the blue line prior to attacking their offensive net.
This particular game focuses on good defensive body position and by controlling an opponent's stick or 'taking it away' from being a threat to score, either by a deflection or rebound.
In this highlight you will notice that Toews does a great job as a forward to push off of the defensemen to gain space but the defensemen, Muzzin, leaves Toews for a second, loses his body positioning and does not recover to at least 'take away' or lift the stick of Toews. This allows an easy goal for Toews.
This concept is not only for defensemen but also for forwards (especially centermen) who end up playing net front in their defensive zone.
Remember that you have a responsibility to 'cancel out' an opposing player in front of the net and that small details such as this can make a huge difference on the scoreboard in the end. Although it may not be recognized on the score sheet it will be recognized by your teammates, coaches and/or others who may be watching. It can be just as important to prevent a goal as it is to score one. Keep this in mind each time you are in your defensive zone and especially for our scrimmage this weekend.
Please click on the link below to view.
Thank you.
Click the following to access the sent link:Jonathan Toews Goal on Jonathan Quick (13:19/1st)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030323-47-h
There is one small area game that we have played a few times in practice that focuses on net front play from a defensive point of view. The game is set up with two nets on the goal line on either side of the actual goal crease and both are facing the blue line. Four players are in the zone playing 2 vs 2. These 'active' players must then pass the puck to their teammates at the blue line prior to attacking their offensive net.
This particular game focuses on good defensive body position and by controlling an opponent's stick or 'taking it away' from being a threat to score, either by a deflection or rebound.
In this highlight you will notice that Toews does a great job as a forward to push off of the defensemen to gain space but the defensemen, Muzzin, leaves Toews for a second, loses his body positioning and does not recover to at least 'take away' or lift the stick of Toews. This allows an easy goal for Toews.
This concept is not only for defensemen but also for forwards (especially centermen) who end up playing net front in their defensive zone.
Remember that you have a responsibility to 'cancel out' an opposing player in front of the net and that small details such as this can make a huge difference on the scoreboard in the end. Although it may not be recognized on the score sheet it will be recognized by your teammates, coaches and/or others who may be watching. It can be just as important to prevent a goal as it is to score one. Keep this in mind each time you are in your defensive zone and especially for our scrimmage this weekend.
Please click on the link below to view.
Thank you.
Click the following to access the sent link:Jonathan Toews Goal on Jonathan Quick (13:19/1st)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030323-47-h
Off-Wing Shot / Shooting off the back foot
Eagles Players,
In our practices we have talked about shooting in stride and shooting off the back foot.
This clip of Trevor Lewis is an example of how this should look as a right handed shot coming down on his off-side. Notice that he also uses the defenseman as a screen and has a quick release not allowing the goalie to get set. He also leans into his shot and leverages the flex in his stick. Continue to try this shot in practice to get comfortable with this shooting motion and position.
Click the following to access the sent link:Trevor Lewis Goal on John Gibson (14:04/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030246-295-h
In our practices we have talked about shooting in stride and shooting off the back foot.
This clip of Trevor Lewis is an example of how this should look as a right handed shot coming down on his off-side. Notice that he also uses the defenseman as a screen and has a quick release not allowing the goalie to get set. He also leans into his shot and leverages the flex in his stick. Continue to try this shot in practice to get comfortable with this shooting motion and position.
Click the following to access the sent link:Trevor Lewis Goal on John Gibson (14:04/2nd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030246-295-h
Shooting for Rebounds
Eagles Players,
This clip is an example of a player shooting to create a rebound and, just as important, a player going to the net to capitalize on the rebound for a shot on goal. This is one example and one of the reasons why we should get into a good habit of staying in front of the net and getting into a good position for rebounds in our practice drills. During the first part of the clip try to identify the offensive triangle created by the Penguin forwards going to the net. Also notice the initial shot on goal. It is not a hard shot but it is a shot that is strategically placed low enough and to the far side of the net forcing Lundqvist to make a save and create a rebound. Fortunately for the Pens, Jokinen was in a good position and was hungry enough to pounce on the loose puck. Also listen to the commentator during the replay when he mentions "good attacking angles" and the "shot from the outside", all factors that lead to a goal.
Click the following to access the sent link:Jussi Jokinen Goal on Henrik Lundqvist (16:30/3rd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030222-667-h
This clip is an example of a player shooting to create a rebound and, just as important, a player going to the net to capitalize on the rebound for a shot on goal. This is one example and one of the reasons why we should get into a good habit of staying in front of the net and getting into a good position for rebounds in our practice drills. During the first part of the clip try to identify the offensive triangle created by the Penguin forwards going to the net. Also notice the initial shot on goal. It is not a hard shot but it is a shot that is strategically placed low enough and to the far side of the net forcing Lundqvist to make a save and create a rebound. Fortunately for the Pens, Jokinen was in a good position and was hungry enough to pounce on the loose puck. Also listen to the commentator during the replay when he mentions "good attacking angles" and the "shot from the outside", all factors that lead to a goal.
Click the following to access the sent link:Jussi Jokinen Goal on Henrik Lundqvist (16:30/3rd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030222-667-h
3 vs 2 Offensive Zone Entry/Middle Drive
Eagles Players,
This is a great clip and a prime example of an offensive entry into the zone. This is something to keep in mind during your upcoming tryouts.
The Kings move the puck from the middle of the ice to the outside player as they cross the offensive blue line. Once the middle player makes this pass and they gain the zone, he DRIVES the middle lane and goes hard to the net to be an option to score and to create space behind him for a pass or rebound. He eventually gets a stick on the puck which is 'thrown' in the direction of the net and notice it is not exactly a hard shot on net but is 'floated' for his teammate to make a deflection making a difficult play for the goalie to control. This creates a rebound for the trailing player, Kopitar (the third point of the offensive triangle), and results in a goal. This goal is a result of:
1. Puck passed out wide on entry.
2. Player drives hard through the middle to the net becoming a threat to score and creating space behind him.
3. Puck is put on net for a deflection, rebound or goal.
4. Trailing player is actively looking for a rebound and pounces on the opportunity.
Click the following to access the sent link:Anze Kopitar Goal on Alex Stalock (13:27/3rd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030186-702-h
This is a great clip and a prime example of an offensive entry into the zone. This is something to keep in mind during your upcoming tryouts.
The Kings move the puck from the middle of the ice to the outside player as they cross the offensive blue line. Once the middle player makes this pass and they gain the zone, he DRIVES the middle lane and goes hard to the net to be an option to score and to create space behind him for a pass or rebound. He eventually gets a stick on the puck which is 'thrown' in the direction of the net and notice it is not exactly a hard shot on net but is 'floated' for his teammate to make a deflection making a difficult play for the goalie to control. This creates a rebound for the trailing player, Kopitar (the third point of the offensive triangle), and results in a goal. This goal is a result of:
1. Puck passed out wide on entry.
2. Player drives hard through the middle to the net becoming a threat to score and creating space behind him.
3. Puck is put on net for a deflection, rebound or goal.
4. Trailing player is actively looking for a rebound and pounces on the opportunity.
Click the following to access the sent link:Anze Kopitar Goal on Alex Stalock (13:27/3rd)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030186-702-h
Defensive Positioning
Eagles players,
This clip is an example of when a defensive player gets beat back to his own net resulting in a goal against. Now, for those of you who were at the practice on Saturday, May 3, we played a side-by-side 2 vs 2 game in which the objective was to remain on the defensive side of the player you were covering and not get beat back to the net you were defending. I also mentioned that the game is about mistakes and breakdowns. As a team you want to make fewer mistakes than your opposition and capitalize on their breakdowns. I also mentioned that ALL players make a 'wrong' decision at one time or another, including million dollar NHL players. During practice I mentioned Getzlaf. Well, that same night Getzlaf appears to get caught a little too far away from a good defensive position vs Gaborik (This should appear at the 6-7 second mark of the video). If you notice Getzlaf #15 near the beginning of clip in front of the net, he correctly follows the play into the corner but then drifts too far 'up' the ice, allowing Gaborik to beat him to the net from the corner and receive a pass from Kopitar in the high slot. This play is very similar to the 2 vs 2 game that we played. So the lessons here are:
1. Always be in a good defensive position so that you do not get beat by the offensive player back to your net.
2. Even NHL players do not always make the best decision, sometimes resulting in a goal against, but what they do is respond in a positive manner by making a difference in favor of their team on their next shift or game. Especially in the game of hockey and the Stanley Cup playoffs, there is no time and no place for sulking or having negative body language. You must bounce back, persevere, and demonstrate with actions your will to continue competing and improving.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything from the video, please don't hesitate to ask me at practice or give me a call.
Thank you.
Click the following to access the sent link:Marian Gaborik Goal on Jonas Hiller (12:07/OT)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030241-900-h
This clip is an example of when a defensive player gets beat back to his own net resulting in a goal against. Now, for those of you who were at the practice on Saturday, May 3, we played a side-by-side 2 vs 2 game in which the objective was to remain on the defensive side of the player you were covering and not get beat back to the net you were defending. I also mentioned that the game is about mistakes and breakdowns. As a team you want to make fewer mistakes than your opposition and capitalize on their breakdowns. I also mentioned that ALL players make a 'wrong' decision at one time or another, including million dollar NHL players. During practice I mentioned Getzlaf. Well, that same night Getzlaf appears to get caught a little too far away from a good defensive position vs Gaborik (This should appear at the 6-7 second mark of the video). If you notice Getzlaf #15 near the beginning of clip in front of the net, he correctly follows the play into the corner but then drifts too far 'up' the ice, allowing Gaborik to beat him to the net from the corner and receive a pass from Kopitar in the high slot. This play is very similar to the 2 vs 2 game that we played. So the lessons here are:
1. Always be in a good defensive position so that you do not get beat by the offensive player back to your net.
2. Even NHL players do not always make the best decision, sometimes resulting in a goal against, but what they do is respond in a positive manner by making a difference in favor of their team on their next shift or game. Especially in the game of hockey and the Stanley Cup playoffs, there is no time and no place for sulking or having negative body language. You must bounce back, persevere, and demonstrate with actions your will to continue competing and improving.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss anything from the video, please don't hesitate to ask me at practice or give me a call.
Thank you.
Click the following to access the sent link:Marian Gaborik Goal on Jonas Hiller (12:07/OT)
This video can also be accessed using this link: http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?id=2013030241-900-h