Cycling is a fundamental aspect of any offensive strategy in hockey, but particularly in zone-based offenses. Cycling is the equivalent of player movement on a basketball court -- the ultimate goal is to create imbalances in the defensive strategy to open up passing and shooting lanes. The fundamentals of cycling can be easily explained, but it can take a long time for players to familiarize themselves with one another and develop a chemistry that improves puck possession and scoring opportunities.
Step 1
Bring the puck down near the corner at your team's offensive end. If you are leading a break, slow down and wait for the rest of your teammates to catch up and get into position.
Step 2
Curl around to the outside when you are about parallel with the opposing team's goal. Turn just before contacting the boards and look for your nearest teammate. They should be entering into a line that follows your course, which will continue in a circle in this position. You should also have another teammate positioned on the sideline boards in case you are overwhelmed with defenders and need to pass out of danger.
Step 3
Pass to your teammate as he passes the center of the face-off circle and comes close to parallel with the goalie. Your goal in this position will be to continue operating in this cycle until the defense closes in and creates gaps in front of the goal.
Step 4
Continue skating in the circle and passing off to one another until you identify an open teammate that might be able to take the shot. This usually develops quickly as the defense tries to dispossess you, and you will need to be aware of the attack and make the pass quickly and precisely for the cycle to be effective.
Tips and Warnings
- Your coach might alter your team's strategy beyond the basic principles of cycling the puck. Learn the purpose of your team's strategies so you know how to adapt the cycling process to benefit the team's larger goals.
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