1. How Face Offs Work
A face off in hockey begins each of the three periods of play by dropping the puck between two players. Face offs also resume play after play has been stopped because of a goal, fight or penalty call. Face offs can take place at any of the four red circles at the rink's corners, except for the face off that starts the game. This face off takes place at center ice.
2. Inside the Face Off Circle
The face off circles where most hockey face offs happen are the red circles to the left and right of each goal net. One player from each team meets just inside the circle. Their teammates are not allowed inside the face off circle and the players taking the face off can't cross the red circle in the center, which is where the puck is dropped. An official drops the puck onto the red dot at the center of the face off circle and players try to take possession of the puck.
3. Face Off Techniques
There are certain face off techniques that can be effective in helping you win a face off. Some of the best face off winners use techniques that mentally disarm their opponents. Players taking face offs should be a big name or a significant scoring threat. Look your opponent squarely in the eye until the puck is about to drop. Giving a look with attitude and not moving lets your opponent know that you're not intimidated.
4. Take Control in a Face Off
Having good puck control in face offs is key to winning control of the puck and directing play towards your team's offensive end. Position your body and feet so you're steady and ready to spring into action as soon as the puck drops. Puck control is all about positioning, so watch the linesman when he drops the puck and anticipate where it will land. Hit your opponent's stick hard, then knock the puck away. This throws your opponent's stick off balance and give you the advantage. Once your opponent's stick is farther away than yours, you can take control of the puck.
5. Face Off Scoring
After you win a face off, work with your wingers to get the puck to your team's offensive end. Know where each player is and send the puck to them off the face off circle as soon as you have possession. Take advantage of the second or two that the other team is trying to catch up and get the puck out of your offensive end and as close to the opposing net as possible. If none of your teammates are there to take the puck, shoot it for the net anyway so it's in scoring range.
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