Hockey is a tough and physical game that requires participants to be expert skaters. When you watch an NHL game on TV or live at the arena, the speed of the game and the players' athletic talents are obvious. It all starts with the skating. All players at that level are expert skaters and that allows them to think about stickhandling, shooting, passing and playing defense instead of how they will stay on their feet when they change directions.
Push It Forward
Playing hockey requires a strategy to attack your opponent when you have possession of the puck. There are many options, but your first choice would be to attack by going straight at the net until your opponent stops you. If a teammate is closer to the net than you are, pass him the puck. This is called head-manning the puck. It is the style of play that the Montreal Canadiens used to win five consecutive Stanley Cup titles between 1956 and 1960 and again between 1976 through 1979.
Shoot the Puck On Net
Many times players will try to pick the corners when they are shooting. By going for the top corners or bottom corners of the net, they know they are going to make it difficult for the goaltender to make the save. However, when you are aiming for the corners, you are going to miss the net more often than not and your shot will go wide. If you put the puck on net, you are forcing the goaltender to come up with a save that may be difficult to make. If you don't score, the puck may rebound off the goalie's pads and give a teammate an ideal scoring opportunity. If you miss the net, you will have to chase down the puck to regain possession, and if you can't, you might give your opponents a scoring opportunity
Finish Your Check
You have to play physical defense against your opponent. When he has the puck and is preparing to pass or shoot, the best way to blunt that possession and possibly take control of the puck is to check your opponent. You cannot hit your opponent in the head or back. However, you can drive your shoulder into his upper body to knock him to the ice and separate him from the puck.
Puck Possession
Puck possession is vital in hockey. If you get the puck, you must be careful with it not to give it away or pass it wildly. Keep your head up when you have possession so you can see open teammates and you can also see opponents who want to separate you from the puck by stealing it or checking you. If you skate with your head down, you won't be able to make the pass that may lead to a scoring opportunity. If you have to give up possession of the puck always make sure you do it on the boards and not toward the middle of the ice where your opponent can seize it and attack your goalie.
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