Master

There’s not a better feeling for a hockey player when you split the defense and are off to the races on a breakaway.  Players on the bench stand up, and everyone in the rink takes a deep breath to see who’s going to win the battle between the player and the tendie!  

Most breakaway opportunities happen somewhere close the neutral zone where a pass is picked off, or shot is blocked near the defensive blue-line.  The other most common breakaway occurs when a player gets behind the defensemen near the offensive blue-line and receives a pass, springing them in alone uncontested.

Here are some breakaway techniques and tips to help you bury the biscuit on your next breakaway:

Once the breakaway opportunity has been established, you first identify how much time you have before a backchecking opponent reaches you.  If your time is limited, then you should be protecting the puck with your body and attempting to fire off a quality shot on goal.  

When you have ample time, then peek at the goalie. Are they coming out to challenge you, or deep in the net waiting for you to arrive?  If the goalie is out challenging, that means it is time to make a hockey breakaway move.  If the goalie is deep in the net, this is a signal that it is best if you shoot.

When in a shooting situation, it comes down to how quick and accurate your shot is.  Can you overpower the goalie with a rapid release and outmatch their cat-like reflexes?   You are the only one who can answer that question, but if you have practiced enough, I will bet on you!

The other factor I should mention is ice conditions.  If it is late in the game and the ice is chewed up, you want to go with a shot. Although if it is early in the game with fresh ice, then a move, fake or deke is an option you can consider.

Simplicity is better when considering what move should be made on a goalie.  I instruct players to have three specific deking options from 3 different points of attack. One coming in from the right side of the net, another from the center of the ice and finally the left side of the net.   

I would suggest having three separate faking options or moves depending on what lane you are attacking from. Work on mastering each one both off and on the ice and be able to execute consistently.   If you do this, the next time you find yourself in alone on the goalie, you will be stress-free and ready tickle the twine.  

Thanks for stopping by and remember to Work Hard and Dream Bigger than Everyone Else!!

 

TRAINING

February 21, 2019 — Jeff Knier

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