Here we learn about lanes in hockey and how important they are in many different situations. Depending on your playing position, you’ll need to visualize the game in different ways. Forwards fill 3 lanes, while defense share 2 lanes. Goalies hope their players fill shooting and passing lanes. Sound confusing? This video should clear things up for you.
Purpose of Video: To explain the many uses of the word “Lanes” in Hockey
What is a “Lane” ? A Lane is defined as a specific section of the ice. You can have a lane of attack or a lane of defense.
[maxbutton id=”2″ ]Lanes in Hockey By Position
Forwards: Forwards can divide themselves into three lanes. We like to say we need a forward in every lane. Let’s say we are attacking the opposition’s zone. We have the following:
- Left Lane
- Centre Lane
- Right Lane
A forward may often end up in someone else’s lane, and maybe that player fills the empty lane. So we have that whole width to attack.
Defense: Defense think about the ice as being divided into two lanes. These are the
- Left Lane
- Right Lane
If we have two defense in the same lane for very long, we often end up getting into trouble. The defenders must therefore try to work together as the defenders go up and down the ice. Consequently, if a defender comes into your lane to help out, then the defender will fill in the other lane.
There is an expression called Middle Lane support. Let’s say our defender is in the Middle lane and we are attacking. The center would want to provide some sort of middle lane support so the D has a chance to make a pass here, or make a pass there. If the defense decides to pass D to D, then the center, generally, would mirror that and come back still providing that middle lane support.
Passing Lanes and Shooting Lanes:
In the defensive zones, we need to think about passing lanes and shooting lanes.
Let’s say the other team’s defense has the puck, the shooting lane is on the right, between the shooter and the net. If the puck is passed across, the shooting lane now becomes the left area between the shooter and the net.
We want to try to get our bodies into the shooting lanes, so that we either deter the opponent from shooting the puck, or that we can actually block the shot. The passing lane is the area between the two players who are passing the puck.
When a player sees you coming, s/he will try to use their stick to prevent you from passing, by putting their stick in the passing lane.
Passing lanes are equally as important as shooting lanes. However, we usually use our sticks in passing lanes and our bodies in shooting lanes. Every level of hockey, right to the top levels, focus on this strategy for defense.
Looking for drills? We’ve got that covered too. Click here. Perfect for recreational level coaches.
