Mastering Offensive Hockey Tactics: Cycling

Description of the Cycling Tactic:

This tactic is called cycling because when drawn on the whiteboard it looks like the wheel of a bike going round and round. Three forwards, in this basic version of the cycle, rotate almost in unison in the corner of the offensive zone.  The advantage of cycling is creating offensive options while keeping the puck out of high risk areas, minimizing turnovers.  

The full version of this video, found in Module 1.4: Passing Tactics, of the How to Play Hockey Member Site, covers a number of other slightly more technical options off the cycle.

Cycling Options Explored Include:

1. F1 overlapping back on top of F2’s defender
2. F2 switching sides to F3 to relieve pressure
3. How to pick a defenseman on the cycle without getting caught for interference
4. D1 and D2 jumping into the offense
5. F2 peeling away from pressure.

Sound interesting?

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