(Audio Transcription from How to Play Hockey: Our Minor Hockey Coaching Course.)
Offensive controlled skating is very similar and very much connected to the break out and also play into the neutral zone. We will get to break outs later in the course so understanding controlled skating is really important. It’s the whole idea of not getting too far ahead of the play. It’s a method of skating used by an offensive player to have speed yet be patient and to support the puck carrier and give that puck carrier a chance to make a nice play.
Controlled Skating on the Breakout
The most obvious example in a game is on a break out when the C or the W get too far ahead of the play. Let’s say our D passes to the strong side W and the C is too excited and is already above the W, when he/she starts to get possession. They have not controlled their skating, if not timed and too far ahead…
- A: they’ve rushed their teammate too much to try to make a play.
- B: presented themselves at a terrible angle to try to get the any form of pass.
If I’m the C maybe I have to delay a little bit, control my skating then as my teammate gets the puck and gets his/her head up then I can jump. There’s no sense me dictating when the D1 or W needs to move it because the skill set of the individual and the way they receive the pass and the quality of the pass is going to dictate when they’re ready to give it to me.
When to use Controlled Skating?
There’s something to be said for working hard but there’s also something to be said for working smart and being able to control your skating and support your teammates, the appropriate amount of time and space and speed is going to make not only you a better hockey player but it’s going to make the rest of your teammates a better hockey player as well.
The more sports you play, the more you think about time and space the better you understand, the more logical controlled skating and timing become. Don’t rush your teammate to make a pass quicker than you’re ready for it. That’s about as simple as we can make it when we talk about controlled skating and timing. See you in the next video!
Other Minor Hockey Coach Resources
Looking to download half ice hockey practice plans, goalie drills for teams (not a goalie coach?!) or small area games drills? We’ve got you covered too. Click here. Perfect for recreational level coaches.
