Get ready to learn about one of the most important areas of the ice: The Prime Goal Scoring Area, simply known as the Prime Scoring Area. There are many names for it, but they all describe the significance of the area in front of the net. 80% of goals are scored from here so you need to watch this area. Whether you are on offense or defense the prime scoring area is where goals are scored and defensive prowess is shown. “The Fort”, the “Prime Scoring Area”, the “House” and the “Castle” all mean the same thing. In the Defensive zone, it is the area from the post to the dot, just above the circle and the same thing on the other side.
(Transcribed from How to Play Hockey: Our Minor Hockey Coaching Course.)
[maxbutton id=”2″ ]The Prime Goal Scoring Area
This is the most important area to defend. We often say, “Back to the Fort” or “Come to the House”. We backcheck to the middle of the ice to this area. When in trouble we come back to this area in the defensive zone as well. If you are ever lost, or not sure where to go, the most useful thing you can do is to come back to this area. It is said that 80% of goals are scored on the rebound in the top hockey levels in the world, and 80% of goals are scored from this prime scoring area. A goalie is not nearly as worried about the shot from the corner or from the blue line as they are when it is coming from the “inside fort” or from the “house”.
Later in “Defensive Zone Coverage”, we will discuss what position covers what area of the fort and when you may leave. Just having this visual is probably one of the most important things you can talk about defensively. The same applies offensively. You want to try to get the puck into the opposition’s fort or into the prime scoring area to have a better chance of scoring.
Summary:
- Prime goal scoring area
- Fort, house, castle, may be other words for it
- Most important area to defend
- Most important area to get pucks into in offensive zone
Looking for drills? We’ve got that covered too. Click here. Perfect for recreational level coaches.
