Hookers
Playbook
You Can't Beat the System
Introduction
-
The Hooker System is based on total team defense in
all three zones. The basic premise is that by frequently
forcing the puck deep into the opponents zone,
applying consistent fore checking pressure, and utilizing
a neutral zone trap, the team can force opponents to
make mistakes in the attacking zone and neutral zone
leading to offensive opportunities for our team.
Applying pressure in the offensive and neutral zones
also has the additional benefit of minimizing opposition
time in our defensive zone and thus diminishing the
risk of goals against. The system emphasizes the use
of two players on the puck at all times. When combined
with specialized zone coverage, this approach is not
only effective against average teams, it is especially
effective when used to shut down faster teams or neutralize
highly skilled individual players. The key is that every
player on the team must make a commitment to playing
two-way hockey and staying within the basic system at
all times.
It is important to note that the system is not intended
to represent the only plays that can be utilized during
a game. Rather, it is a starting point from which creative
players can improvise to create scoring opportunities.
However, while there are numerous individual plays that
can be executed within this system, it is best to learn
the basic operation of the system prior to attempting
more complex variations. Please take the time to familiarize
yourself with each scenario, visualize the plays, and
remember your positional role in each so that we can
start to put them into practice.
If everyone makes the commitment to the system, it will
be much easier to know where other players are on the
ice at all times enabling faster break-outs, crisper
passing, better scoring chances, and fewer odd-man breaks
against.
Back to top.
PART
A - OFFENSE
One of the keys to the system is simplicity. Keep it
simple to reduce mistakes. Therefore, our offense divides
attacks into just two basic scenarios that anyone can
recognize. These are:
A. We are unchallenged at the blue line. Example: One-on-one
coverage or an odd-man break.
B. We are challenged at the blue line. Example: Two-on-one
coverage or all players back on defense.
Simply break every attack into one of these two situations.
If we are unchallenged, we should attack using a variation
of the 1-2-3. If we are challenged we will use the dump
& chase.
Back to top.
OFFENSIVE
SCENARIO #1 UNCHALLENGED = THE 1-2-3
If upon reaching the offensive blue line our puck carrier
is met by a single defender (one-on-one) or is able
to cross into the attacking zone without a significant
challenge, we should attack using the 1-2-3. Very simply,
the 1-2-3 means:
1. The first player into the zone (puck carrier) penetrates
deep with speed.
2. The second player rushes the net.
3. The third player remains high (top of the slot) for
support.
This is a simple triangular formation (two players in
front, one behind) that allows for open passing lanes,
rebound support, and quick transition to defense. It
prevents our entire offensive line from over-skating
the play and keeps it spread out in a way that makes
covering individual players more difficult for the defense.
The I-2-3 is simply a framework on which to build the
attack. From this basic formation, the forward with
the puck has several play-making options. For instance,
he can carry the puck to the goal for a shot using the
second forward as a decoy; he can draw the defender
then pass to the second forward for a shot; he can cross
with the second forward to set a pick; or he can drop
a pass back to the third forward then set a pick.
Figure
1 - The 1-2-3
Depending on the outcome of the initial run on goal,
the puck should be deep inside the offensive zone. Now
it is time to set up and establish puck control. Hockey,
like football, is a game of possession. The more time
you have the puck, the less time your opponent can threaten
your goal. Therefore, establishing control and holding
the puck is essential.
Back to top.
THE
OFFENSIVE TRIANGLE
Once the initial run on goal is complete and the play
is established in the offensive zone, the forwards should
maintain a triangular formation. The triangle may put
one man in the corner or at the goal line, one along
the boards or just inside the circle, and one at the
top of the slot. This formation allows quick, short
passes around the perimeter or through the triangle
that will draw the defense out of position and create
an imbalance that results in a scoring opportunity.
The defensemen on the blue line can also be brought
into an extended triangle to further draw out the opposition
defense as play develops. Quick puck movement around
the triangle is essential. Holding the puck too long
makes you an easy target.
By itself, the triangular formation can be very effective
at establishing puck control in the attacking zone.
However, when put into motion, it can be overwhelming
as demonstrated in the next section describing Cycling.
Figure
2 The Offensive Triangle
Back to top.
CYCLING
Once the 1-2-3 triangle is set up, the forwards can
begin passing around the triangle. While puck movement
in itself will cause difficulties for the defense, a
better, more aggressive play is to put the triangle
into motion. Moving players are much more difficult
to defend than stationary ones. To start things off,
the forward at the top of the slot (F3) should rush
the net while the other two forwards begin a rapid rotation
of positions intended to support the initial rush while
setting up subsequent rushes. Assuming F1 has the puck
in the corner as a starting point, here is how it works:
1. F1 should carry the puck up along the boards on the
outside of the circle, looking for a short pass either
across to F3 rushing down the slot or ahead to F2.
2. F2 should leave his position along the boards to
rotate around the top of the circle. He should watch
of a pass from F1, which he can either drop back to
F1 or send across to F3. A rapid succession of back-and-forth
passes along the boards between F1 and F2 is often effective
at getting the defense off balance. As F3 rushes down
the slot, F2 should continue around to F3s original
position, setting up his own run down the slot.
3. F3 should rush down the slot to attack the net while
looking for a pass. If the pass does not come, he should
rotate around the bottom of the circle and take F1s
previous position.
This rotation of players is a form of "CYCLING."
You have all heard this term used on TV during games
and have seen the havoc it creates and scoring chances
it generates. The same basic principal can be applied
anywhere in the attacking zone - in the slot, in the
corners, even behind the net.
Figure
3 - Cycling
The key to cycling is player movement. If you enter
the zone and set up in stationary positions, you are
easy to defend. However, if you and your teammates are
in constant motion, you are much more difficult to cover.
If you and your line mates maintain the triangle and
cycle as play progresses, you will keep constant pressure
on the defense from multiple attack points and quickly
confuse and overwhelm them resulting in a goal.
In summary, all you have to remember is this: if your
line gets to the blue line and can skate in unchallenged,
attack in a triangle formation following the 1-2-3 plan.
Then sit on it and rotate. However, if you get to the
blue line and are challenged by the defense, it is time
to dump & chase.
Back to top.
OFFENSIVE
SCENARIO #2 CHALLENGED = DUMP & CHASE
Okay, you've reached the blue line with the puck, but
are challenged by two or more defenders. Trying to split
two defenders is a low percentage play. Doing so will
more often than not result with you being bumped off
the puck and the defense starting a counter attack.
Instead, take the path of least resistance and make
the safe, smart play - dump the puck past the defense
deep into the attacking zone. The dump & chase play
accomplishes several important goals including:
A. It guarantees entry into the attacking zone.
B. It puts the puck into a good position for setting
up the attack.
C. It puts the puck into a position that sets up the
fore check.
D. It keeps your opponents deep in their own zone where
they cannot score on your goal.
E. It wears out your opponents by making them skate
all the way back to their goal line to start again.
Figure
4 The Dump & Chase
Here is how the dump & chase should work:
1. When challenged by two or more defenders at the blue
line, the forward with the puck (F 1) should shoot it
deep into corner. Try to hit a spot where the puck will
most likely hit at a flat angle and stay in the corner.
After shooting the puck, F1 should skate to the strong
side (near) boards midway down the face-off circle.
From this position he can provide support, receive a
pass and go to the net, or cut off an outlet pass.
2. The forward closest to the play when the puck is
dumped (F2) should race to reach the puck in the corner
before the defense can turn and cover.
3. The last forward into the zone (F3) should move into
a position in the slot (midway down between the face-off
circles).
If everyone executes properly, the dump-in play will
result in a triangle formation that enables the players
to transition to the 1-2-3/cycling attack. Depending
on how the defense reacts, the player in the corner
(F2) can do one of the following:
a) attack the goal directly by skating in from the corner
b) pass the puck back diagonally to the player in the
slot (F3) for a shot
c) pass the puck back along the boards to his support
(F1)
d) skate the puck back along the edge of the circle
to start a cycle
e) change the attack by passing the puck behind the
goal to the opposite corner
If the player elects to pass the puck behind the goal
to the opposite corner, the forward in the slot (F3)
should immediately rush to the corner to pick up the
puck. The support player (F1) along the boards should
switch across ice to cover the same position on the
opposite boards, while the original man in the corner
(F2) drops back into the slot position.
In summary, if your line gets to the blue line and is
challenged, just remember the first man dumps the puck
and goes to the boards, the second man chases the puck
into the corner, the third man stays high in the slot.
Gain control of the puck deep and start the 1-2-3/Cycle
or transition to the fore check.
Back to top.
PART
B TRANSITION PLAYS
Okay, we've gotten the puck into the attacking zone,
but have turned it over to our opponent. Now it is time
to transition from offense to defense. The Moose Knuckles
transition game includes an aggressive fore check that
leads to a trap or a simple lock play.
FORE
CHECKING WITH THE TRAP
No doubt you have heard the Neutral Zone Trap discussed
on TV, but have you taken the time to recognize it in
action? Quite simply, the Trap is a method for forwards
to use fore checking to bottle up an opponent in their
own zone and force mistakes. The trap is very useful
for stopping opposition plays as they reach the neutral
zone, before they have a chance to gain momentum. It
enables the trapping team to resume its own attack off
the resulting turn-overs. This play works extremely
well when the puck is deep in the attacking zone, making
it a perfect follow-up play to the dump & chase.
It can also be used all the way through the neutral
zone with fore checkers attacking the puck in waves.
The key is fast response by the forwards to assume the
herding, trapping, and supporting roles.
Figure
5 The Trap
Here is how the Trap works:
1. When the puck is turned over, the forward closest
to the play (F1), should move quickly to attack the
puck carrier in a way that forces the play along the
boards. In the event that a defenseman has the puck
behind the net, the fore checker should swoop in front
of him to force a pass to a player on the boards. The
fore checker should then continue his curl toward the
player along the boards. He should use his body position
to angle the puck carrier up the lane along the boards
toward the neutral zone, while preventing a pass to
the middle. Think in terms of a dog forcing sheep into
a pen.
2. As soon as the puck is initially turned over, the
second fore checker (F2), should curl back from the
point of attack to a position from which he can cut
off the puck carrier from the front, along the boards,
as he is herded along by F1. The second fore checker's
path out of the zone should be at an angle to the path
of the play. This takes away the centering pass, while
squeezing the puck carrier even tighter to the boards
and eventually forcing a collision.
3. As F1 and F2 set up the trap, the weak side forward
(F3) should drop back to line up across the middle with
the defense to provide support, cover passing lanes,
and prepare to pick up the puck and start a counter
attack. This alignment is the same as the Lock discussed
later.
4. As the trap is sprung, the strong side defenseman
(D1) should move up to back up the second forward (F2)
as he confronts the puck carrier. This enables the defenseman
to either join in a double-team check or stay just behind
the check to collect the loose puck and make a pass
to the weak side wing and restart the play from a new
attack point.
5. The other forward (F3) and defensemen (D2) stay in
the middle where they can cover the center and weak-side
wing, slide over to support the other defenseman, or
move up start a new attack.
In the event that the puck carrier escapes the first
trap, the shepherd (F1) starts the process again by
breaking off and looping ahead of the play to a position
from which he can turn to confront the attacker again.
At the same time, (F2) rolls off his initial check and
assumes the shepherd role, chasing the puck carrier
along the boards.
The Neutral Zone Trap is a logical transition from either
the 1-2-3 or Dump & Chase attack modes. It puts
two players on the puck at all times and applies maximum
pressure on the puck carrier. Just remember that if
the puck is turned over the first man shepherds the
play along the boards, the second man loops back to
confront in the neutral zone, and the third man drops
back to join the defense and start the next attack.
The trap is our optimum play upon a turn-over, however,
there will be times when two of our forwards are caught
deep and are unable to get into position in time to
set the trap. In those instances, we should apply the
Lock.
Back to top.
BACK-CHECKING
WITH THE LOCK
In the event that the puck is turned over high in the
attacking zone and there is no time to set a trap, the
Lock should be applied. The Lock takes advantage of
the high forward in an attack to get three men quickly
back on defense to prevent odd-man breaks. This is an
essential part of our overall team defensive strategy
and it cannot be over emphasized: one forward must always
stay high and be ready to play defense.
This form of back check is often called the Left Wing
Lock because the high forward is frequently the left
wing. However, don't get caught up on the name, either
wing or the center can and should play the role of the
"lock" depending on the point of attack. Here
is how it works:
1. The high forward (closest to the blue line) during
the attack, immediately drops back into the neutral
zone when the puck is turned over. He should take the
middle lane (the corridor inside the center ice face-off
circle from goal line to goal line). In a traditional
lock, the forward would take the weak side wing lane,
but we are going to simplify it by keeping him in the
middle.
2. The defensemen should drop back from the blue line
and move to cover the outside lanes.
3. This will result in three defensive players across
neutral ice ready to challenge the attack.
4. The defensive player closest to the point of attack
(strong side) should be the furthest forward, while
the player furthest away from the attack (weak side)
should slip back a little to provide support. This diagonal
positioning prevents the attack from finding open ice
if they are able to beat the first defender.
Figure
6 The Lock
By occupying all three lanes across the neutral zone,
the defense is in position to cover all three attacking
forwards, effectively reducing passing options for the
puck carrier and buying time for the remaining two forwards
to get back into defensive positions (see Zone section).
Back to top.
SETTING UP
THE BUMP WITH THE LOCK
Now that the defense is set with three players across
the ice, the remaining two forwards should hustle to
get back into position to aid the defense. However,
the attack wont wait for them and neither should
the defense. Rather than simply falling back before
the attack and giving up the blue line, the defense
should move to break up the play or delay it long enough
to get all five players back.
This can be accomplished by setting up a bump play at
center ice or at the blue line. Although our league
enforces a no-check rule, most officials recognize the
physical nature of the game and will allow a certain
level of contact so long as it is not an obvious attempt
to injure. Therefore, we should not hesitate to use
the body when the opportunity presents itself. Here
is a simple method for executing a bump play to separate
the opposition from the puck:
As the opposition attack approaches the defense, the
two defensive players closest to the puck carrier should
begin to pinch together toward the puck. The defender
on the inside (closest to the middle of the ice) should
maintain an angle that takes away the pass, while the
closest defender assumes a position directly in front
of the puck carrier. Both players should gradually close
the distance between themselves and the puck carrier
until they form a wall right in front of him and are
able to stand him up with a double-team check.
As the two closest defenders close in on the puck carrier
to deliver a check, the third defender should slip slightly
toward the middle to provide support, while maintaining
coverage of the remaining players on the weak side wing.
In summary, when the puck is turned over and a trap
is impractical, the high forward should immediately
drop back to play defense on the far lane, allowing
the defensemen to take the center and strong side lanes.
The puck carrier should be gradually squeezed into a
double team situation to break up or delay the play.
Back to top.
PART
C SETTING UP IN THE DEFENSIVE ZONE
Okay, we've covered attacking, trapping, and defending
in the neutral zone. But what happens when our opponents
succeed in getting the puck into our zone? This is where
we apply an aggressive form of the Zone defense.
Back to top.
THE
TRIANGLE ZONE DEFENSE
Once our opponents have the puck inside our zone, it
is critical that we play as a unit, not as individuals.
Forwards should make no mistake, whenever the opposition
has the puck, you are defenders. That means defending
in all three zones from goal line to goal line. Our
defense is based on a triangular form of the 2-1-2 defense
that assigns each player a clearly defined responsibility
that if followed, will enable us to double-team the
puck, force turn-overs, and start counter attacks. Here
are the responsibilities:
1. As soon as the puck enters the zone, the strong side
(closest to the puck) forward and defenseman should
both attack the puck carrier. The forward should close
in from the side or front, while the defender moves
straight in from the front.
2. The second defenseman should assume a guard position
in front of the goal, facing up ice at all times, prepared
to clear players out of the crease or slot as needed.
His primary check will be the oppositions weak-side
wing.
3. The remaining two forwards should assume positions
opposite one another along the edges of the face-off
circles, forming a triangle with the defenseman guarding
the goal as the bottom point.
4. From these positions, the two forwards can move up
or back to cover the points or pick up the center depending
on how the play develops. They can also rotate on the
rear axis point to adjust as the play moves side to
side. The key to determining who picks up the center
is position: the defensive forward with the center in
front of him is responsible for checking him.
For example: If the center pinches close to the play
on the strong side, the strong side defensive forward
will cover him, while the weak side defensive forward
covers the point. If the center cuts behind the strong
side defensive forward into the slot, the weak side
defensive forward slips in to pick him up and the strong
side defensive forward takes the point.
In the event that the point of attack changes to the
far side, the closest forward in the triangle and the
defenseman guarding the goal should move immediately
to attack the puck. The remaining forward in the triangle
should slide across to cover the spot just vacated at
the top of the triangle. The forward and defender who
first attacked the puck should move across quickly to
cover the remaining positions on the weak side of the
triangle and in front of the goal.
Figure
7 - The Zone Triangle
This type of zone defense allows the team to put two
players on the puck, while cutting off passing lanes
and guarding the shooting box (the area between the
face-off dots and the goal). While it sacrifices full
coverage of the weak-side point, it applies maximum
pressure on the puck with the intention of hurrying
the offense into a mistake.
Back to top.
PART
D - COUNTER ATTACKING
We have applied the zone defense and forced the opposition
to turn-over the puck in our end. Now what do we do?
Remember that our primary objective is to clear the
puck safely out of our zone to break up the attack.
Therefore, when in doubt, dont take chances. Dump
the puck out of the zone. However, whenever possible
we should try to maintain possession and start a counter
attack with a quick, short outlet pass along the wing.
Circumstances will dictate what sort of passing play
you can make depending on where you take possession
of the puck. However, when our team gains possession
deep in our own zone or behind our goal, the following
play should be executed.
Back to top.
STARTING
THE COUNTER ATTACK FROM BEHIND OUR NET
Now lets assume that we have gained control of the puck
behind our net. We want to start a counter attack, but
we have to play it safe to avoid a turn-over. Remember
the rule about taking on defenders: Never try to stick
handle past the opposition when you have teammates with
you. Pass the puck around opponents. Here are some simple
guidelines for breaking out:
Figure
8 Breakout from Behind Our Net
1. As soon as the puck is controlled by a defenseman
behind the net, both wings (F1 and F2) should curl to
positions along the boards at the center of the face
off circles.
2. The center (F3) should move into the high slot and
curl to keep the defense moving.
3. The defenseman without the puck (D2) should remain
on guard in front of the net.
4. The defenseman with the puck (D1) should move to
one side or another around the net and make a quick
outlet pass to one of the waiting wings along the boards.
Remember: Never pass up through the middle. After taking
the pass, the defenseman should rush up the middle favoring
the strong side in support of the wing.
5. The wing receiving the pass should immediately turn
up ice and look for a short diagonal pass to the center
as he crosse the blue line or if challenged, a return
pass to the defenseman who should be inside and trailing
the play. Unless your path out of the zone is completely
unchallenged, don't try to rush the puck, pass it.
6. As the wing receives the initial pass, the center
should break diagonally up ice toward the strong side
to receive a pass from the wing. The wing making the
pass should then move up ice in support of the center.
7. As the play moves up ice, the off side wing should
leave his place along the boards and move quickly toward
the middle, following a bit behind the center and helping
to form the triangle formation of the 1-2-3.
11. As the puck clears the zone, the last defender in
front of the net follows the play.
Back to top.
BREAKING
OUT WITH THE PICK
In the event that our opponents attempt to stall our
break-out with aggressive fore checking, an alternative
break-out play utilizes the center to set a pick in
order to clear the path for the puck carrier. The following
diagram illustrates the pick play:
Figure
9 Pick Breakout
Here is how the pick breakout works:
1. All three forwards curl back to face the defender
with the puck behind the goal.
2. The left wing (F1) curls back deep to receive a pass
near the bottom half of the face-off circle.
3. The center curls across toward F1's side to set a
pick as the opposition wing tries to move to cover F1.
4. The right wing (F3) makes a shallow curl as a decoy,
then slants diagonally up ice.
5. The defenseman (D1) moves from behind the net and
makes a pass to the wing (F1).
6. The defenseman in front of the goal (D2) moves up
to cut off the opposition center as he tries to move
across the front to cover D1 coming from behind the
net.
7. F1 carries the puck past the center's pick and head-mans
the puck as he reaches the blue line to F3 streaking
across center ice.
8. The defenseman (D1) who started the play moves up
to cover the front of the goal, then proceeds up ice
to support the play.
9. The center rolls off his pick as his winger breaks
out and proceeds up ice to form the rear of the attack
triangle.
In the event that nobody challenges in our own zone,
the center can continue to run interference all the
way up ice as needed.
Back to top.
PART
E The Power Play
In the event that we are awarded a power play, we will
attack using the following guidelines. While it is likely
that a specialized power play team will be selected,
all players should be aware of these basic plays in
the event that they are called upon to participate in
a man-advantage situation.
Back to top.
Penetrating
the Blue Line
Before a power play can score, it must first break into
the offensive zone. When moving the puck through the
neutral zone and attempting to enter the offensive zone,
we should attempt one of the following variations for
penetrating up the boards:
Defenseman
Up the Boards
The center (F1) carries the puck through center ice.
The winger (F2) moves up the boards with the defenseman
(D1) following. As F2 approaches the blue line, he cuts
inside to draw the defense or set a pick. The center
(F1) passes behind F2 to the defender (D1) as he crosses
the blue line.
Back to top.
Figure
10 Break-out - Defenseman Up the Boards
Center
Up the Boards
This play is the same as above, except the defender
(D1) carries the puck through center ice. The winger
(F2) moves up the boards with the center (F1) following.
As F2 approaches the blue line, he cuts inside to draw
the defense or set a pick. The defender (D1) passes
behind F2 to the center (F1) as he crosses the blue
line.
Back to top.
Setting
Up in the Zone - The Umbrella
Once we have gained the offensive zone, we should set
up in a formation that allows us to move the puck quickly
around the defense while probing for weaknesses. Ideally
we will want to set up the weak side wing with a shot.
The umbrella formation provides multiple options for
such movement. As the puck is brought into the zone,
attackers should align roughly as follows:
1. F1 should go deep to a position between the corner
and the strong side of the goal. From there he can take
a pass and attack or move in front to screen or get
a rebound.
2. F2 should assume a position along the boards at the
center of the face-off circle. From there he can take
a pass from the point or the corner or move around or
through the circle for a shot.
3. F3 should station himself on the inside edge of the
opposite (weak side) circle where he can take a pass
for a one-timer or crash the goal for a rebound.
4. D1 should take the point position on the strong side
and when in control of the puck move across the top
toward the middle to draw the defense.
5. D2 should cover the weak side point from a position
at the top of the face-off circle.
Figure
11 The Umbrella
The puck should be moved around this perimeter to draw
the defense out of position. Since one of the points
is usually left uncovered, we can look to get the puck
back to one of those positions to start one of the following
four set-plays:
1. D1 moves to the middle and shoots
2. D2 moves further out to the weak side as D1 moves
to the middle to draw the defense. F2 moves around the
top of the strong side circle behind the play. D1 then
passes back to F2 for a shot.
3. Same play as above except instead of shooting, F2
passes across to F3 for a one-timer.
4. D1 moves across to the middle and passes to D2 who
take a point shot from the top of the circle.
Back to top.
Part
F Penalty Killing
In the event of a penalty against our team, we will
implement the following defensive formations. Although
it is likely that the team will predetermine specialized
penalty killers, all players should be familiar with
these formations in the event that they are called into
service during a game.
Back to top.
One
Man Shorthanded
During one-man short penalty situations, the team will
defend using a diamond variation of the standard box
formation. Just as in full-strength defensive situations,
a defender will assume a guard position in front of
the goal, while two other defenders take up stations
just inside the face-off circles about half way up the
slot. The fourth defender will assume the top point
of the diamond in the center of the ice just above the
circles. This formation may collapse or expand as the
puck moves in or out. The defender closest to the puck
at any given time should pressure the puck carrier and
try to keep the puck outside of the triangle.
Figure
12 One Man Short
As the puck is moved around the diamond, the defenders
should rotate as necessary to cover it. For example,
if the puck is moved from point to point, the defender
at the top of the diamond (D1) moves over to follow
the puck. The weak side defender (D2) moves up around
the diamond to take the D1s original position.
The defender in front of the goal (D3) slides up to
take D2s original position, and the defender now
on the strong side (D4) moves back to cover the goal.
This rotation allows the player closest to the puck
to cover it while his teammates back him up.
Back to top.
Two Man Shorthanded
In the event that the team faces a two-man short situation,
we will employ a sliding variation of our full-strength
triangle defense. One defender (D1) will set up in front
of the goal and form the pivot point. He may slide side
to side in front of the goal to face the play as the
play moves back and forth. However, he will maintain
his station in front to prevent the attack from setting
a screen or getting a deflection.
The other two defenders (D2 and D3) will take positions
just inside the tops of the face-off circles. The defenders
at the front of the triangle can slide up and back with
the play or move side to side as a unit. However, while
up and back movement is not restricted, care must be
taken to avoid being pulled too far outside. The primary
objectives are to keep the puck outside of the shooting
box (the slot area between the face-off dots and the
goal) and block the passing lanes.
Figure
13 Two Men Short
It should be noted that defenders should ice the puck
when ever possible. In the event that the puck is cleared
the length of the ice, defenders should take the opportunity
to change lines to put fresh players out onto the ice.
Back to top.
SUMMARY
Okay, we've covered basic rules, what to do on the attack,
how to fore-check in the attacking zone, how to defend
in neutral ice, how to set up in our own zone, how to
spring the counter attack, and how to handle power play
and short handed situations. Put them all together and
you have a system that if executed properly will enable
us to defeat almost any opponent.
To break down the system to its most basic form, just
remember the following key points:
o Use a triangle formation on both offense and defense
o Cycle on offense and defense to maintain constant
player motion and keep pressure on the puck or the defense
Note: If your skates are not moving, get off
the ice.
o Use the dump often to keep opponents penned deep inside
their zone
o Forwards become defenders as soon as the puck is turned
over
o Forwards and defensemen should move up and down the
ice as a unit with no gaps
o Attack the puck with two players at all times to create
pressure and force mistakes
o Keep one forward high when attacking to transition
to defense
If everyone follows these basic principles, we will
frustrate opponents into making mistakes, keep the score
low, and always be within striking distance in any game.
Some of you may think that by imposing rules and simplifying
our play making down to just a few variations we limit
our selves or make our team too easy to predict. You
may even feel that such a system will repress your individual
talents. To be sure, the same has been said by many
NHL players when forced to adopt a defensive style.
However, even top scorers including Brett Hull, Jeremy
Roenick, Keith Primeau, and Mike Modano have credited
such systems for making them better all-around players.
By employing a system that clearly defines positional
responsibilities and includes plans for common situations,
we increase our odds of being able to improvise successfully
off standard formations. By attacking and defending
in a consistent manner we can control the flow of play,
set a tempo that suits our talent, and pose a greater
challenge to our opponents. In addition, by learning
to play within a system, you increase your value by
becoming a disciplined, two-way player.
Back to top.
The Las Vegas Hookers Ice Hockey Club Playbook and the
Hookers System are based on The MooseKnuckles System
©2002 Thomas Brown. No part of this document may
be reproduced without the expressed written consent
of Thomas Brown and the Las Vegas Hookers Ice Hockey
Club. All rights reserved.
|