CEP Level 3 Manual - Rushmore Hockey Association

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T SChapter 14Positional PlayOBJECTIVES• Describe the potential responsiblities of players• Describe both offensive side of positional play• Outline the importance of individual positional skill developmentINTRODUCTIONThe idea of teaching hockey players positionalresponsibilities and play is an important, yet difficultpart of coaching. It is important to expose playersto various offensive and defensive situations andpractice them so they become routine. Alwaysleave room for the players to utilize their individualskills and imagination within the framework of theteam’s philosophy and style of play.Developing the ForwardToday’s swift, wide-open style of hockey makesplaying the forward position exciting, and a positionwhere a player receives a lot of attention. However,playing forward has a lot of responsibilities attachedto it, and it is a position you need to master. Inselecting forwards many coaches select the athletethat can score, skate fast and handle the puck well.However, there is more to the position than skatingfast and scoring goals. They not only need to knowhow to play with the puck, but just as important,play without the puck.Characteristics of a Forward• Solid in the fundamental skills• Ability to read and react to situations• Understands the game at both ends of therink• Patient and confident• A good two-way player• Very creative• Intelligent with the puck• Strong on his/her skates• Aggressive instinct around the netMany coaches neglect drilling their forwards onthe skills and principles required to play the position.Drills must be constantly used to develop theabilities needed for today’s forward. Beforecoaches or players begin special drills for forwards,they must understand the responsibilities a forwardhas on the ice during a game. This understandingavoids a great deal of confusion and indecision onthe ice and in the players’ minds during a game. Itis another part of the systematic approach to thegame of hockey.Offensive Team Tactics | 171