CEP Level 3 Manual - Rushmore Hockey Association

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T SFigure 5 use your strongest possible playerpositioning to ensure, if the face-off is won, that yourteam gains a good shot on goal. As in all face-offsituations, gaining control of the puck is yourprimary concern.DCW W WDChapter 18Puck ControlFigure 5OBJECTIVES• Understand intermediate level puck control techniques• Understand the various game situations for stickhandling techniquesINTRODUCTIONPuck control is one of the most importantfundamental skills of ice hockey. Until players learnto control the puck, their ability to shoot and passwill be greatly diminished. This chapter will covervarious puck control techniques which will be veryuseful in game situations.Common Errors• Slowing down when approaching thedefender• Not using the body to shield the puck fromthe defenderFOREHAND SHIFTThe forehand shift is one of the most importantways you can teach your players to stickhandlearound an opponent. The characteristics of thismove are described below and illustrated in Figure1.Key Elements• The puck is shifted to the forehand side• The arms are fully extended, puck is broughtout, slightly back and away from thedefender• Use the body as much as possible to protectthe puck• Keep head up• Speed is important in this moveFigure 1. Forehand Shift.222 | USA Hockey Coaching Education Program Level 3 ManualOffensive Team Tactics | 223