T – Game Transitions
Key Points:
Two even teams will be on offense about 35% of the time and on defense 35% of the time and ready to attack or defend in loose puck situations which are about 30% of a game. The team that wins the most loose puck battles spends more time on offense and usually wins the game and players need to be prepared to go on either offense or defense in loose puck situations.
Players need good offensive habits like facing the puck, stick on the ice, give a target, protect the puck, face the play, carry the puck in the triple threat position, get open. On defense always play from the defensive side, stick on the puck, stick in the lanes, mark your man, head on a swivel, tight gaps, good angles, stay in the shooting lane, etc..
Description:
Three Game Situations:
0 – Loose Puck (about 30%of the time.
1 – Team on offense (about 35% of the time)
2 – Team on defense (about 35% of the time)
Four Game Playing Roles
Offense
Role 1 – the player with the puck.
Role 2 – the players supporting the puck carrier.
Defense:
Role 3 – Closest defender checking the puck carrier using pressure or contain skills.
Role 4 – Other defenders playing man to man or zone.
This video was prepared by Kai Katajalehto a Finnish coach in the Vaasa organization.
The video clips show USA and Canada both playing Russia at the IIHF World Championships. Kai has edited the video so in the top corner a circle appears in each of the 3 situations. Green Can. USA on offense, Red on defense, Yellow a loose puck situation.
It is amazing to watch how the game constantly bounces from one situation to another. (I have added English sub titles.)
https://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/videos/watch/game-transitions/
This is a video Kai did a few years ago with Detroit and Pittsburg that uses the same symbols.
https://www.hockeycoachingabcs.com/videos/watch/transition-in-game-playing-roles/
T – Game Transitions Examples from World Championships
'The Game is the Greatest Coach'
'Enjoy the Game'