Reply To: Playing against an advanced player

[DaveM]

Docforrest – Tom's advice is great. A few things to consider….

– Practice with your best player in a different color jersey (or invite someone talented) and have everyone focus on knowing where that player is at all times, then taking away time and space before she gets up to speed in any game situations…..anticipate & disrupt from the defensive side.
– Think about match-ups. Can your team agree that you need a certain defense pair out there against her and make an effort to change accordingly?
– On D, emphasize 1) forcing the player wide and 2)partners backing each other up by anticipating going to the near post in a straight line ( to get there quickly) when the talented player tries to turn the D wide.
– Frame this situation as a challenge, not an unfair advantage for the other team.

All this might be too much for rec hockey, but I thought I'd at least throw my two cents in. Good luck and let us know what works!

Dave