Forechecking system

[TomM]

D trying to beat the first checker may sound dangerous but it isn't because it causes the D to move to open ice with the puck OR to make a quick pass like a reverse. If the D can't sees he can't beat the first man he now is making his decision while skating hard instead of while he is standing still.

So his rule doesn't mean he has to beat the first checker but instead that he has to TRY and beat the first checker. (instead of simply telling his D to move their feet he insists on this principle)

[Ballgame]

Pops wrote:
2. As for 2 coaches from the same league being participants on Tom's board, both 'Left Wing' and I coach in the Metro Atlantic Collegiate Hockey Association. He's better looking but I'm funnier….right, Lefty ?

Hey now lets not get crazy! You're a handsome fella! Ha
The best part of that league meeting was the lunch when we were all hanging out joking around.

I am Left Wing, once I registered I changed my user name.

For everyone else that is reading this. My team plays Pops team 10/3 at his rink. Should be interesting, will only be our 3rd game of the season.
Lets the games begin!

Ok back on track

[Kai K]

TomM wrote:
D trying to beat the first checker may sound dangerous but it isn't because it causes the D to move to open ice with the puck OR to make a quick pass like a reverse. If the D can't sees he can't beat the first man he now is making his decision while skating hard instead of while he is standing still.

So his rule doesn't mean he has to beat the first checker but instead that he has to TRY and beat the first checker. (instead of simply telling his D to move their feet he insists on this principle)

We want that D tryes to win space to the middel line by skating or by passing. And after every D to D pass or reverse pass D should first keep his feet moving and then make the quick pass.

[Paul]

Another game tonight. The AAA team has been making releases so we are getting new players down to our team. They don't know the system so we are throwing them to the wolves. Trying to keep it simple. Focus tonight is on our defensive zone play and what we need to do to ge the puck moving up the ice from our libero and halfbacks. Our checking intensity needs to be higher.

Thanks for all the ideas. We will be implementing them in our practices.

[Paul]

We lost tonight 6 – 1, and despite the score we made improvements. The goals we gave up were due to bad turnovers in our zone. We made good adjustments to the odd man rushes we gave up. We had chances to score but didn't finish.

Where we are getting caught is when our halfbacks get in on the rush they are not getting back when the rush does not materialize. They are caught standing still in front of the opposition net instead of finding their support positions. Other things to work on.

[TomM]

Your weak side halfback needs to be back when the puck is on the other side. You shouldn't be giving up odd man situations. He should be supporting the rush to the top of the slot and pull back if he doesn't get a pass.

It should be a very strong defensive system with 3 players having the puck in front of them.

[Pops]

that was a reassuring comment, Tom, as I see the weak side read as the key to the success of this system. If offense is to be generated, their going down as far as the bottom of the weak side circle is essential. If there is no realistic possibility, then D needs that guys immediate support.

[TomM]

Pops, they should only join the forecheck when the puck is on their side of the ice and play between the blue line and top of the circle when they are weak side always being ready to back door or pinch on a rim.

The style is stolen from Soccer (Fussball)

[Paul]

We tied 3 -3. We played a strong game and created numerous scoring chances. I found that are halfbacks get very tired as the game progresses and then their defensive play becomes lazy. They start taking shortcuts. They have to skate a lot during the game and make quick decisions. We need to continue to work on decision making and defensive positioning.

[TomM]

sounds like they are improving. Short shifts may be the key.

[Author]

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