Coaches Corner
Speed… The Difference Between Success & Failure

By: George Gwozdecky, Head Coach - University of Denver

Huron Instructor - 18 years

How often have you heard this classic coaches’ refrain: "You can't get there as fast as the puck can"! This statement is normally reserved for those times when a player has decided that he or she will attempt the end to end rush while four other teammates stand by idly and watch. Often, many of those same teammates are open and in a position to advance the puck if ONLY a pass would come their way. Speed has become an important component of the modern game of hockey, both in the area of skating and in the area of passing and receiving. By working on increasing the speed at which you can deliver and receive passes, players will find that their overall game improves as well.

Some key elements to consider There are several ways to increase speed associated with the passing and receiving component of the game of hockey. While we might visualize passing and receiving as a fairly standard concrete skill set, other factors associated with increased speed can enter into a skilled players game whereby passing and receiving are utilized in different ways. For example:

1. Use an indirect method of passing, either off side boards or through wide rim plays in either the offensive or defensive zones.

This means that all passes need not go tape to tape. Many times you can increase the tempo of play by passing a puck into an area or zone where teammates can then attack at full speed rather than being slowed down by having to first receive, then carry a puck. These types of passes are especially effective when pressure is applied by an opponent and you need immediate outlet options.

2. Differentiate between “Reading Control versus Reading Pressure” (time and space as they relate to passing).

Any player controlling a puck during a game must be able to make situational judgements as they relate to passing and receiving. Reading control means that a player has time to set up and control the puck and pass on his or her own time. As many coaches state to players, you work too hard to get the puck so don’t be too anxious to get rid of it if you don’t have to! Reading pressure relates to a players ability to make a safe outlet pass when pressure is applied. If a player can learn to anticipate pressure, then he or she will have time to plan for an escape option if that pressure becomes too great. Reading control and pressure represents a mental approach to passing and receiving, with preparation and “ice vision” pre-requisites to success.

3. Transition and passing/receiving

One of the easiest ways to increase the speed of any hockey game is to improve your ability to execute effective transition plays. Transition for our purposes relates to the change over of puck possession somewhere in or near the neutral zone (between the two blue lines) from a defensive to an offensive or attack position. By utilizing quick and accurate passes after an opponent gives you the puck your team can develop speed and opportunities entering your attack area.

4. Pass with some "OOMPH"!

If you ask players in the National Hockey League what the greatest difference is between their league and all the rest, the answer inevitably relates to the greater speed witnessed in the NHL. One aspect of this increased speed is very evident in the passing department. Most NHL’ers pass the puck crisply and with authority, sometimes so hard that the receiver might think a shot was just executed, not a pass. This is something that all players should attempt as early as their skill level warrants, because soft passes that have no “oomph” are more likely to get intercepted or miss their target.

Remember, the sooner you are able to combine passing and receiving skills with speed, the sooner you will be able to dominate and more fully enjoy this aspect of the game.