USA Hockey Magazine

F R E A K ON T H E DE K E 3 Breakaways don't come along every day, but if you practice a few simple techniques, you'll be ready the next time you're one-on- one with a goalie. Both the shooter and the goalie are trying to make the other make the first move. When you're the shooter you're at an advantage because the goalie can't really fake you out. Be patient and look for an opening. Sometimes player make the mistake of car- rying the puck in front of them so the goalie knows what they're going to do because you can't shoot the puck from that position. As you get close to the net, bring the puck to your side so you can either take the quick shot or make a move. Make your move far enough out so you can get the goalie moving and you still have time to adjust. If you get in too tight by the time you're ready to shoot you're already past the net or the goalie's taken away any angle you had. Some people say that when you're coming in on a breakaway you should have a strategy of what you want to do before you get to the goalie. Just take what the goalie gives you. If the goalie comes out to cut down the angle, try to deke. If the goalie is back in the net, pick your spot and shoot it. A breakaway is part of the game. Just go with the flow. Don't think 'Oh wow, I'm on a breakaway.' And if you miss, just get the puck. Don't sulk about a missed opportunity. F Shelley Looney is a two-time Olympian and long-time coach. FINISHING THE BREAKAWAY By Shel ley Looney Find Your Mark 3 As you move up the hockey ladder, the importance of a tape-to-tape pass becomes critical as the pace of the game picks up. When it comes to effectively passing the puck, accuracy is the key. You want to look at your intended target and take your time to make a good, hard, accurate pass. It's all in the follow through. Never slap at the puck. You want it to roll off the blade from the heel toward the toe in a sweeping motion as you transfer your weight from your back foot to front foot . As the puck leaves your stick, make sure to follow through and point the toe of your stick at the target . A flip or saucer pass is the most effective pass when you have someone between you and your target. A good saucer pass floats eight to 10 inches off the ice and lands flat close to the blade of your teammate's stick. It's important to keep your head up when passing the puck. Most bad passes are caused by not looking up to spot your target. Blind cross- ice passes are the leading cause of grey hairs among hockey coaches. When it comes to receiving a pass, turn your stick blade slightly toward the ice to form a pocket. Keep the angle of the blade so it takes the puck squarely. Don't hold the stick too tightly when you are receiving a hard pass or the puck will "explode" off your stick. F Erik Cole was a 15-year NHL player and a member of the 2006 U.S. Olympic Team. M A K E B E T T ER PA S SE S By Eri k Cole AUGUST 2021 USAHOCKEYMAGAZINE.COM // 27

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