Paul Bedford
G.M. & Head Coach
Lindsay Muskies Provincial Jr. A
Camp Co-Director
|
Protecting a Lead
Once you have gained the
lead, especially late in the game, you must work hard to
keep it. The main principle behind protecting the lead is
to make sure you never beat yourself! Here are some tips
that will make the difference late in the game:
- Make
'sure' plays at either blueline and avoid counter
attacks for the opposition.
- Avoid Neutral Zone
turnovers. (Same reason as above)
- On offense, if you don't
have an odd man rush or an obvious play at their
blueline, get the puck deep. Make your opponent come
200 feet to score.
- Show determination and
grit in your board play. One turnover or failure to
get the puck out of your zone could result in a
scoring chance. Take pride in your board play.
- Get the puck out of your
zone at all costs. The perfect breakout may not be
there. Use the glass if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to take
whistles (goalies). Stoppage in play allows your team
to get fresh players on the ice, match lines, or make
necessary adjustments.
- Make sure everyone knows
face-off alignments and responsibilities. One blown
assignment can lead to a goal!
- Never use a drop pass,
or pass puck backwards. Puck must always advance.
- Work harder - working
hard to score is natural for opponents. You must pick
up your efforts defensively to match theirs. Hard work
defensively beats hard offensive effort.
- Be on the same page. One
uncommitted player is like one weak link in a chain.
Take pride in your defensive efforts… this builds
confidence.
Next
Tip >>>
|
