Game Summary and Tactical Evaluation For Forwards

Game Summary and Tactical Evaluation For Forwards - Offensive Zone Play

Offensive Zone Coverage - Forwards Only
Explanation of Tactic: CAN / DO YOU:		Ranking
1	Turn over the puck at the offensive blue-line.	1	2	3	4	5
2	Maintain proper depth on the forecheck.	1	2	3	4	5
3	Angle to boards in all 1 on 1 fore-checking situations.	1	2	3	4	5
4	Keep high position as 3rd man - read off of play.	1	2	3	4	5
5	Win tough battles in corners.	1	2	3	4	5
6	Win tough battles in the slot - strong with stick.	1	2	3	4	5
7	As 2nd man, drive hard to net (unless playing 2 on 1).	1	2	3	4	5
8	Shoot puck through defense - used screen.	1	2	3	4	5
9	Take whistle down low if no option or late shift.	1	2	3	4	5
10	Keep puck down low when under high pressure.	1	2	3	4	5
11	Make high risk passes to slot when unsure of receiver.	1	2	3	4	5
12	Shoot to the short side or center of net late in your shifts.	1	2	3	4	5
	Totals:	score			/ 60

Offensive Zone Coverage - Forwards Only
Explanation of Tactic: CAN / DO YOU:		Ranking					Reason
1	Turn over the puck at the offensive blueline.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
2	Maintain proper depth on the forecheck.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
3	Angle to boards in all 1 on 1 fore-checking situations.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
4	Keep high position as 3rd man - read off of play.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
5	Win tough battles down low in corners.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
6	Win tough battles in the slot - strong with stick.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
7	As 2nd man, drive hard to net (unless playing 2 on 1).	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
8	Shoot puck through defense - used screen.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
9	Take whistle down low if no option or late shift.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
10	Keep puck down low when under high pressure.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
11	Make high risk passes to slot when unsure of receiver.	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
12	Shoot to the short side or center of net late in your shifts	1	2	3	4	5	U	M	S
	Totals:	score			/60		ttl	ttl	ttl

Offensive zone assessment - Forwards Only

Item No. Score (1-5) Factor (U-M-S) Item No. Score (1-5) Factor (U-M-S)

1 1-5 U-M-S 7 1-5 U-M-S

2 1-5 U-M-S 8 1-5 U-M-S

3 1-5 U-M-S 9 1-5 U-M-S

4 1-5 U-M-S 10 1-5 U-M-S

5 1-5 U-M-S 11 1-5 U-M-S

6 1-5 U-M-S 12 1-5 U-M-S

Totals score U M S Totals score U M S

Item No. 1 - (ABSOLUTELY NO) Turn over the puck at the offensive blueline

Possible reasons for this not letting this option happen:
1	Opposition is very good at transition game.
2	Often defense move puck and change – turnovers can leave defense out of position.
3	Offensive forwards have a lot of speed – too hard to regroup quickly leaving opposition with odd man rush.
4	Your team has momentum – no bad turnovers.
5	Your team is protecting a lead – no high risk plays – keep puck deep

Primary teaching point: Turnovers at the blueline create odd man situations for the opposition due to the speed of the offensive players on the rush. The puck changes direction much faster than a player can convert his offensive posture to defensive. Effective fast breaks off of NZ blueline turnover often utilize a late back-checker head man pass quite often catching defense off guard. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Recognize team momentum and eliminate high risk plays?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Recognize personal one on one limitations?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Recognize and respect skill level of strong opposition defensemen?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 2 - Maintain proper depth on forecheck

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	Opposition forwards move puck quickly after turnovers.
2	Team is in the lead and do not want to give opposition any odd man situations.
3	Playing a patient game – waiting for opposition to create turnover on bad outlet pass.
4	Opposition has trouble generating successful breakout off a high man read.
5	Must win game – defenses are forced to pinch – back side support.
6	Opposition breaks out along the wall allowing the defense to pinch – back side support.
7	Opposition uses a flat line high forward. Extra high zone coverage off of fast break play.
8	Defense is not particularly strong and high support is required.
9	Allows quick movement from high zone turnovers to back side of the play (goal-line or back side of net down low).

Primary teaching point: Back side offensive zone support is critical for added stability to defensive system coverage off of forecheck. This type of coverage forces opposition forwards to force multiple passes or play outside lane breakout options since middle ice is protected. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Recognize puck control limitations of opposition players (can they make outlet play off of team checking pressure)?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Move quickly to cover passing lanes?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Communicate well with your secondary layer forward or defense?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Move quickly to intercept passes?	X	V	G	F	P
5	Anticipate breakout options and react accordingly?	X	V	G	F	P
6	Skate well enough (forwards / backwards) to support defense accordingly either to wide side or as a switch.	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 3 - Angle to boards in all 1 on 1 fore-checking

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	Opposition players are weak making plays from perimeter.
2	Opposition players are fast – take away lanes and space.
3	Opposition players like to use cross-ice passes – force them to take high risk options by passing through feet and stick.
4	Turnovers allow for quick puck movement to slot.
5	Take offensive players to the wall to intimidate (finish checks).

Primary teaching point: Limiting time and space is the primary focus of all forechecking systems. By angling player to the wall, space is limited and quality of passing opportunities is greatly diminished. Puck carrier must resort to high risk plays to create outlet. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Maintain strong skating fundamentals with stick on the ice to block lanes?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Possess the skating speed necessary to force player outside?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Possess the skating agility necessary to react to puck carriers movements and maintain angle?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Possess the strength to take player to outside and finish him on wall?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 4 - 3^rd man high - read off of the play

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	Opposition forwards move puck quickly after turnovers.
2	Team is in the lead and do not want to give opposition any odd man situations.
3	Playing a patient game – waiting for opposition to create turnover on bad outlet pass.
4	Opposition has trouble generating successful breakout off a high man read.
5	Must win game – defense are forced to pinch – back side support.
6	Opposition breaks out along the wall allowing the defense to pinch – back side support.
7	Opposition uses a flat line high forward. Extra high zone coverage off of fast break play.
8	Defense is not particularly strong and high support is required.
9	Allows quick movement from high zone turnovers to back side of the play - net down low.

Primary teaching point:. Back side offensive zone support is critical for added stability to defensive system coverage off of forecheck. This type of coverage forces opposition forwards to force multiple passes or play outside lane breakout options since middle ice is protected. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Recognize puck control limitations of opposition players (can they make outlet play off of team checking pressure)?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Move quickly to cover passing lanes?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Communicate well with your secondary layer forward or defense?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Move quickly to intercept passes?	X	V	G	F	P
5	Anticipate breakout options and react accordingly?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 5 - Win tough battles down low in corners

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	Opposition has success on breakout plays down low and is great on transition.
2	Trap opposition players in corners opening up lanes to the net.
3	Break up opposition’s team defensive continuity – by eliminating one player.
4	Your team gets motivated from contact.
5	Create opportunity for retaliation – draw penalty.
6	Establish physical presence – opposition will have to pay the price.
7	Rebound has been directed to the corner.
8	Opposition player is trying to freeze the puck.
9	Opposition has game momentum.

Primary teaching point: It is said that if you control the opposition's corners, you control their game. Control all events surrounding the play by regaining control and moving it quickly to the slot. By winning tough battles down low, you establish dominance in the corners. Opposition players know that they will have to pay the price when they try to maintain puck control down low. As well, winning battles in the corners often creates open lanes to the net where defensive players are caught on the wrong side of the puck. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Play aggressive?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Possess the balance necessary to play physical and not leave your feet?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Possess the skating skills necessary to be effective?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Maintain discipline if opposition player retaliates?	X	V	G	F	P
5	Stay on the defensive side of the check or keep puck on the defensive side of the body?	X	V	G	F	P
6	Possess quick acceleration skills to attack the net ?	X	V	G	F	P
7	Play with head on a swivel (able to find open man after regaining control of puck)?	X	V	G	F	P
8	Have good passing skills forehand and backhand to capitalize on turnover?	X	V	G	F	P
9	Have good puck control skills to maintain possession?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 6 - Win tough battles in the slot – strong with stick

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	You team utilizes the point – maintain position and screen goal-tender.
2	Opposition’s defense are intimidated by physical play.
3	Goal-tender is vulnerable to screens (poor technical body position)
4	Goal-tender gives out rebounds – be ready for quick shot.
5	Lost sight of the puck – tie up defense – eliminate opposition from gaining possession.
6	Draw penalties from opposition defense who cannot handle rough play.
7	Set the tone – their crease is your team’s territory.
8	Interrupts mind set for opposition defense/players going after rebounds.

Primary teaching point: This forces the goal-tender to make saves through traffic on all long shots as well as makes sure that you are well prepared in the event of an opportunistic rebound. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Get intimidated in front of the net when opposition play tough?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Possess the strength to be in front of the net (move out strong defense)?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Possess the discipline to stand in front of the net when opposition plays tough?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Possess the skating skills and balance to manipulate players in front of net?	X	V	G	F	P
5	Know how to keep defense players off balance?	X	V	G	F	P
6	Know when to play tough and when to play smart? (Reverse to backside of net - time screen not wrestle)?	X	V	G	F	P
7	Possess the skating agility to play shot and rebound?	X	V	G	F	P
8	Know when to tie up the stick and when to tie up the man?	X	V	G	F	P
9	Possess good puck control skills off of rebounds?	X	V	G	F	P
10	Possess good net awareness to see open man off rebound?	X	V	G	F	P
11	Possess good short range shooting skills – puck upstairs quickly?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 7- 2^nd man went to net hard (unless playing 2 on 1)

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	Goal tender gives out rebounds.
2	Force opposition defense to collapse in low slot.
3	Intimidation off of rush – goal tender smothers shot – defenseman pushes attacking forward over goal-tender.
4	Wanting to draw penalty by "aggressing" slot.

Primary teaching point:. Go to the net – anything can happen. Many goals are scored off of rebounds that the goal-tender cannot control and penalties are called off of aggressive net play. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Possess the skating speed to drive to the net?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Possess the strength necessary to fight off defense when driving to net?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Possess skating agility – move to puck to capitalize on rebound?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Possess short game reactionary shooting skills – play off of rebound and select proper target?	X	V	G	F	P
5	Play disciplined in the event that the defense plays you physical?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 8 - Shot puck through defense - used screen

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	Goaltender plays low when screened – increases opportunity to score.
2	Goal tender has trouble picking up puck coming through traffic.
3	Goal-tender is weak on angles – cannot see puck and does not know where to line up.
4	Goal-tender is very good – increase opportunity by taking away his ability to see the puck.
5	Defense backs to far into slot.
6	Attacking shooters are short range – increase depth of shooting zone away from net.

Primary teaching point: You take away the goal-tenders ability to make a safe if he cannot see the puck. Proper positioning in the crease becomes his only defense. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Possess quick release shooting skills?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Know how to attack the net so as to place the defender and a position to screen?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Possess the puck handling skills to move puck into shooting position quickly?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Can you shoot accurately through a screen?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 9 - Take whistle down low if no option or late in shift

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	You are too tired physically or mentally to make the correct offensive play.
2	The supporting forwards / defense are not in the correct position to assist in the attack.
3	The supporting forwards / defense are not in the correct position to assist in the attack.
4	It is late in the shift and the players on the ice require a line change.
5	Your players are in a state of confusion and are "running around" so you need to get a face-off so that your players can regroup (caught down low and need to get back into position).
6	You are in a penalty kill situation and you are trying to run down the last few seconds on the clock.
7	Your stick has broken/
8	You are battling hard in the corner and are out-manned.
9	You take the puck to the wall and try to draw a penalty.
10	A poor pass has the puck caught in your skates, defense has pressured you.
11	Your are out-manned in the zone.
12	You are trying to get a man out of the penalty box (coincidental penalties).
13	Coach is trying to match lines.
14	Trying to run down the clock intentionally.

Primary teaching point: Always a good option when in trouble. Eliminates bad turnovers when unsure of what to do with puck. Eliminates the possibility of the opposition capitalizing on a bad shooting or passing attempt. CAN / DO YOU:

1	How well can you contain the puck on the wall (strength or technique)?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Do you possess good visual skills when carrying puck under high pressure?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Can you make passes well to both the forehand and backhand sides?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Do you have the confidence to find an open man and execute pass under high pressure?	X	V	G	F	P
5	Do you have the ability to relax under high pressure and make this decision?	X	V	G	F	P
6	Do you communicate with your team-mates (forwards and defense)?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 10 - Kept puck down low when under pressure

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	Opposition is weak forming offensive attack off of forecheck.
2	You have momentum and do not want to risk bad option play to mid ice.
3	Keep contact play for intimidation.
4	Trying to draw penalty off of high-pressure forecheck.
5	Force goal-tender to handle puck.
6	Your team has the lead and you do not want to create a bad turnover.
7	Opposition is weak on the breakout – poor defensemen.
8	Opposition defensemen are small and you can dominate down low.
9	Trying to run down the clock (penalty or end of period).
10	Your team is weak on transition (offense to defense).

Primary teaching point: It is critical to understand the different between a low risk and a high risk option especially when your team has momentum. Keeping the puck deep in the opposition’s zone forces them to be creative and read off your fore-checking pressure. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Read options so as to understand when to keep puck deep and when to maintain possession?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Know dump in options so as to maximize teams effectiveness off forecheck?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Possess quick puck release skills?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Relax under high pressure and can select correct option?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 11 - MAKE NO PASSES TO SLOT UNLESS TOTALLY SURE!

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	Opposition is very good on transition – moves puck quickly to open man.
2	You team has momentum or lead and do not want to risk bad turnovers.
3	Using a high-pressure forecheck where players are down low out-manning opposition (turnover would result in odd man rush).
4	Defense are weak off of fast break.
5	Opposition likes to use fast break play.
6	Late in the period – low percentage options – do not give opposition something to build off of.

Primary teaching point: A bad pass to slot allows opposition forwards to counter quickly on turnover catching defense flat footed. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Possess good puck control skills – play with head up?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Possess accurate passing skills?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Anticipate well movement of offensive forwards – team-mates?	X	V	G	F	P
4	Telegraph passes?	X	V	G	F	P

Item No. 12 - Shoot to short side or center of net late in your shift

Possible reasons for this option are:
1	Oppositions is exceptional at transition from defense to offense and fatigue is not an "effective" back-checking condition.
2	Opposition forwards have exceptional speed and can capitalize on wide rung shot.
3	Your defense are weak at backward acceleration and can be caught flat-footed in the event that the puck goes to wide side of ice for fast break.
4	You team has momentum and you do not want to give up any offensive opportunities.
5	You want to keep sustained pressure on opposition players down low or in slot.
6	Your team want to maintain strong defensive posture in the event of a turnover.

Primary teaching point: A wide side shot at any time in the game can be a risky in the event that the shot could "ring" out of the zone forcing your team to regroup or enable the opposition to counter quickly on fast break. Late in a shift, SHOOT SMART. CAN / DO YOU:

1	Know the difference between a low risk and high risk shot?	X	V	G	F	P
2	Recognize when you are fatigued and shoot accordingly?	X	V	G	F	P
3	Recognize/ remember if opposition player's utilize fast break off a rung puck?	X	V	G	F	P
4	SHOOT INTELLIGENTLY?	X	V	G	F	P

Total all score in the tables below for all Zone assessments.

Score Chart - Personal Assessment Chart
Defensive zone assessment - Forwards Only
Item No.	Score (1-5)	Factor (U-M-S)			Item No.	Score (1-5)	Factor (U-M-S)
1	1-5	U-M-S			9	1-5	U-M-S
2	1-5	U-M-S			10	1-5	U-M-S
3	1-5	U-M-S			11	1-5	U-M-S
4	1-5	U-M-S			12	1-5	U-M-S
5	1-5	U-M-S			13	1-5	U-M-S
6	1-5	U-M-S			14	1-5	U-M-S
7	1-5	U-M-S			15	1-5	U-M-S
8	1-5	U-M-S			16	1-5	U-M-S
Totals	score	U	M	S	Totals	Score	U	M	S

Netural zone assessment - Forwards Only
Item No.	Score (1-5)	Factor (U-M-S)			Item No.	Score (1-5)	Factor (U-M-S)
1	1-5	U-M-S			5	1-5	U-M-S
2	1-5	U-M-S			6	1-5	U-M-S
3	1-5	U-M-S			7	1-5	U-M-S
4	1-5	U-M-S			8	1-5	U-M-S
Totals	score	U	M	S	Totals	score	U	M	S

Offensive zone assessment - Forwards Only
Item No.	Score (1-5)	Factor (U-M-S)			Item No.	Score (1-5)	Factor (U-M-S)
1	1-5	U-M-S			7	1-5	U-M-S
2	1-5	U-M-S			8	1-5	U-M-S
3	1-5	U-M-S			9	1-5	U-M-S
4	1-5	U-M-S			10	1-5	U-M-S
5	1-5	U-M-S			11	1-5	U-M-S
6	1-5	U-M-S			12	1-5	U-M-S
Totals	score	U	M	S	Totals	score	U	M	S

That concludes the evaluation. Looking back over the outline I am sure that you could add many other possible reasons for options. What is important is that one understands the each situation whether tactical or systematic requires basic knowledge, skill and strength either independently or collectively. The objective then is to improve all of your fundamentals so that EXCELLENCE becomes the norm.