Face Offs

The most basic face off will be used on anything in the neutral zone when we are either 5v5 or 5v4. On a basic face off, wings line up against each other, center against center, and defense in their normal neutral positions. This is essentially a man-on-man face off strategy.

On the draw, ideally the puck will go back to the D on the near board side or forward. The center can also tie-up and allow a winger to “sweep through,” whereby they get the puck from the feet of the locked up centers and make a play from there.

IF WE WIN

If the puck goes back to the D, they have the option to swing it to their opposite D and move the puck up into open space, move the puck up the near boards, or to skate the puck if they are given a lane. Forwards must find open space and make themselves an option.

If the puck goes to the winger, the wing has the option to skate to pressure, move the puck to another player that is open, or to gain the red and put the puck deep to start the forecheck.

If the center ties up, a winger needs to sweep through and start forward progression of the puck while the center is tied up. This can often generate a quick up opportunity as the other winger gets open for the pass.

IF WE LOSE

Players tie up man-to-man and/or pressure the puck, depending on the situation of the play. Wingers will check to their wing, then proceed to the second tier – their defense. In a neutral zone situation, we pressure one hard to the puck and two medium zone support.