Ian Taylor is the Executive Director of the OMHA and former Director of Hockey Development. A proud hockey dad of two, Ian has over 25 years of instructional and coaching experience.
In a previous edition of OMHA Video Coach, we have looked at the importance of quick transition and defencemen joining the rush. In this edition, we look at the benefits of making all five players interchangeable in the offensive zone by activating your defencemen in the offensive zone.
Encouraging your defenceman to get involved in the offensive attack not only keeps them engaged but also opens up new potential scoring opportunities. If they can find open ice there is a chance for a clear shot on net, likely one that crosses the Royal Road or a shot that will catch the netminder by surprise.
Now, let’s take a closer look and break it down…
Game Date: March 2, 2019
Watch the video clip again to see how moving the puck low to high and encouraging defencemen to activate and get engaged in the offensive zone creates confusion in the zone and pulls defenders out of position.
Here is another goal from the same game where TBL activates its defence to get involved in the offensive zone.
Video Coach is a series of articles which reviews a video clip from game action and then breaks down the sequence into frames identifying key skills, individual and team tactics, strategy and hockey IQ. Video is a great teaching tool that can be used by both players and coaches.
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Ian Taylor is the Executive Director of the OMHA and former Director of Hockey Development. A proud hockey dad of two, Ian has over 25 years of instructional and coaching experience.