BLOG #1 - In-Tight Tactics Pt 1
The net front is typically where you see a majority of goals. It’s no mystery the puck will eventually find it’s way there. That’s why goalies will play the percentages and minimize your options with specific techniques. It’s our job as players to understand these techniques and find new ways to beat the odds!
In this two part series I’ll be talking about plays from below the goal line and specific shot selections you can use to increase your odds of scoring in-tight. Below the goal line plays are a great way to put the goalie in an uncomfortable position. This is what led to so many of Gretzky’s assists and the nickname of “Gretzky’s Office”. Goalies lose sight of opponents when pucks are below the goal line.
Now, when you understand how goalies move, you’ll be able to increase your probability of scoring. The shot selection protocol I developed in my course does exactly that. Goalies will commonly get into this RVH position to allow them to explode off the post. This is a very effective tactic and allows the goalie to cover more net on in-tight plays.
However, with every strength is an underlying weakness ready to be exposed. Players that are aware of this position can work to capitalize on this short side shot off passes from below the goal line. The player with out the puck must use their vision and IQ to see this option.
This shot selection works especially well if you are around the hashmarks in the slot. This can be your marker on the ice to help cue you when to use this shot. This is because this distance allows the goalie enough time to push off the post to take up as much space as possible but opens that short side shot.
Action Plan - Player WITHOUT Puck
Work to Open Space
Quick Eye Check for Foot on Post
Apply This Shot Selection
You can practice this after practice with a partner or off-ice with a passer. It’s important to get in the HABIT of checking for where the goalie is before you get that puck. In the next part of the series I’ll go over what to do if your in even tighter or the goalies foot isn’t locked on the post.
Work plays below the goal line and exploit this shot selection to score more goals around the net!
Thanks for reading!