5 Ways to Boost Offensive Output

I have been working hard with not only my team but a number of local teams in creating more scoring as we enter playoff season. Players need to be much more mindful of the little things it takes to score goals. To borrow a soccer example, no matter how hard the ball is shot and directed at the goalkeeper, I insist that one player always sprint right at the goalkeeper is case there is a bobbled ball. It can be an easy goal and usually happens twice a season. But that habit of chasing down the ball - even when it is an easy pick up for the goalkeeper - is worth it twice each year.

Hockey players often get lazy around the net. Usually, it is an effort issue. They don't stop in front for rebounds and instead skate by the net. They don't screen in front on point shots but stand at the side of the net looking for an easy tap in. They don't battle hard on the puck until it's in the net or smothered by the goalie. They shoot at the goalie's belly button rather than shooting to score and to generate a second chance. These are all little things that, if done well, will result in more goals. We even see many of these things not happen at the NHL level.

I have been working at 5 areas with teams over the past month. They are:

1) Shooting to create secondary scoring chances

2) Playing in front of the net

3) Looking for and getting to the back door

4) Creating scoring chances out of the corner

5) Creating scoring chances from behind the net

Shooting to create secondary scoring chances has been centered around shooting low and creating rebounds. Again, players get lazy and often just fire the puck at the net and hope it goes in. When I ask goalies where the easiest place to save a shot is they will say two places: "in my catching glove" and "at my chest". So, players need to get away from shooting to these spots. Where is the toughest place to make saves? Goalies will say along the ice. So, we have done a lot of individual shooting against the boards and I insist that players hit the gold strip at the bottom with HARD shots. Some find very difficult to hit that spot regularly and I also find they have difficulty "figuring it out". I have had to actually explain and demonstrate how to follow through low and get the puck along the ice.

In my drill book Essential Hockey Training, the UMD Triple Drive Progression has players shooting low in the first two offensive zone entry parts. But really, any shooting drill can be set up to insist on low shots - and I particularly look for low shots to the far post.

The Notre Dame Screen the Goalie drill is one that my players have really enjoyed and works on screening, tipping and rebounding in a fast paced drill. I insist on players playing like a goalie in front of the net but to be a "leaky goalie" and obviously letting the puck get by. Proper screening and tipping technique is important and I have the players set up in a tripod stance facing the shooter. This creates maximum screening and optimum tipping potential. Turning to look for rebounds is important after the puck gets by.

I will look at the other three pieces to my creating offensive hockey in a blog post later this week.