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There are a number of important factors to be considered in basic Penalty Killing.
In 'pressure' checking some calculated risks taking allows penalty killers some creative 'action' as opposed to only 'reaction'.
All players MUST avoid screens and avoid being tied-up by an opponent. In checking you must 'bump and go'
Various skills should be developed:
- Face-off techniques are very important
- Using the stick with either hand
- Blocking shots
- Slide blocking passes
- Flipping the puck high up the middle
- Clearing the puck high on the boards
- Keeping the crease clear for goalie vision
- Puck control skills to shield it from opponents
- Understand the importance of the 'defensive side' and always be in a good defensive position in relation to the puck
- Patients
- Communication
The basic requirements for a reasonable chance of success in penalty killing are:
Opponents Zone:
- Force the route
- Angle player by controlled skating
- Stick pressure - pinning - pinching
Neutral Zone:
- As above plus
- Minimise passing angles
- Gap control
- Back checking
Our Zone:
- Stay on defensive side
- Communication
You must appreciate that the foregoing are the absolute minimum requirements for a chance of success. It is important to continually practise and analyse your own defensive skills.
A team that does not concede a goal will never loose a game.
Coach's Corner
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