This video focuses on the importance of deception in hockey and how mastering deceptive skills like manipulating the stick, puck, head, eyes, and feet can separate great players from good players, allowing them to create time and space on the ice.
Coaching Points:
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Head and Eyes Deception: Teach players to use their head and eyes to fake one direction while planning to move in another, which can confuse defenders.
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Stick and Puck Manipulation: Encourage players to open or close their stick blade to give the illusion of a pass or shot, adding unpredictability to their movements.
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Footwork for Evasion: Focus on using inside edges or punch turns to make quick directional changes, allowing players to evade defenders and create offensive opportunities.
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Practice Shoulder Checks and Scanning: Ensure players consistently scan the ice to be aware of their surroundings, using deception to read pressure and find open ice.
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Build Habits Early: Incorporate deception drills from a young age, starting with head-up skating and progressing to more complex moves, helping players make these skills second nature in games.
