by Rod Noseworthy

(posted Nov. 13, 01:15AM NST)
MOUNT PEARL -- Here are some general tips for you to think about.
 

DEFENDING THE 1 ON 1 ATTACK Adjust your speed to your opponent, stay between your opponent and your net, keep your feet moving and stay under control, keep one hand on the stick, arm half extended...stick in front of you, force and steer your opponent to the outside, always protect the center/middle corridor.	PROPER BODY CHECKING Hockey is a contact sport. Therefore it is important for coaches and players to understand how to body check properly and within the rules (insist on sticks and elbows down). Proper body checking requires sound, well-developed skills, concentration, agility and anticipation. The player checking must concentrate on the puck carrier, not the puck. The checker should keep both hands on the stick, with the blade on or near the ice, using timing, steering and angling to limit the puck carrier’s space, and influence their direction and speed. The checker must avoid lunging at the puck carrier, placing his glove in the face of the puck carrier, or making excessive contact with the stick. All of these infractions must be discouraged or they will result in penalties during games. Checking is an important part of hockey, and if done well can be an important part of your game. But remember, you should never use illegal or dangerous checking if you want to be an honorable hockey player.
FOCUSING FOR GOALIES Focusing must be adjustable, like a zoom lens on a camera. When the puck/play is developing in the neutral zone, your focus will be broad. If you are facing a long shot, you will focus narrowly on the puck
CUTTING DOWN THE ANGLE In cutting the angle down some tips to a goalie must remember: Do not stay deep in your net, do not give too much room on one side…keep square with the puck, be set when the shot is taken…	SHOOTING THE WRIST SHOT Keep your hands apart, body is turned sideways to the target, puck begins at the side of your body, sweep puck forward while transferring your weight, puck will spin from heel to toe, your follow through is low and pointed at your target   Puck carrier in the offensive zone should remember some of your options: Drive to the net and shoot, pass back to the trailer, pass to the far wing driving to the net, or cut back, and stall for time
Source: Val Belmonte http://www.eteamz.com