These 3 goals from the 2022 Women’s World Hockey Championship beautifully illustrate why we don’t want to “dust off” pucks before shooting.

In the videos of the 3 goals scored below, you’ll see the scorers catch & release the puck so quickly off the pass that neither the goalie nor defenders have time to react. If the shooters had taken even one stickhandle (aka “dusting off the puck”), those shots may have been blocked or saved.

The short pass from below the goal-line to the low slot is so effective because the goalie has to adjust her gaze and position and does not have enough time to get set for the shot. In these situations, the defenders often have their feet turned to face the puck and players below the goalline, which means they lose sight of their check in the slot, giving them a golden opportunity to score.

Here are the 3 keys that make these 3 quick release goals happen:

1. The forecheckers apply hard pressure to win the race, win the battle and gain position & possession down low.
2. The passer “thinks a play ahead” and has scanned the ice to know where the shooter is and which way she shoots so that she can deliver a great pass to shoot.
3. The shooter is “puck ready” and has gotten her stick and body in a great shooting position before the puck arrives so that she can let it go instantly. She also “arrives on time” to release that shot. She’s not too early to that low slot area, which would make it easier for the defender and goalie to track her. Jumping into the scoring area at the last possible moment allows the shooter to capitalize on the element of surprise by catching the goalie and defenders off guard.

Clarkson 2v2 is a great small area game you can use at your practices to help players get better at attacking and defending in these same situations.

Description:

• A 2v2 net front battle drill with 2 extra offensive players below goal-line. Two attackers must use space & each other to create quality scoring chances.
• Two Xs are below goal-line and are responsible for adding new pucks into the game.
• 2 offensive players (Xs) and 2 defensive players (Os) in front of net
• In basic version, two low Xs can't come above the goal line - can only pass from there (progress to giving them ability to jump in and switch with one of the Xs in the slot).
• Two high Xs in slot must attack within the area between dots line and blue-line
• Defenders looking to clear pucks outside dot-line into grey areas (not up through middle of ice)
• Can run out of both ends easily.
• Players can play all positions and rotate from offense to defense to below goal-line.

Variation: can also add 2 more offensive D at point - which makes it a 6v2

Key Points:

• Offensive players - think a play ahead, arrive on time, be puck ready, no dust
• Defensive players - know where puck & player is at all times, tie up stick, stay on defensive side
• COMPETE - for example, if defenders deny all shots, attackers have to hard to center line; if attackers score, defenders have to skate hard to center

4 key reminders for your players to make the most of these great scoring opportunities:

1. Think A Play Ahead.
2. Arrive On Time.
3. Be Puck Ready.
4. No Dust.