Force the defender to make the first move.
One clear indictor of a player who knows how to create time and space, is the ability to attack on an angle.
This principle, from the IQGame course, allows you to manipulate opponents and attack with options. It allows you to attack more proactively, rather than reactively. This forces defenders to make the first move, opening up space and extending puck possession.
Players in general play too linear with the puck. Unless you’re head over heels faster than everyone, it isn’t an effective tactic. Even if you are, eventually teams will pick up on it and neutralize your speed.
Connor McDavid is the fastest player in the game, but he still uses this principle to consistently create time and space.
Here’s an example of attacking on an angle from the 2020 postseason between the Vancouver Canucks and Minnesota Wild.
Watch as J.T. Miller of the Canucks takes his first steps to the middle. This forces the Wild defenceman Matt Dumba to backpedal and close this space off.
That movement forces the defender to compress and expand opening lanes for Miller to attack. Once he identifies he can’t access the middle, he works back to the open space.
Miller patiently waits for the defender to expand once he gets into that threat to shoot position. This pulls the defender outside the dots and opens up this lane for the eventual goal.
Here’s a look at the goal at full speed:
How to apply this:
- First steps to the middle when you get the puck
- Watch the defender’s feet and stick while driving your feet to the middle
- When the defender extends and closes out on you, attack the open space
Sounds simple, but very few players implement this consistently. It requires you to skate at defenders at times, which is uncomfortable but yields the most options. Follow these simple steps and observe how much more you’re able to move defenders.
Implement this principle into your game if you want to manipulate opponents more. Watch as you’ll be much more dynamic as a player and create more offence on consistent basis.
