Pass reception is a fundamental skill that can significantly impact a player's performance and a team's ability to create offense. It enables players to maintain possession, create scoring opportunities, and control the game's pace. A well-received pass allows for seamless transitions and quick decision-making, which are crucial in high-pressure situations. Developing this skill not only helps in retaining the puck but also in executing plays effectively. By building your team's ability to receive passes, you're creating a team that will be hard to defend by enabling your players with the tools they need to create more offense.
Common Mistakes in Receiving Passes
One frequent mistake is failing to adjust to passes that aren't perfectly placed. When passes come in too high, too low, or at awkward angles, many players struggle to control the puck, leading to turnovers. Another issue is poor body positioning, which can limit a player's ability to receive and protect the puck, especially under pressure. Additionally, some players tend to watch the puck too closely and lose awareness of their surroundings, making them more vulnerable to defensive pressure. Practicing receiving passes from various angles and in different situations can help mitigate these problems, improving your team's overall game performance.
Learning from the Pros
Having video clips for your team to watch these skills at the professional level can offer valuable lessons for improving pass receptions. The biggest thing that separates the PROs from amateur players, is the ability to receive a bad pass without losing a stride. Professional players often show excellent hand-eye coordination and the ability to anticipate the puck's movement, allowing them to adjust quickly. By paying attention to these details, you can adapt similar techniques into your own practice plans. Gradually, you'll be able to receive passes more efficiently and contribute more effectively during games.
Developing Skills Through Practice
Improving your team's pass reception skills requires dedication and consistent practice. Incorporate drills into your practice routine that simulate different passing scenarios. For instance, in this drill created with Hockey Coach Vision, you see how it simulates the game-like scenario that is shown above in the clip created with Hudl Instat when using a rim reception.
Implementing receiving passes drills that require indirect passes, passes aimed at your skates, or passes that are slightly out of your reach. Use a variety of drills to improve your hand-eye coordination and puck control. Regularly practicing receiving different types of passes will build your confidence and ability to adapt to various situations during a game. Remember, practice is where you can make mistakes, learn from them, and hone your skills without the pressure of a live game.
3v1 Rim Reception Drill (shown with Hudl Instat above)
