Power tactics in professional ice hockey is a set of strategies and techniques aimed at using physical strength to achieve game goals. In professional hockey, the power play plays an important role as it helps to control the game, protect your zone and demoralise your opponent. Here are the main elements of power play tactics used by professional hockey players.
Basic elements of power play tactics
Fighting for position
- Fencing the opponent. Use of the body and stick to keep the opponent at a distance or block his progress towards the goal.
- Protecting the puck. Using the body to keep the puck away from the opponent, allowing the player to control the situation and look for options to pass or shoot.
Blocking opponents
- Hitting. Hard collisions with an opponent to knock them off balance or take the puck away. This technique requires precision and strength to avoid breaking the rules.
- Body Block. Using the body to block an opponent’s pass, especially in the corners of the court or at the boards.
Playing at the boards
- Zone Control. Use of force to hold an opponent at the boards and prevent him from passing to the centre.
- Grabbing and deflecting the puck. Physical fighting for the puck at the boards, often accompanied by pushing and hitting.
Defensive play
- Brushing in front of the goal. Using force to remove opponents from the zone in front of the goal to make it easier for the goalie to see the puck and react to shots.
- Blocking shots. Falling to the ice or putting your body under an opponent’s shot to prevent the puck from going into the goal.
Attacking and pressing
- Forchecking. Aggressive play in the opponent’s zone to quickly take the puck away and put pressure on the opponent’s defence.
- Pressing on the blue line. The use of physical force to block an opponent’s exit from their own zone, especially when neutralising attacks.
Examples of tactical hockey moves
Hitting in the middle zone:
In the middle zone, where the puck is most often passed from one zone to another, power plays help interrupt attacks and initiate counterattacks.
Net-front presence (Net-front presence):
Defencemen use their power play to keep opposing forwards away from the goal, allowing the goalie to better see the play and react to shots.
Board play:
When playing at the boards, players use hitting and body blocks to fight for the puck, which helps control the zone and organise attacks.
Proper technique is important to minimise the risk of injury to both player and opponent.
Players must follow the rules and avoid dangerous tackles such as hits to the head or pushing in the back, which can lead to penalties or disqualification.
A high level of fitness and strength allows players to use power moves effectively throughout the game.
Strength tactics is an important component of professional hockey. It requires not only physical strength, but also the ability to use that strength correctly, following rules and safety techniques. Effective use of power tactics helps control the game, protect your zone and create offensive opportunities, making it an integral part of a successful hockey team’s strategy.