If you’re a hockey player looking to increase your team’s chances of getting more power play opportunities during games, you’re in the right place. The power play can be a game-changer, giving your team a significant advantage over the opposition. Here are five tips to help you get on the power play more often and improve your team’s chances of scoring.
1. Improve Your Skating Techniques
One of the most common reasons players get penalized in hockey is due to sloppy or lazy skating techniques. To get more power play opportunities, focus on improving your skating skills. Work on your acceleration, speed, and agility to make it harder for opponents to defend against you. By becoming a stronger skater, you’ll be able to create more scoring chances and draw penalties from the opposition.
2. Drive to the Net
Driving to the net is a crucial skill that can help your team earn more power play opportunities. When you take the puck to the net and put pressure on the opposing team’s defense, you increase the likelihood of drawing a penalty. Be willing to battle in front of the net and fight for position to make it difficult for defenders to contain you. Remember, the more you drive the net, the more opportunities you’ll create for your team.
3. Maintain Possession of the Puck
Possessing the puck is key to generating offensive opportunities and drawing penalties. Focus on improving your puck-handling skills, decision-making, and hockey IQ to keep possession and force the opposition to take penalties out of frustration or desperation. The more time you spend with the puck on your stick, the more likely you are to create scoring chances and earn power play opportunities for your team.
4. Create Traffic in Front of the Net
Creating traffic in front of the net is another effective way to draw penalties and get on the power play more often. By screening the goaltender and causing chaos in front of the net, you’ll disrupt the opposing team’s defensive structure and increase the chances of them committing infractions. Be willing to stand your ground, battle for position, and get in the goalie’s line of sight to create havoc and increase your team’s chances of getting on the power play.
5. Play with Discipline
While it’s essential to draw penalties to get on the power play, it’s equally important to play with discipline and avoid taking unnecessary penalties yourself. By staying out of the penalty box and playing a smart, controlled game, you’ll give your team more opportunities to capitalize on the power play and increase your chances of scoring goals. Remember, maintaining discipline is key to not only getting on the power play but also being successful once you’re there.
The Bottom Line
Increasing your team’s power play opportunities requires a combination of skill, strategy, and discipline. By focusing on improving your skating techniques, driving to the net, maintaining possession of the puck, creating traffic in front of the net, and playing with discipline, you can put your team in a better position to succeed and score more goals. Incorporate these tips into your game, work hard, and watch as your team’s power play opportunities increase, leading to more success on the ice.