Phase Matrix Ice Hockey
Positioning 101
where to be and where not to be
on the ice
What we’ll cover:
 The basic job of each position
 Where to be:
•
•
•
•
during face offs
in the defensive zone
in the neutral zone
in the offensive zone
 Offsides
 Shift changes (when, why, how)
 When everything goes to hell
Forward: Center
 Leads the line, drives plays
 Tells the forwards where to be/go in the face
off
 Wins face offs
 On defense: assists D, covers extra
player, gets possession
 On offense: drives the play, makes
opportunities, passes, scores
Forward: Center
Area of responsibility
Forward: Center
Face offs
LWRW
C
LD
RD
LD
C
LW RW
LD
RDLW
G
G RW
LW
G
LD RW
RD
C C
RWLW
C
LD
C
RD
RWLD
C
RD
RWLW
LD
C
RD
RD
RD
LW RW
LD
LD
G
LWG
RW G
LW RD
LD
C
RD
C
RW LW
Forward: Right Wing, Left Wing
 Bring the puck into the offensive zone;
rush, pass, fake
 Control the puck (forecheck) and make
opportunities for the rest of the line
 Shoot, SCORE!!!
 In the defensive zone, cover opposing
D, look for the puck and breakout
Forward: Left Wing, Right Wing
Area of responsibility
RD
LW
RW
LD
Forward: Left Wing, Right Wing
Face offs
LWRW
LD
RD
LD
C C
LD
LWRW
C C
RD
RD
RWLD
RDLW
G
G RW
LW
G
LD RW
RD
C C
RWLW
LWRW
LD
C C
RD
RWLW
LD
RD
RD
LD
G
LWG
RW G
LWRD
LD
C C
LD
RD
RW LW
Defense: Right Defense, Left Defense
 On defense, cover opposing forwards,
intercept passes, break up plays
 Does not screen the goalie: ties up players
but also MOVES THEM OUT OF SLOT
 Backcheck, deliver puck to forwards
 Follows behind driving forward line,
takes passes or defends after turnover if
necessary
 On offense, helps keep puck in offensive
zone but not at the cost of staying ahead of
advancing forwards!
Defense: Left D, Right D
Area of responsibility
LD
RD
Defense: Left Defense, Right Defense
Face offs
LWRW
LD
C C
LD
LD
RD
LW RW
G RW
LW
G
LDRW
LD
RD
C
RD
C
RWLW
C C
RD
RWLW
LD
RD
RD
C C
RD
RDLW
G
LW RW
LD
RWLD
G
LWG
RW G
LW RD
LD
C C
LD
RD
RW LW
Offsides
Offsides is when a player precedes the puck
into the offensive zone.
LW
LW
C
RW
It will result in a whistle and a face off in the
neutral zone.
Shift or Line Changes
 Shifts or lines change when:
• The bench coach/captain calls for one
• There is a whistle, a new face off and
the last shift is ready to get off the ice
• A player is fatigued or hurt and
wants relief
 Change when the puck has offensive momentum,
never during defense
 1 to 1.5 minutes: ENOUGH. 2+ minutes: TOO LONG.
 Forwards try to change with their line
What to do when it all goes to hell
 Keep your position, make sure all positions stay
covered:
• On defense: cover a player (not the goal!)
• On offense: aim for space, cover points
 Follow the play, not the puck
 You have more time than you think: relax
Phase Matrix Ice Hockey
And above all:
WIN!