How to Change on the Fly in Hockey

Line changes are usually pretty straight forward, but sometimes things can get a little tangled up. Here’s a couple tips to make sure your shift change goes smoothly.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Watch the Player, Not the Play. When the player you’re taking off has almost finished their shift, keep a close eye on him. Watch him wherever he goes on the ice. Don’t take your eyes off him. When your player makes his move to change on the fly, it is up to you to be ready. Not having a drink of water, not tying your skate, and not watching the play at the other end of the rink. Be ready.
2. Get on the Ice Quickly. Whether you jump over the boards or go through the gate, be on the ice before the other player is off. In our league you can jump on the ice as long as the other player is within 5 feet of the bench. We can usually get away with a little farther, we just don’t know by how much. It’s up to the ref to decide just how far that extra distance is (if any). You don’t want to jump on too early and risk a penalty for too many men on the ice.
3. Play it Safe. Make sure it’s safe before you decide to change on the fly. Only change when your team has possession of the puck, or the puck has just been dumped into the offensive zone. It is extremely dangerous to change when the other team has control of the puck.
4. Skate Hard. Once you decide to make a change, skate hard to the bench. Even though you may be exhausted from ‘leaving it all on the ice,’ gather up your last ounce of energy and hustle off . The sooner you get off, the sooner your teammate can get on. Quick line changes can give your team an extra edge in a close game. Skate hard when finishing your shift and your teammates will notice. Good teams do this. Good players do this. Average players do not.
5. Make Some Noise. On your way to the bench, let the player that’s replacing you know your coming off. Bang your stick, yell your position, or better yet, yell their name. If the next player isn’t on the ice by the time you’re off, you may need to yell again. (Take a quick look at the play before you get too exited. You may be unaware that the whistle has blown and the play has stopped. You don’t want to freak out on your teammate for no reason.)

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of any changes to your usual shift when your team has a penalty. No harm in double-checking.
• Make sure you don’t put yourself offside by jumping on the ice on the far side of the blue line when your team is bringing the puck into the offensive zone. Your best bet is to pick a spot on the bench that’s on the neutral zone side of the blue line while waiting for your next shift. If you’re on the other side, be sure to wait until the puck crosses the blue line before jumping on.