How to Run a Hockey Offense: Neutral Zone Regroup

Should your team skate up ice and find a solid defense waiting (or someone on your team has flubbed a pass en route), here's a typical and effective back-up plan.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Hockey Pucks
• Hockey Sticks

1. Set your offensive line so two wings are skating forward near the boards on either side, with two defenders following at a distance, and one center.
2. Set the play in motion. After the wing (let's say the right wing) attacks across the blue line and is thwarted, pass back to your right defense.
3. Stop the wings and have them circle back down ice.
4. Skate your defensemen forward across the blue line.
5. Instruct the right defense to skate forward toward the high slot, sloughing off the puck gently, but quickly, to the center as the latter moves toward the net.
6. Circle the wings again, pick up speed, and skate up ice.
7. Shoot and score with the center.
8. Allow the center to skate behind the net in a wide arc, arms and stick raised above the head.
9. Listen to the cheering crowd.

Tips & Warnings

• If the center gets into trouble with goal defenders, dump off to the wing, who has moved into position just to the back and right.
• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.