Mastering the OZ: Our Strategy

Hey team! As we prepare for our upcoming game, I want to share our offensive zone formation and the responsibilities for each position. This strategy will help us maintain strong offensive pressure and create scoring opportunities.

We can use this type of puck movement both on the Power Play and at full strength.

Roles and Responsibilities

By understanding and executing these roles, we can maximize our offensive efficiency and keep the pressure on our opponents.

Net Front (NF)

The Net Front disrupts the goalie’s vision, is ready to make in tight plays and pounces on rebounds, creating scoring opportunities.

• Screen the Goalie: Make it difficult for the goalie to see the puck.
• Rebounds: Be ready to pounce on any rebounds.
• Tips and Jams: Get your stick on the puck for tips and jam it in close. Keep your stick on the ice.
• Retrieve Rebounds: Hustle to collect any loose pucks near the net or as the puck goes to the corner. Be first to the puck!

Bumper (B)

The Bumper is our quick-shooting, pass-distributing forward, always ready for high tips and fast transitions.

• Pass and Quick Shots: Get your stick open for passes and take quick shots.
• Redistribute Passes: Pass back or bump passes to teammates.
• High Tips: Be positioned for high tips with your stick on the ice.
• Defensive Transition: Be ready to become our high forward in defensive coverage. You should be the first player back to our zone.

Follow the Pass (FP)

(”Steve” for Alex)

Follow the Pass drives the play from low to high up the wall, following the first pass to roll up for an attack.

• Pass Up the Wall: Make passes up the wall and roll up for a return pass.
• Attack the Net: Move towards the net for a shot or
• Shoot for Tips, Jams and Back Door plays: Look for the sticks of the Net Front or Bumper.
• Pass to NF or B: Look for opportunities to pass to Net Front or Bumper.
• Pinch Down for Back Door Play: Pinch down on the weak side when the shot comes from WF and be ready to retrieve the puck after a shot.

Middle Mover (MM)

The Middle Mover is the quarterback of each attacking play.

• Move to the Middle: Move to the middle of the ice when receiving a pass up the wall.
• Stay High: Maintain a high position to draw defenders out and for defensive responsibility.
• Return Passes: Pass back to FP or to WF, or take a shot if the middle is undefended aiming for tips.
• Defensive Coverage: Stay high after moving the puck as our last line of defense.

Weakside Flank (WF)

The Weakside Flank is a defender who is ready to attack from the weakside or defend if required.

• Get Open for Passes: Find space to receive a pass.
• Attack the Net: Drive towards the net with the puck.
• Attack the Net: Move towards the net for a shot or
• Shoot for Tips, Jams and Back Door plays: Look for the sticks of the Net Front or Bumper.
• Pinch Down for Back Door Play: Pinch down on the weak side when the shot comes from FP and be ready to retrieve the puck after a shot.

Stay Agile and Ready

• Always be ready to switch from offense to defense.
• Keep your eyes on the puck and anticipate plays.

Let’s work together, stay focused, and make the most of our opportunities on the ice.