2.1.1 - Pillar - Vision
4. Offense - Puck
Having good vision with the puck will allow you to play faster and make better decisions. Without proper vision, the quality of any decision you make will be dramatically decreased.
Coaching Points:
Pre-Scan
Scan
No Blind Giveaways
Pre-Scan
To pre-scan means to look around or shoulder-check you before you touch the puck. Your pre-scan must occur as close to first touch as possible (within 1-second). You need to pre-scan to read the level of pressure & available options.
Scan
To scan means to get your eyes up when you have the puck. Your first scan must occur immediately on first touch (within 1-second). When carrying the puck, take constant “micro-scans” (quick eyes-up, quick eyes-down) until you are completely comfortable keeping your eyes up with the puck.
No Blind Giveaways
Do not give the puck away until you can scan the ice. If you cannot scan or pre-scan, do not just get rid of the puck because you are under pressure. When in doubt, protect it or eat it along the boards and wait for help