2.1 - Foundational Reads - Possession
Reading Puck Possession
The first foundational game read is reading puck possession.
Possession means which team has the puck.
There are three primary possession scenarios that we are always alternating between during a game:
- Your team has possession of the puck (typically described as offense)
- The opponents have possession of the puck (typically described as defense)
- Nobody has possession of the puck (loose pucks or 50-50 battles)
Offense vs Defense
Even though there are three possible possession scenarios, to help simplify and accelerate tactical development this offseason I will narrow these down into two main possession terms.
I will use “offense” & “defense” as our main terms for puck possession. For now, 50-50 loose puck situations will be categorized as “defense” along with the opponents having clear possession.
Since we want to play similarly in loose puck situations and in contested defensive situations, combining 50-50 pucks and defense together will help us to make quicker reads without worrying about the intricate details until we have the foundational reads on autopilot.
Importance of Loose Pucks
Many players only look at the game through a black-or-white lens of 100% possession. However, 50-50 situations are everywhere, and the team that controls them usually controls the game.
Always be looking to activate in 50-50 puck situations where you can outwork and outnumber your opponents to win the puck.
We want to play very differently in these scenarios than we would in a traditional defensive scenario.
Recap
Offense = 100% possession us Defense = 100% possession opponents + loose pucks