2.4 - Foundational Reads - Patterns - Offense
Reading Game Patterns
Within a hockey game, there are common recurring patterns that emerge. Understanding and recognizing these patterns helps us to all be on the same page so we can accomplish our objectives.
These patterns will primarily govern team-based tactics and team systems.
Offensive Pattern 1 - Breakout
A breakout is an offensive pattern where your team re-gains possession of the puck in the defensive zone. The defining characteristic of a breakout is that the defending team has most of their players above the puck. COL
Offensive Pattern 2 - Regroup
A regroup is a breakout from the neutral zone. This usually occurs off of a neutral zone turnover or attempt by the opponents to clear their zone. The defining characteristic of a regroup is the same as a breakout - the defending team has most of their players above the puck. In regroup scenarios, the “neutral zone” term will generally refer to the area of the ice between the opponent’s blue line and the tops of the circles in our defensive zone.
Offensive Pattern 3 - Rush
A rush is an offensive game pattern where the offensive team is advancing the puck up the ice through the neutral zone, toward their offensive zone. The defining characteristic of a rush is that the defending team has multiple players caught below the puck. The rush also consists of the first few seconds of offensive zone entry. COL
Offensive Pattern 4 - Cycle
A cycle is an offensive game pattern where the offensive team has or re-gains possession of the puck in their offensive zone, after the initial rush. The defining characteristic of a cycle is that the defending team has most of their players back in their defensive zone ready to defend.