4.3.1 - Create Space - Sprint to Open Ice
Sprinting to open ice is the easiest form of creating space from a defender. Simply find open ice and skate as hard as you can to get there. Sometimes, the simplest techniques are the most effective.
1. Find Open Ice
Get your feet moving as soon as you touch the puck. Don’t hesitate. Bonus points if you pre-scan before you touch the puck so you know where the open space is immediately upon touching the puck. Do not let the puck stop moving.
When you carry the puck, get your head up so you can see where the open ice is and the best route to get there.
2. Use a Quick Start
Use either a front start (v-start), crossover start or backward crossover start to quickly explode to open space. Improving these technical skills will enhance your ability to quickly escape pressure to open space.
3. Use Crossovers to Accelerate
Crossovers are your best friend when you want to quickly escape from pressure. Use 2, 3, 4, or 5 quick crossovers to explode to open space. Don’t just use one and call it a day. Get your feet moving fast and keep crossing until you get to open ice.
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