4.4 - Pass Reads
Why Do We Pass?
Why do we pass the puck in hockey? To improve the conditions of the puck.
What does it mean to improve the conditions of the puck? It means to get the puck to more space, more speed or a better scoring position.
Often times, the best way to do this is by passing the puck to a teammate who has more space, speed or is in a better scoring position.
However, if these conditions are not met, then there is not much of a reason to pass the puck. This is an important distinction to make. We don’t pass just for the sake of passing. We pass to improve puck conditions.
If you cannot improve the conditions of the puck by passing, hold on to the puck even if you are under heavy pressure. Use puck protection or space creation tactics. Eat the puck and jam it along the wall with your skate. But DO NOT throw the puck away or make a bad pass just because you are under pressure. The best hockey players handle pressure with poise and calmness.
So let me as you again, why do we pass the puck in hockey?