This video is about spinning off a rimmed puck to create space and avoid pressure.
Coaching Points:
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Understanding a Rimmed Puck:
- A "rimmed puck" is a puck that is sent hard along the boards, often used in games to move the puck quickly or to get it out of a dangerous area.
- Players can pick up these rimmed pucks using their stick, foot, or body, depending on how the puck is moving.
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Spinning Off the Rim:
- When the puck is coming along the boards, the player can spin away from the pressure to escape from a defender.
- This technique involves using your stick to control the puck, quickly stopping with one foot (closest to the boards), and using a spin move to gain speed and space.
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Executing the Spin:
- As a left-handed shot (for example), keep your stick on the wall with your top hand up and blade flat on the ice.
- When the puck hits your stick, tap it off the wall and perform a one-foot stop using the foot closest to the boards. This helps you pivot or spin quickly.
- Add a crossover step to accelerate into open ice after completing the spin.
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Shoulder Checking:
- Before making the spin, do a “shoulder check” by looking over your shoulder to see where the pressure or a teammate is.
- Knowing where defenders and teammates are will help you decide the best way to move after you pick up the puck.
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Backhand Spin:
- When spinning on your backhand, position your top hand up and behind your back, and keep your bottom hand strong on the stick.
- As the puck hits your blade, tap it off the boards, use the inside leg to perform a one-foot stop, and spin off to escape pressure.
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Why Use This Technique:
- Spinning off a rimmed puck allows you to create time and space away from the defender, giving you the chance to make an offensive play or clear the puck out of your zone.
By practicing this move, players can become better at handling rimmed pucks and escaping pressure, making them more effective in both offensive and defensive situations.
