Offensive Concepts

Every offensive play in hockey starts with getting out of your own zone (breakout) and ends with creating a scoring chance.

The Breakout

Getting the puck out of your defensive zone and up the ice. The basic pattern: defenseman retrieves the puck behind the net, passes to a forward along the boards, the team moves up ice together.

Forechecking

Pressuring the other team in their zone to force turnovers. Common systems:

1-2-2: One forward chases, two support, two defensemen hang back. Conservative but effective.
2-1-2: Two forwards pressure aggressively. High risk, high reward.

Cycling

In the offensive zone, players move the puck along the boards and behind the net in a circular pattern. This tires out defenders and creates openings.

Power Play (5 on 4)

When the other team has a penalty, you have a man advantage. Common setups:

Umbrella (1-3-1): One player at the point, three across the middle, one in front of the net
Overload: Stack one side of the ice to create passing lanes

Screen and Tip

A player stands in front of the opposing goaltender to block their view (screen), while a teammate shoots. The screener can also deflect (tip) the shot to change its direction.

The simplest offensive concept: Get the puck deep, establish possession, and work it to the front of the net. Goals are scored from within 15 feet of the goal.