Playing off-stick side hockey.

[docar15 1]

How many right-shooting left wingers or the opposite are there in the Pro's today? How unique is that? Does it change the style of play so much that it makes a player less tradititonal and more difficult to deal with? You don't see much of it in European hockey, especially at younger levels.

I have said it before and will say it again, being brought up in Russian hockey programs, Ovechking shows very little of the classic russian hockey school fundamentals. I think that he has created his own style and it works extremely well for him. But, does the fact that he shoots righty but plays a left winger changes anything? I see him do it all, grind, one-on-one, hemmer, and all looks weired and very out of place because he is a righty....

Just a thought (not enough coffee in the morning).

Thanks for your opinions compadres.

Add: I just did a search and some of the "more known" opposites are the Kovalchuk - righty plays LW, M. Hossa - lefty plays RW, Dupuis - lefty plays RW. None of the are what I would call a slouch.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

Very many people play the opposite side of their stick. It allows you to have your stick in the middle of the ice instead of against the boards therefore giving you a more favorable shooting angle.

[EBondo 233]

Exactly. Along with the shooting angle, there is the better opportunity for a one-timer because you don't have to wait for the puck to cross over your entire body. I find it easier being a RH shot and playing on the left for these reasons. I also find it easier to cut into open ice because of this.

[docar15 1]

But that is not what has been done tradittionally with kids...

As you see from my original post edit, the non-standards I have found so far are a definite high profile players with their unique styles.

Could it be it or am I getting to much into theory? Are there any fundamentals coaches out there who read MSH?

Very many people play the opposite side of their stick. It allows you to have your stick in the middle of the ice instead of against the boards therefore giving you a more favorable shooting angle.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

Um, thats where I was taught to play as a kid as soon as they figured out which hand I wanted to hold the stick with.

There are superstars and beer league joes that play on the opposite side..its nothing new or crazy or linked to being an all star..

[Chadd 916]

But that is not what has been done tradittionally with kids...

As you see from my original post edit, the non-standards I have found so far are a definite high profile players with their unique styles.

Could it be it or am I getting to much into theory? Are there any fundamentals coaches out there who read MSH?

The concept of playing on your off wing has been around forever, and it was certainly made more popular with the influx of European players into the NHL. It works much better for shooters than passers, for obvious reasons.

[docar15 1]

Thanks for pointing out that playing off-stick side is not as uncommon as I thought it was. Apparently something that has not been practiced in Russian hockey development is a norm now. Chadd pointed out that Eurpeans actually did have a good deal of impact on the off-stick side playing in the Pro's.

I am still trying to figure out how to pick the best side for kids.

With fundamentals officially gone, I am left with a couple of questions.

I am right handed, play hockey lefty, and I play the right wing. Is there any pattern for deciding what side we are comfortable with that ultimately drives the style of play? Shooter vs passer or grinder, etc.

Friend of mine played for McGill and he was the complete opposite. He was left handed, shooting righty, and he played left wing. High scorrer, but not as strong in the corners or boards... Not sure if he was left or right eye dominant.

To summarize, what makes us more comfortable in one position vs other? Hand vs stick side (same or opposite), eye dominance (right handed people who are same or opposite eye dominant), any other odd ball factors?

Very much appreciate your thoughts on this one.

[Fire0nIce228 1]

The factor is how much easier it is to shoot from your off wing because the puck doesnt have to travel all the way across your body.

Most players find it much easier, harder, more accurate to shoot that way. It really is that simple.

[thejackal 46]

imo skating is also a factor for deciding which side you should play. i play the off-wing a lot (rh, LW) but i cant cut in as well as i do on the RW, although it does give me a better shooting angle.

[docar15 1]

Le Québec anglais ou français ?

Must make it easier for you in the two-on-one situations as you have more angle and can hold the puck longer, no?

Maybe another problem with kids is that everybody wants to score, and nobody wants to check or pass, and coaches dont do anything about it...

imo skating is also a factor for deciding which side you should play. i play the off-wing a lot (rh, LW) but i cant cut in as well as i do on the RW, although it does give me a better shooting angle.

[BigDipper 0]

I played junior and coached aaa levels as well. A lot of times we would put a player on the off-wing, or a defensemen on the off-side, if they had better skill in backhand passing or picking up the puck on the boards with thier backhand. A positive is definitely the shooting aspect, for quicker release. Defensemen it can be especially tough as being on your backhand most of the time is actually quite a challenge for a lot of players.

[docar15 1]

Thank you.

Do you know if practice of having the very little ones start out with a straight blade, then have them pick a side and help develop is still practiced? Or kids get influenced by their parents, copy friends, get sticks that are trendy or on sale, and eventually just adapt to using the wrong side?

I played junior and coached aaa levels as well. A lot of times we would put a player on the off-wing, or a defensemen on the off-side, if they had better skill in backhand passing or picking up the puck on the boards with thier backhand. A positive is definitely the shooting aspect, for quicker release. Defensemen it can be especially tough as being on your backhand most of the time is actually quite a challenge for a lot of players.

[Chadd 916]

Topics merged, moved to correct forum and cleaned up. Additional two topics complaining deleted, warning issued.

Thanks for pointing out that playing off-stick side is not as uncommon as I thought it was. Apparently something that has not been practiced in Russian hockey development is a norm now. Chadd pointed out that Eurpeans actually did have a good deal of impact on the off-stick side playing in the Pro's.

I am still trying to figure out how to pick the best side for kids.

With fundamentals officially gone, I am left with a couple of questions.

I am right handed, play hockey lefty, and I play the right wing. Is there any pattern for deciding what side we are comfortable with that ultimately drives the style of play? Shooter vs passer or grinder, etc.

Friend of mine played for McGill and he was the complete opposite. He was left handed, shooting righty, and he played left wing. High scorrer, but not as strong in the corners or boards... Not sure if he was left or right eye dominant.

To summarize, what makes us more comfortable in one position vs other? Hand vs stick side (same or opposite), eye dominance (right handed people who are same or opposite eye dominant), any other odd ball factors?

Very much appreciate your thoughts on this one.

You should never put any kid in one position over a long term. Kids should play every position at some point while they're young, as it gives them a better understanding of the game. Eventually, they will find a preference for a position, though they may be more productive in another position. That's what coaching is all about.

I tend to play very differently depending on the side I play. I'm a RH shot and tend to forecheck more and play more of a power game on the RW. On the left side, I tend to cut to look for a chance to cut to the slot and get a shot.

[mrusse01 0]

I find playing the off-wing it can be tougher to break out of the zone, as well as forecheck, because your backhand is on the board side. It is of course much easier to shoot from the off wing, but the biggest advantage I find, particularly in rec leagues is that you can cut into the middle much easier...and in a non-contact league where you aren't going to get hit, cutting into the middle can be a nearly unstoppable offensive play.

I do find it easier to 'dangle' on my proper wing though, I'm a big toe drag guy, so I like putting the puck way out on my forehand side and dragging it to the backhand, on my off wing such a move usually puts me on the outside of the D-man, whereas on my proper wing it moves me into the middle of the ice for a better shooting angle.

[Chadd 916]

I do find it easier to 'dangle' on my proper wing though, I'm a big toe drag guy, so I like putting the puck way out on my forehand side and dragging it to the backhand, on my off wing such a move usually puts me on the outside of the D-man, whereas on my proper wing it moves me into the middle of the ice for a better shooting angle.

I'm the opposite. I like to throw the puck far out on my backhand, drop the shoulder and beat a guy to the outside. If the guy can prevent me from getting a step on him I curl to the boards and back to the blue line to set up someone else. That's a lot harder if you're on the "right" side.

It just shows there is no right or wrong and your preference has a lot to do with your skill set.

[BigDipper 0]

Thank you.

Do you know if practice of having the very little ones start out with a straight blade, then have them pick a side and help develop is still practiced? Or kids get influenced by their parents, copy friends, get sticks that are trendy or on sale, and eventually just adapt to using the wrong side?

I played junior and coached aaa levels as well. A lot of times we would put a player on the off-wing, or a defensemen on the off-side, if they had better skill in backhand passing or picking up the puck on the boards with thier backhand. A positive is definitely the shooting aspect, for quicker release. Defensemen it can be especially tough as being on your backhand most of the time is actually quite a challenge for a lot of players.

I would personally find it extremely rare to find a kid that developed shooting on the "wrong" side. It comes natural, just like throwing, writing, or swinging a bat. For a young kid, say 3,4,5 using a straight stick in my opinion is the best way, as they're getting comfortable with the very very basics. Example, holding a stick and just even hitting a ball or a puck. Eventually after they find thier way, progressing into curves is ok. And I agree with Chadd. Young players should play at every position. It helps develop a better understanding of the game, and find their spot on the ice. Playing kids on the off-side is defintely a huge plus. It will help develop thier passing, both giving and receiving, skating, and vision on the ice. Every player should be just as comfortable on their forehand as they are on thier backhand. And this is one the most natural ways to teach that skill

[Chadd 916]

Catching passes on the backhand is probably the hardest skill to teach, though smaller curves make it a little easier.

[DamnLocust 0]

I actually prefer to play the off-side as well. (LH shot, playing right D or Center, but tend to gravitate towards the right side of the ice)

I find that the ice just seems to open up more for me on the right side, and it has helped me to develop my skills on the backhand as well. I can make saucer passes and clearing attempts on the backhand just as well, or better, than on my forehand. Being comfortable on my backhand, I have no problem protecting the puck along the right side boards, and can make a quick move to the middle for a quick shot from a good position.

A couple more pros who play the off wing are Shanahan (RH shot, LW)and Jagr (LH shot, RW) on the Rangers. Shanny does it for the quick release one-timer, Jagr does it because he's strong on both the forehand and the backhand. two completely different styles with two different reasons for gravitating to the off wing. IIRC, Bret Hull used to play the left side as well, especially on the PP.

[Tyler B 0]

i play off wing. I shoot rh but play left wing. I found i could pick up the puck better along the boards and i dont ever remember having a problem catching passes on my back hand. I also have a deadly one timer from the circle when i get to use it. I think you eventually gain a preferance because alot of people tend to gravitate toward their strengths. That being said when i started i played right wing almost exclusively untill inline i started to realised my game was much more effective when i was playing on my off wing. So i switched to left for ice and had a breakout season.

[docar15 1]

I could not agree with you more. Sad story and just as an FYI, 25 years ago, back in Soviet Union, they tought us based on a completley opposite principals. Once it was determined which position you were best at, it was it. Special drills to improve the specific skills and less if not nothing of the other. I think here it may be called cherry picking? Not sure if it is a right term. Glad to hear coaches in US don't practice that. Should be illegal as it ruins the foundations of hockey all together if you ask me. Having all-rounded players makes for the higher quality game. Personally I will take a good college game over pros any day. Pros are becoming more and more individual skills competition and less of a team play. Just look at the Russians at the last world juniors, that was an embarassement. Most kids were playing for the scouts, not for the team.

Thank you.

Do you know if practice of having the very little ones start out with a straight blade, then have them pick a side and help develop is still practiced? Or kids get influenced by their parents, copy friends, get sticks that are trendy or on sale, and eventually just adapt to using the wrong side?

I played junior and coached aaa levels as well. A lot of times we would put a player on the off-wing, or a defensemen on the off-side, if they had better skill in backhand passing or picking up the puck on the boards with thier backhand. A positive is definitely the shooting aspect, for quicker release. Defensemen it can be especially tough as being on your backhand most of the time is actually quite a challenge for a lot of players.

I would personally find it extremely rare to find a kid that developed shooting on the "wrong" side. It comes natural, just like throwing, writing, or swinging a bat. For a young kid, say 3,4,5 using a straight stick in my opinion is the best way, as they're getting comfortable with the very very basics. Example, holding a stick and just even hitting a ball or a puck. Eventually after they find thier way, progressing into curves is ok. And I agree with Chadd. Young players should play at every position. It helps develop a better understanding of the game, and find their spot on the ice. Playing kids on the off-side is defintely a huge plus. It will help develop thier passing, both giving and receiving, skating, and vision on the ice. Every player should be just as comfortable on their forehand as they are on thier backhand. And this is one the most natural ways to teach that skill

[Jarick 5]

After playing all season on my "correct" wing, it's very strange to play off wing. I'm a lot better along the boards and in the corners playing LW as a lefty, even if my shot isn't as great. I seem to keep the puck in deep and make a lot more passes.

But I'd agree, the more exposure you get to all positions, the better off you will be. A few games at center taught me to quit floating and cover the point, when and where to cheat to the middle, where I should be in the breakouts, etc.

[Dangles919 0]

Yea all players should play every position even defense from time to time just to see what the other players on the team see at those position making them see the ice so much better and thus making their all around game better. Thats how I grew up playing and I think it helped my all around game much better than had I played just one position my whole life

[moose77 0]

Im a LH shot and definitely prefer to play right wing. I find when we're breaking out of our end, that it's easier to play a puck that's been shot up the boards by a defenseman since my blade's on the same side of my body where the puck's coming. I don't have to stop it in my skates, then play it to my stick like I do if I'm playing LW. Passing is easier on my off-wing as I'm not passing across my body and for shooting, my stick's in a better position for one-timers.

FYI: Maurice Richard was a LH shot playing right wing. I think it worked out pretty well for him.

[#44wannabe 4]

I'm a right handed shot and i play left D. The main reason for that is i have very little sight in my left eye so it helps to be able to see more of the ice.

[brettlynch11 0]

im a righty playing left d just cause we have so many righties...

but really though ive learned to prefer it. i prefer my left shoulder to hit with and like to do timers from the point