tips playing wing

[ean 0]

Hi guys I've searched and searched and found some good info but just wondering if you may be able to add. I'm a Righty playing left wing. In my zone, Defensively, I feel like I know what I should be doing but I could use some tips breaking out. The thing I hate most is being stationary on the hashmarks awaiting the D pass, I think I should be curling-which way? Towards the boards or away. I feel like curling towards the boards is a safer play for the pass coming to me but leaves me vulnerable since I've turned my back to the play for a bit. However curling towards the center of the ice allows me to see everything but doesn't leave my defender giving me a safe pass since I'm more towards the middle.

Or do I forget all that and just try and bang it out along the boards past the D?

Also, offensively, I'm a type of guy who likes to crash the net if I'm the first non puck carrying guy. However I also like to engage in the cycle (from my center days), is it wrong of me to sometimes head over to the right wing side and engage in the cycle down low? Or do I try to stay somewhere in front o the goalie, probably in the high slot and move my way down as my teammates cycle. I don't want to get caught with an oddman rush against us.

Any advice appreciated.

[james12lucy 0]

When I play wing it's in the same situation; righty playing the left side.

I guess my best advce is to play where the puck should be going. It's not always a bad idea to curl to the centre for a short pass if the centreman is filling your wing. This quick play will allow some space for your centreman and give you the opportunity for a little dish pass and to get moving yourself.

When curling to the boards you should pivot on your skates to see the ice, this will allow you to hit stride and never lose sight of the play. The only issue with curling to the boards is that you're now in a great position for the third attacking forward to commit and take you out of the play.

There is nothing wrong with giving a little chip past the defenceman if you can catch up on the other side or if you've got a teammate screaming to pick it up. Just don't chip it and turn it over in the neutral zone.

As for the offence, crash the net for a shot/rebound. Let the RW and centreman set up on the right during the cycle, but sit to the right of the hashmarks. This will give you the option to engage the cycle when needed, but also allow you to cover the high slot if possession is lost. Sitting up high also gives an option for the man down low, or the half-boards to pass to if thier defender commits.

More than anything else though, don't force something that isn't there, talk to your linemates and plan it, let it flow, and be responsible in both zones.

I hope this helps.

Cheers!

Lucy

[coryroth24 15]

Just don't be that A-hole winger who is all the way out at the red line during a breakout and you'll be all set! ;) We defensemen hate that...

[chk hrd 164]

my advice is to never curl to the boards, you are setting yourself up to get hurt. If you are coming back down for the break out do a pivot turn so your back is to the boards and you're facing the play and can see the puck. On the breakout I don't go past the hash marks on the circle. If you do you squeeze up the Dman and get nothing acomplished. If possible don't stop moving. If the puck is in the far corner do small pivot circles while you watch to see what devlops. If it comes your way then be ready for a pass and start moving it up looking for a quick centering pass to the center who should be moving. If the Dman starts skating up skate ahead of him along the boards about 15 feet and be ready for a pass. Don't get up on the blue line or farther and scream for a pass if the D is still at the goal line.

[Powerfibers 8]

Best breakout advice I have gotten is to stay near the top of the circle along the boards awaiting the pass. Anymore towards the blue line is too long a pass. Look to the center coming up the middle or skate it out yourself. Most times, the D man is falling back from his point and you will get a little room.

[Jarick 5]

Our coach has us on the hash marks with our butts against the boards for the breakout. Our D knows exactly where we are for the breakout pass. Center cuts through the middle towards the puck side, weak side wing cuts behind the center to support the breakout. Don't get too far ahead of the team; if you're behind the opposing team, you won't get the puck.

Offensively, it depends on whether your linemates can carry the puck. I found if I go to the net, my linemates usually will lose or turn over the puck (spent a lot of time on the 3rd and 4th lines last year), so I stay a lot higher. The few times I was able to play with linemates that were strong on the puck, I went to the net and created a lot of scoring chances for our line. So it depends on who you're playing with and the system you use.

[Yoke 0]

Hash marks are where the party's at for a breakout. Pivot while always facing the puck. Don't worry about having to just chip it to the neutral zone, and either try to beat the D, or the center will be breaking for it.

I am right handed and would much rather play LW than RW. I've actually scored more goals or set up more goals on 2 on 1's from being on the left side.

You'll get the hang of it after a bit. I didn't like it when I was younger, but love it now that I'm older.