Tips for Watching Hockey
Use this as a guide to learn more about hockey by
watching. Feel free to focus on things longer than I suggest. I've set this up
for someone watching an entire game. I have put different focuses on different
periods to keep you from being overwhelmed, and I have also included some
things to always keep in mind.
A couple of things you should know:
- Pick a team to follow
- I will describe things from the point of view of this team
- Use the main headings to focus on
- For more guidance use the bulleted points for each heading
Always Pay Attention To:
Offsides
- Understand when the play is offsides.
- What do the players do to keep from going offsides?
- How do the players react when they are offsides?
Icing
- Understand when the puck is iced.
- Try to see when they do this on purpose.
- Icing does not stop play on a penalty kill.
First Period
Controlling the Puck: Defensive Zone
- How do the players set up to move the puck out of the zone?
- Pay particular attention to the players of your position.
- Watch how they make sure the puck gets out of the zone.
Controlling the Puck: Offensive Zone
- How do the players set up for a shot?
- How are the defense (or points) used to set up plays?
Second Period
Defensive Play: Defensive Zone
- Watch how the players try to keep the play to the outside.
- What is the focus of the person of your position?
Defensive Play: Offensive Zone
- How do the players work together to keep the puck in the zone?
- Watch how the wingers attempt to stop the breakout deep in the zone
Third Period
Face-offs
- How do the players set up at each face-off dot?
- What does each player do after the play starts?
Line Changes
- When do the players change?