The Art of Passing

Philosophy:

The best passing team can become the best offensive and defensive club.

• They see the ice better than other clubs
• They see players away from the puck 

Term:

• Good vision leads to good offensive and defensive decisions

Four "T's" of Passing:

Black Sea Cup:  Erzurum Gençlikspor & Georgia 

• Technique
• Type
• Think & Execute Off Puck 
• Timing

The Four T's of Passing are key to developing fundamental sound players. 

The best players maintain good technique at all times. Good technique must be emphasized on every pass. 

• Cup, Push, Point

The passer must choose the right type of pass. The player must choose when to use touch passes, first and second touch skating and passing. Players must choose when to make short or long pass. Players must choose when to pass to stick, space or use no space play. Players need to know when to use the boards to make a pass or clear.

Types of Passes

• Forehand
• Backhand
• 1 touch, 2 touch, 3 touch
• 1 time
• Saucer
• Snap
• Slap
• Use of boards

Each player must be "thinking off the puck" and working on being in position to receive a pass. Players need to work on things like:  Am I calling for the puck when open? Can I see the puck? Am I in the best place for a pass? How can I give my teammate an option? Can I create space for others? The best players are always thinking and executing "OFF the Puck".

I skate to where the puck is going to be, not to where it has been - Wayne Gretzky

The 4th "T" is for timing. Both the player with the puck and without the puck need to work on timing skills. Timing is everything in hockey. Arrive a little to fast, a little to slow and the play results in a turnover. The player with the puck must choose the right pace of the pass. Pass to hard it arrives to fast. Pass to slow, it behind the receiver or the puck is intercepted.

Sweeney Drill - 1 v 0

Term:

• Control Skate, Communicate & Accelerate

Coaches must work on the "Four T's" if they want to improve their team play. When players master the three T's, puck handling, passing, scoring and tactics will all improve.

 

Techniques:   

Receiving Passes:

• Always position yourself where you can see the puck clearly
• Call for the puck
• Your stick needs to be out in front of your body
• Your stick needs to be on the ice
• Your stick needs to form a right angle when receiving pass
• Skate to the puck, do not stop skating and reach

Flip Pass to Open Space and Soft Hands:

Dallas Stars Tic-Tac-Toe Goal 3-27-10

Ducks Stretch Man, Filling 3 Lanes and Drop Pass 2007 Playoffs

Ducks Stretch and Cross 2007 Playoffs

KHL Back Pass 2010-11

KHL 2010-11 - Back Pass, Relay Pass, 1 v 0 Possession Screen

No Space Play Center Ice World University 2011

No Space Play Breakout World University 2011

Thorton Know When To Pass Soft 2011

Related Videos & Teaching Points: 

Nine Words to Improve Your Passing Game: 

MOVE YOUR MOUTH, MOVE YOUR LEGS & MOVE THE PUCK

Sweeney Drill - 1 v 0

Sweeney Drill - 1 v 0

3 v 1 Wise Drill (Part 1)

3 v 1 Wise Drill (Part 2)

Power Thoughts:

"A winner never whines." 

                   -Paul Brown 

Sports Psychology Tips:

The video has an inspirational message on responding to challenges by the choices that we make, including:

1. Courage

2. Belief

3. Attitude

4. Purpose

Congratulations:  
All five 15 year old player  from ERZURUM GENÇLİK SPOR   eligible for Turkish National  Team, made the club. Every player from ERZURUM GENÇLİK SPOR  U14 National Championship team was invited to TBHF National Development Camp.

Ömer Kantar,  SeFa TaKar, Sefa Kavaz, Fatih Emin Faner and Muhammet Karagül.