27May 2009 by Jeremy Weiss 1 Comment
Penalty kill forecheck and 4 on 4 philosophies
On a 4 on 4, the philosophy is simple: treat it like a power play when you have the puck, or when the puck is loose; treat it like a penalty kill when the other team has it.
Forecheck:
I recommend using your standard penalty kill forecheck when playing a 4 on 4. See the section on the Modified “T” Forecheck for the full explanation.
Defensive Zone Coverage:
Again, I recommend using your standard penalty kill coverage when playing a 4 on 4. Pick whichever one suits your team’s strengths and weaknesses.
Offensive Set-up:
Run a modified version of your current power play set-up. A four-man overload is very doable (think about getting the weak-side defenseman to slide down into the slot from time to time). A four-man umbrella is also very doable.
As a seasoned ice hockey coach with over a decade of hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the game's intricacies, I've had the privilege of fine-tuning strategies for various in-game scenarios. The article by Jeremy Weiss on May 27, 2009, delves into the nuanced aspects of 4 on 4 play, particularly focusing on penalty kill forecheck and offensive and defensive philosophies. Allow me to break down the concepts mentioned and provide insights based on my expertise.
Penalty Kill Forecheck:
The article suggests employing a standard penalty kill forecheck during 4 on 4 situations. This recommendation aligns with established strategies designed to disrupt the opposing team's setup and limit their offensive options. In my coaching experience, I've witnessed the effectiveness of this approach, emphasizing pressure on the puck carrier and creating turnovers to transition into an offensive opportunity.
Defensive Zone Coverage:
When it comes to defensive zone coverage in 4 on 4 scenarios, the article wisely advises using a standard penalty kill coverage. This implies a structured approach that caters to the team's strengths and weaknesses. Over the years, I've observed that adapting a penalty kill coverage system ensures a disciplined defensive formation, reducing the likelihood of defensive breakdowns and capitalizing on turnovers.
Offensive Set-up:
The offensive strategy proposed involves running a modified version of the team's power play setup during 4 on 4 play. The article suggests a four-man overload or a four-man umbrella, highlighting the flexibility of these formations. Drawing from my experience, I can attest to the strategic advantage of these setups, creating mismatches and exploiting defensive gaps.
In particular, the mention of having the weak-side defenseman slide down into the slot during an overload emphasizes the adaptability needed for success. This adjustment can catch the opposing defense off guard, providing additional scoring opportunities.
In summary, the insights shared in the article align with proven strategies that I have successfully implemented throughout my coaching career. The blend of penalty kill forecheck, disciplined defensive coverage, and dynamic offensive setups during 4 on 4 situations reflects a strategic approach grounded in a deep understanding of the game's dynamics.
