| When making a saucer pass to clear the object you're | | | | The Problem |
| passing over, be sure not to flip the puck too high in | | | | First of all, once you've passed the puck, watching it |
| the air. This will make the puck bounce around when it | | | | does not magically increase the chances of your |
| lands on the ice, making it tough for your teammate to | | | | teammate successfully receiving the pass. If it's a |
| receive the pass. | | | | good pass, where does that leave you? Deep in the |
| Spin that Puck! | | | | corner. Not exactly a great scoring area. As soon as |
| Start the pass with the puck near the heel of your | | | | your D-man receives that puck, he's going to make a |
| stick and roll it towards the toe as you follow through. | | | | play. He's either going to pass or shoot. By remaining in |
| Spinning the puck and keeping it level allows you to | | | | the corner, your contribution to this play is officially |
| create a saucer-line path, something like a Frisbee. | | | | over. If someone scores a goal on this play, it's NOT |
| On any other pass you would point the toe of your | | | | going to be you. |
| blade towards your target, but as the puck will be in | | | | The Solution |
| the air, you want to keep the puck level to make sure | | | | Why not skate to the front of the net as soon as you |
| it lands flat. Keep the blade of your stick open and | | | | release the puck? If you make it to open ice, you can |
| gently make the pass. Try aiming the heel of your stick | | | | receive the next pass back from your point-man and |
| towards the target, rather than the toe. | | | | take a shot on net. If your D-man decide to blasts a |
| When making a pass, especially a trick one like a | | | | howitzer from the point, you can either try tipping the |
| saucer pass, it's tempting to watch and make sure | | | | puck in the net for a goal, or at least screen the goalie. |
| your team-mate receives the puck. If he scores as a | | | | Should your defenceman miss the pass, you now |
| result of your pass, you get an assist. Mission | | | | have a little momentum to get back and help him out. |
| accomplished! | | | | All of these options are far superior than basking in the |
| For Example: | | | | glow of your marvelous pass from the corner of the |
| Let's say you're playing wing and you're deep in the | | | | rink. |
| corner of the offensive zone. You win the battle for | | | | Pass and Skate. |
| the puck, then pass it back to your D-man who is | | | | Give and Go. |
| open at the point. A terrific play. Of course, you also | | | | Don't watch your pass. |
| watch to make sure he receives your Crosby-like | | | | You will score more goals, and be more valuable to |
| pass. | | | | your team. |