Body Orientation For Hockey
Body Orientation: Going beyond body position/positioning to play faster. Creating more offense and playing better defense.
Today I want to dive into a concept that is so arcane, that you may never have even considered it: body orientation.
Body Orientation
Body Positioning: Where a player is positioned on the ice.
Body Orientation: How a player orients their body in relation to others. Whether spacing or direction they are facing.
While most folks spend a lot of time discussing position or positioning, there is an extra detail of the orientation that a given player takes. Positioning is often a guideline and must be used relative to the positioning of other players.
Specifically, we are looking at how players orient in space that affords them the vision & physical capability to have the ability to make the next play quickly and efficiently. This involves orientation details such as the direction a player is facing, where they are looking, and even their stance.
Here is a great video of coach Pep Guardiola. He is showing a player (Sterling) the differences in body orientation.
The first example Guardiola shows Sterling is what is currently being done and the limited options from that orientation.
In the second example, Guardiola shows a different body orientation where Sterling can see the play and be better oriented to move from the pass.
Lastly, we see the player execute the better body orientation within a game to score.
Through The Eyes
Since most information during a game comes in through a player’s eyes, it’s important to better position their eyes to capture information. The improved body orientation is often better for the next play, too.
Keys
Searching for information with your eyes
Each scan is a picture of information
Gathering key data - position, movement, handedness, tiredness, etc. (Of own team as well as that of the opposition)
Adapting body shape and footwork
Ability to have a plan upon first touch and immediately & smoothly make a decision
Poor body orientation limits vision while great body orientation expands vision. Add in the ability to move well into the next play and you’re golden!
Let’s run down some examples in hockey.
Out of Possession (Opponent has puck)
When defending, players need to try having an open body shape to see the maximum amount of information regarding oppositional threats. This allows defenders to best read to understand the threats they are facing. Within the field of vision, players should be able to locate the puck or have the puck in as a piece of their visual field.
A poor orientation will have a defender’s head, shoulders, and feet narrowly locked toward the puck… commonly known as ‘puck-watching.’ Here is an example, notice the white jersey between the hash mark in particular.
Defenders should orient to see the maximum amount of information and biggest threats. Here is an example of a player puck-watching on defense (#22 White).
Rather than puck-watching and being closed off and unable to gather more information.
Quality orientation allows vision to see both the corner battle and the defender. Then in transition to offense, that quality body shape makes it easier to read and adjust to opponents.
Before Receiving A Puck
“Know what you are going to do before the puck gets to you” - Coach
To make great plays quickly, players must gather information before they touch the puck. The best way to gather information is to scan and have body orientation so great the scan isn’t necessary.
If receiving a puck with your back facing up ice and/or toward the near board, you’re going to struggle to move the play up ice or into dangerous areas and progress play.
My favorite example is a pivot where you open up to the play. “Show the puck/teammate your chest” is a common phrase you’ll hear. This allows eyes on the puck that could be passed at any moment and also opens up your body orientation to see the maximum amount of ice.
Sometimes a great route is the best body orientation. It will allow the player to take in a large piece of the ice/action. If done well, players will have greater vision and the ability to roll more speed.
Upon Receiving / Gaining Possession / First-Touch
Effective body orientation allows for a smooth and quick next play.
In this video, the player grabs the puck and opens up to the middle rather than grabbing the puck and then moving away from pressure up the wall with their orientation opposite of where he wants to look and play toward. This small detail allows the player to read the ice and make a play to a dangerous spot, resulting in a goal.
Another classic example is “getting your hips around the puck” upon reception in the offensive zone (OZ). By getting hips around the puck, a player can quickly shoot or pass in tight space.
This concept also applies to defenders on regroups, etc.
I also love this video of Mitch Marner starting his turn before the puck completely gets to him. Most players catch the puck and then turn. This is a small play, but it showcases a world-class nuance of great play.
In Possession
In possession, keeping body orientation toward the most amount of ice is a competitive advantage. By keeping an open body orientation, players can easily read information and options.
One of the largest myths in modern hockey is around puck protection. Most folks talk about it when players turn their back to the opponent and shield the puck. The enlightened realize this is sub-optimal and find ways to avoid these situations.
A great example of modern puck protection while keeping vision is the ‘Backaway Zone Entry.’
Another example could be a player showing one thing with their eyes and body language and then doing something different. I love looking up the wall and pretending to want to pass in that direction… yet none of my teammates are there!
Body orientation can give false information to move around opponents or their sticks. Body orientation can move defenders and the defender’s focus. The attackers can make well-disguised plays. This is extra important when making passes in and through traffic, particularly when you need to move a defender’s stick out of the desired passing lane.
These are just a few examples… what else can you imagine?
Further Reading
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