How to Win More Faceoffs, With Columbus Blue Jackets Captain Boone Jenner
The Art Of The Faceoff, With Boone Jenner
Faceoffs can be critical moments in a hockey game. Starting any play with the puck is advantageous and can set up the rest of the shift for success.
Hockey’s Arsenal recently caught up with Columbus Blue Jacket’s Boone Jenner, who is perennially among the top faceoff men in the NHL. Let’s dive into his keys for winning faceoffs.
Responsibility
To start, we must note that the faceoff player is responsible for everyone before the faceoff. It’s unacceptable for their team to be unprepared before the official drops the puck. The center is responsible for ensuring everyone is on the same page before entering the dot.
Mindset & Set Up
When heading into a faceoff, it’s important for players to turn on their competitive streak before the puck drops.
“(It) comes down to it’s a battle. A timing battle. A stick battle.” - Boone Jenner
While gliding in, players should set themselves into a power position. This means gaining leverage by often getting lower than the opponent, and/or dropping the bottom hand on your stick.
Through the Draw
Controlling the space/faceoff dot is great for leverage. Control the dot (most refs drop near side of the dot rather than the middle).
“I feel like the more you can be above the dot and closer to it, you can more strength and you kind of can crowd the circle a little bit.”
Players taking faceoffs should be using more than just their arms. Getting all pieces of the body activated increases the odds of winning.
To time out when to start moving to control the dot, a player should be focused on the official’s hand.
While faceoffs are a center’s stat, it could be argued that it’s a team statistic. Teammates can and should help, and all five players must be ready.
“…Wingers coming in to help. There are so many 50/50s that it could go either way. It’s not even the first whack that the center man takes, it’s the 2nd or 3rd.
I’d say almost 50% of draws are won that way on a second whack by the center man or the winger jumping in helping. You always want them jumping and helping. Not playing for win or loss, but playing for the tie and going from there.”
If you’re having a difficult time at the dot, it’s okay to tie the opponent up and have your teammates come in to help out.
“Sometime (I) try to take his stick away and create a battle. That’s when you can let your wingers know to come in for the battle.”
Recap
Be ready before entering the faceoff circle
Communicate with teammates
Time the official’s hand
Own the dot
Encourage your teammates to help
Further Reading:
Faceoffs: Watching The Official's Hand To Get An Edge On Winning Draws
Line Changing and Faceoff Logistics During a Stoppage In-Play