Puck Acquisition: Stepping Off The Defender
Timing and creating a clean passing lane with space to operate within a rush attack
In the past, we’ve discussed the importance of both the pass receiver and the passer when it comes to creating passing lanes. Finding space is critical for better puck movement and, ultimately, for offensive creation.
One movement to master is to ‘step off’ the defender. This is often done via linear crossovers away from the puck.
Stepping off the Defender
Stepping off the defender is the action of moving away from the defender with lateral movement with the intention of gathering speed and timing the attack.
I’ve evolved my language to go from “crossovers to outside space” to “stepping off the defender.” I’m sure there is a more concise and visually stimulating way to describe this concept. If you have a suggestion, please let me know!
Toronto Maple Leafs forward William Nylander is one of the best in the sport at this. His movement to time his attack and threaten with outside speed is elite. He moves away, maintains speed, gives himself space, and gets outside the defensive edge.
While direct passes are great, area passes are great ways to spring one on the defense and find an open passing lane. Watch how Nylander steps off the defender to build speed to get on the end of a perfect indirect pass.
Former-Maple Leafs forward Ilya Mikheyev gets to the middle/outside attacking lane. He shifts outside of the defender’s lane and finds himself in a space to attack with no impedement.
Then-Calgary Flames forward Johnny Gaudreau opens the vertical passing lane and times the entry to ensure he is attacking onsides with speed.
University of Michigan freshman Gavin Brindley showcases multiple adjustments to create time, space, and proper timing before receiving the pass and scoring. Absolutely elite!
Finding ways to create via smart and calculated micro-movements is a massive way that players can make themselves more available as dangerous offensive creators.
Further Reading