The Two Biggest Differences Between High & Low-Level Hockey

How pivoting & pass receivers compare at high vs low-level hockey

Today I wanted to quickly highlight two common differences often seen between high-level and lower-level hockey.

1) Pass Receivers

• At lower levels, players start playing hockey when they receive the puck.

• At higher levels, players start playing hockey before they receive the puck

Elite pass receivers are moving before they ever touch the puck. By the time the pass gets to them, they are in an advantageous situation.

Greg Revak, CFP® @CoachRevak

A big difference between amateur vs pro (or youth vs college/junior) Amateur hockey players worry about the pass being open then worry about getting speed Pro hockey players worry about gaining speed and space first. They assume the pass will find them

A rule of thumb is that, at lower levels, the players are the limiting factor in playing quick hockey. At the higher levels, the puck is the limiting factor in playing quick hockey.

2) Pivoting

• At lower levels, players pivot to the puck and worry about chasing the puck down.

• At higher levels, players pivot and worry about controlling the opponent’s ability to get to the puck.

Control the player, don’t be like a dog chasing the puck.

Offense & Defense

On offense, moving before receiving the puck.

On defense, control the space and your opponent.

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Further Reading

• The Three Things Hockey Players Need to Know About Playing at the Next Level

• Understanding What Tired Minds and Legs Look Like

• Playing Hockey in The Future vs in the Present

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