Ok we have a defense thread but what about a thread for all the offensmen? I play wing(either or) and while I can usually hold my own and play get in some good plays I am always happy to hear general advice; so any tips? And any tips for when you are totally unmatched skill wise and know you are going to take beating because the other team is faster and stronger?

-- Diana (DianaH84@aol.com), January 29, 2002

Answers

I simply tell the kids I coach, as well as myself on a regular basis, "Skate hard when you've got the puck and harder when you don't, play your position, and try to anticipate where the play will be three to five seconds from now so you can take advantage of knowing." The other thing I remind myself of is if I catch myself coasting, I know there are probably three or four players on the bench who would be glad to take my place, so before that happens I need to get off and get psyched for the next shift.

-- Michael (mbesworth@stratfordfestival.ca), January 30, 2002.

If you're outmatched in terms of speed and skill, you have to rely on hard work and smarts. Look to get an extra step on the breakout by anticipating changes of puck control in your end. And whoever doesn't have the puck, has to go to the net in the offensive zone. If you know you're not going to find yourself with breakaways and odd-man rushes, the puck carrier should be ready to pull up just inside their blue line, wait a breath, and put a hard shot somewhere on the net while your other forwards hustle in for the screen, the tip, or the rebound. The goals might be ugly, but you know what they say: there's no room for a story on the scoreboard!

-- Clutch Munny (clutch_m@hotmail.com), February 14, 2002.

Speakin of puck

Shamsheer

watch out for redlof

-- imme (¿¿¿??@greenspun.com), January 21, 2003.