OOTP Developments Forums - View Single Post

ExeR · 10-13-2020, 02:06 PM

Tactical Settings

Reminder that I don't know how exactly things work in engine. And from the start, goal wasn't to find exploitative tactics that won't survive one updater or version change.
Info below is for better understanding of how things supposed to work for each tactical option.
Breakout

Breakout has more nuance to it than choice that is given. So we're in charge of picking "control breakout" vs set opponent who is ready to forecheck.
Good start would be the general idea of what's going to happen most of the time and default/regular positions of players

1) Defender will initiate and make first pass or drive with puck
2) Center or defensive winger will be lower, since he helps on defense deep in DZ
3) Strong side forward (winger) on same side and is target for pass off the boards higher (closer to opponent's blue line). That's the first demand to player, strong side winger would have to fight for puck or protect it upon receiving.
4) Weak side forward is option for across the line horizontal movement (skating importance) and 1-touch pass from strong side winger.
Breakout choice is the way we fine tune or structure this general setup.

Descriptions give general idea of consequences and key players and matchups vs forecheck type. Also it's pretty obvious that teamwork, passing & skating are key attributes.
But general setup has multiple passes, different off puck movement options etc. So to avoid weaknesses of players and bad development of breakout it's important to know the details.

Flexible reaction

Flexible reaction is designated to break partial pressing or agro forecheck. Torpedo the ultimate example of style it counters: part press, part zonal, part safety
https://i.imgur.com/UksRQs1.png
So if our team doesn't commit to any zone or action and keeps skating, passing and making decisions in simple manner, opponent will always chase the ghosts.
2-3 all out press is the counter to this option because it always presses the receiver w/o blocking passing lanes or safety.

Along Boards

Along boards is best represented by illustration vs forecheck it's supposed to beat: 1-1-3
https://i.imgur.com/8Dq6cv5.png
1-1-3 is zone/trapping type forecheck. Turning Center into decoy and sending Defenders skating near boards puts opponent into very tough position:
1) Tough to catch good puckhandler skating from middle of the ice
2) Cover/double team anywhere leaves Center wide open.
3) Wingers can skate to free space between defenders and receive easy pass.
4) There are lanes for cross ice pass.
So if defender is good skater & puckhandler & winger on his side reacts by moving into half space (between middle and board) it will be very tough for opponent to stop entrance into OZ & puck advancing.

Through Center

This is pretty straightforward option. Instead of initiating himself, defender dumps puck to Center, who does all the work
https://i.imgur.com/2j4GfGk.png
Since we remove defender's ability from equiation, other parts should compensate:
1) Center needs to be elite. Elite puckhandling, quickness (Accel & Agility) and good passing & Off Read+Teamwork.
2) Weak side defender can become a valid option. Usually he is there for recycling failed attempts. But mobile/rushing defender types can be ideal for this. Fast enough to keep up with Center or get back to defense in case of mistake. And not good as puckhandler/passer to use them as 1st or more involved option.
3) Center needs to come deep into DZ, so don't mess up his role & his actions. Dangler tries to be furthest option and stays higher, so doing through center should be contradictory for him.

Stretch

This option is ideal for "average or worse" playmaking on Center & Defenders. Burden of key/entrance passes will fall on Wingers shoulders.
https://i.imgur.com/Vn40KxS.png
That could be a great fit for "Center sniper/goalscorer"+"Wing playmaker" pairs.
https://i.imgur.com/NP0X8vh.png
Both can have skating & off read on elite level. So after Center dumps puck he can receive it in dangerous position. Skating helps Center all the way: behind the goal swing and OZ entrance on unorthodox position. Last one can be quite an important little detail, because Wings are ahead and should be checked by Defenders. So fast Center will enter checked by opponent's forward.

Forwards High

This option relies heavily on initiating defender.
https://i.imgur.com/mtU6a2X.png
Not only does he have to bring puck from deep, but his pass is tougher + he has decision to make about which option to choose. So puckhandling to deal with agro forecheck and good playmaking will be key for him. It's a good breakout option for offensive defender profile (quarterback, playmaking).
Center is secondary playmaker which is again a natural fit with playmaking defender. Back and forth between them will be key to success in OZ, so passing shouldn't be a problem for him. More tempo, more important Center is.

Strict Positional

Strict positional is based around two concepts:
https://i.imgur.com/MC7ztHI.png
1) You can't cover/check everybody using mirror image. Meaning 3F+2D can't be covered by 3F+2D w/o exposing goal. And there's definitely no reason to expose goal when puck is in opponents DZ. If opp's defenders skate wide to cover Wings, Center can break into free space (in the middle behind opp's center). Nobody wants that, so space near boards will be free.
2) Since there is space, passing triangles will be a constant thing for strict positional formation. D-C-D, D-F-C, F-C-F. So if anybody ever faces blocked pathway, they can skate back, pass to somebody with space to skate into or pass to open guy checked zonally.
That option has synergy with less risk taking, particularly tempo. And it's less demanding to particular attribute at elite level, but would benefit from all around profile.
Best example of team for this option is veteran defenders, who are elite outside of physicals (quickness/speed). They can keep puck and do right decisions, but not skate it or pass on elite level. If they have average forwards upfront it's tough to transfer risk taking or skating to them. They will fail even more. So instead we keep them together, no cross movement or different options.

NZ Offense or OZ entry

Dump In

Dump in is a "low skill, high effort" entry.
https://i.imgur.com/ooPjOoP.png
https://i.imgur.com/gpD4lke.png
And problems with it's potential will come from all angles:
1) We willingly give away possession of puck to turn entry into race to the puck near boards. It sounds great for unit that is dead last in puckhandling & Off Read, but that's not the end of it...
2)...Forwards have to skate & fight for puck. Demand for physical attributes increases. But worst part is that we will face different type of defenders. Some will crumble and won't be tough enough to fight for puck effectively. But there are plenty of defenders who have no problem with physical attributes, especially balance & strength.
3) So even if you have a dream line/unit for that entry method, it will still have high giveaway chance. And finding "perfect" player is not that easy, quickness & strength have negative correlation if anything (ovechkin & matthews are only guys with elite quickness & strength).
And that's how troubles of dump in will snowball. Even if you want to build something very logical like "dump in" + "2-3 press" to hit them if you lose puck, there will be problem with players. Not many of them will be good enough to fix mistakes, because they lack speed:
https://i.imgur.com/rqKb4qX.png
E.Kane - B.Tkachuk - Josh Anderson is probably the best lineup I can come up with. All have trouble with puckhandling & pass (15 or less) and all will shine in physical game. But problem with opposition remains
https://i.imgur.com/7CqZa2s.png
Matching physical attributes of opp's defenders will be common, and only lack of speed will be a positive. But that positive is not guaranteed.
Funnel

That's another "lose puck possession" options that makes players skate to puck instead of skating with puck. But more finesse than dump in.
https://i.imgur.com/6pofk0X.png
https://i.imgur.com/wEi7Nqk.png
Throwing puck at goalie and skating hard to the slot "solves" some problems dump in had:
1) Quickness is now more important, since player can shoot or make plays from rebound if he is unchecked.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q00F07OFycQ
https://i.imgur.com/e2iVFRC.png
https://i.imgur.com/rNp2S03.png
2) You can involve defenders. One as initiator (which is great for breakouts where defender can go wide) and one as rushing/mobile defender that can get long rebound or be free for the pass.
Even though funnel sounds much nicer through positives, there are drawbacks:
1) Lack of power for forwards go both ways. Fighting for puck on slot will be even harder than fighting for puck near boards.
2) Bigger quickness edge is illusionary for the most part. Defenders stay near middle of the ice, so they will have shorter distance to skate and won't leave most dangerous area - slot. For dump in, if they want to contest the puck they will need to skate to wide area, leave slot space open and try to check player that can go different directions (behind goal or along the board)
3) It's risky tactic from positional stand point. Dump in is initiated far, one forward to another, puck loss usually happens deep in DZ near the board (passing lanes blocked). Funnel commits lots of players forward, so any clearance or pass cuts off 3-4 defensive players from your team. More intricate entrance can drag opponent's forwards away, here they will be in prime position for odd man rush.
Thus funnel can have great synergy with quick but technically limited players (Hagelin), but make sure their backchecking tendencies are not "good luck guys".
Activated D

Some theory
https://i.imgur.com/kuJSJY0.png
There are no drawbacks in activating elite offensive defender. He will be able to avoid pressing from active forechecks and skate from deep at passive systems like 1-2-2 Retreat.
Only weakness of Active Def approach is that there is offside rule. It's hard to skate from deep and not have anybody ahead. So saturating blue line like in 1-1-3 leads to array of problems:
https://i.imgur.com/E4uYuZt.png
1) Other defender is recycle option and even he can be blocked by first forward of opponent.
2) Passing lanes and entrance are blocked & covered. Since there are so many players here and they are in 1-3 formation, they can cover for each other mistakes, w/o giving up middle of the ice (even if puck carrying def squeezes past 3rd forward of opp, defender can leave RW and cover).
So that's where importance of skating & puckhandling comes from. Passing is much less important, quickness edge of Wingers will probably be more important for pass success. Importance of pass for defenders and way to beat 1-1-3 positionaly described in Balanced Attack.
Stay In Your Lanes

Continuation of breakouts that keep 2+3 formation. Unlike Balanced Attack, this option doesn't mind going with primitive option. It's not by design we go wide f.e. but because opp blocks passing triangles and skating routes in half spaces with 2-1-2
https://i.imgur.com/XyzM46M.png
Center is taken from the game by opponent, so we go wide. That's why you need somewhat strong Wingers. That pass will be expected and opp's defender might be waiting to hit/pressure them.
But look at the result. Center, despite staying in his lane, gets free space in the middle of the ice to skate into. Opp's defenders either keep that closed or go to pressure Wingers. If they don't press Wingers those guys can enjoy freedom in the corners to create scoring chances by skating, passing, shooting. For this particular tactical matchup Center needs quickness edge to lose cover/check from opp's center.
If opp goes to option that opens Center, it will be easy to find him and use him as playmaker/initiator.
That's why 1-3-1 Trap is so effective against static positioning & obvious puck advancing routes. Saturated forward line will force our defenders to do something, while safety reacts to pass & always covers 1vs1 of our Forwards. So our wingers will start playing 1vs2.
Wide Drive

Wide drive is natural continuation of breakouts, that find wingers in good position to enter OZ (along boards, stretch, forwards high).
https://i.imgur.com/bZZDY3l.png
https://i.imgur.com/mbizgBN.png
Wingers become initiators & decision makers in attack, so that's the key to understanding this option:
1) Skating continues being important. Cross movement in breakout & ability to attack defender from wide here.
2) But more importantly winger needs puckhnadling and Off Read. Skating can be better utilized in dump in and funnel options, here you can have ok skater, but he needs to be able to protect the puck and make good decisions. Marchand, F.Forsberg, Giroux won't be ranked high at skating to puck, but will be great as decision makers that can deal with pressure and protect puck.
3) Agility and puckhandling instead of quickness also comes handy when we think about opponent's coverage. Good matchup like lock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEWHTOvriHo
https://i.imgur.com/NBDu36T.png
works itself out because of direction. Opp is trapping and passively limiting player we want to have puck and enter wide. No matter what they do in DZ, capable Winger will be able to skate around them and make good pass.
And it will stay important even vs bad matchup, that blocks boards with threat of hitting if you try to squeeze into OZ there.
https://i.imgur.com/q2UmrrW.png
Evading one hitter(F2) will crack their defensive formation. Big gap between defenders, Center & weak side Defender can skate into OZ w/o cover. It's still better to avoid going wide when F+D actively moving there to hit your initiator, but at least there will be a chance to avoid it. Average puckhandle & agility will get Winger in trouble.

Balanced Attack

Balanced attack is continuation of flexible reaction & strict positional breakouts, that keep shape of team in pretty much default state - 2+3. That's why it's so effective vs blue line saturating & middle of the ice blocking options of opponent like 1-1-3.
https://i.imgur.com/KNKOceA.png
1) All players are dragged away from blue line a little, to keep passing triangles alive. That gives all of them option to use half spaces (between board & middle of the ice). So all forwards have 2 ways to go->defenders have two ways to pass. Defenders can move forward to occupy one of the options and send winger to another.
2) Highest and lowest forwards of opponent aren't doing anything. Especially low forward, who doesn't block any passing lanes and, more importantly, doesn't block Activated Defender.
Defender that stays back is now free to receive and make passes. And if opp changes to 2-1-2 it immediately breaks that comfort, that's why it's a counter to that. Defender that stays back probably doesn't possess good skating & puckhandling, so our team will be forced to rely on forwards advancing puck 1v1 instead of passing triangles and multiple options of movement.

Forecheck

Offensive roles gain a lot from quickness, because offensive roles only gain DR from active actions and mostly in forecheck/NZ. That's why you can't take elite def attr center who is slow and make him perform well as screener, you need to switch him to two-way or backchecking. So if you have sniper/screener/perimeter shooter roles, players with speed need to forecheck or be prioritised while picking forecheck/NZ option, because they will improve their DR and team perfomance.
Backchecking is continuation of that. If you want your Forwards to do work in DZ, they will need speed and to be able to get back from aggressive/pressing type of forechecks.
1-2-2

Description & illustrations:
"The strength of this system is that the other team is enticed to bring the puck up the boards, and then the boards are taken away. Also if the opponent breaks out, usually only one forechecker is committed deep in the zone. The weakness in the 1-2-2 system is that the opponent has slightly more time to make plays on the breakout, and teams with good passing defensemen can hit the middle of the ice."
https://i.imgur.com/LS0srDQ.png
Player types, required actions & attributes:
1) Press defender with puck from middle of the ice (to deny simple straight pass to Center). Requires 1 pressing forward (center).
2) Close passing lanes to boards. Movement for wingers involve cross ice skating and change of positions, so they will need good skating. Requires 3 quick forwards (ideally with good hitting or stickchecking)
https://i.imgur.com/0n0K81T.png
3) Defenders are not very active and stay back to give this forecheck solidity. It relies on workload and abilities of Forwards to be successful. 2 static defenders.
Opp's weakness exploited:
1) Weak initiator center (slow, weak puckhandling/passing).
2) Over reliance on Wingers to advance the puck or be playmakers.
Strong vs Stretch:
https://i.imgur.com/M7UayHI.png
Both variations of Stretch
1) Center stays in the middle waiting for pass (left side of image)
2) Center Swings behind net to find 3 stretched options (right side of image)
don't perform well, because our Center mimicks his movement (press followed by moving into wide position) and we close the board with Winger. Even if opp's center skates to the middle of the ice instead of passing, there is no need for our static defenders to react. Plus opp's winger moved there and our Center and LW will be trailing them.
Weak vs Through Center:
https://i.imgur.com/wVNirKe.png
Center is left uncovered and has multiple options. Through Center make him come very deep into DZ to pick up the puck, so he will move through middle of the ice and find space to receive the pass. It won't be the end of the world, but our forwards will skate around accomplishing nothing. So if you don't have exceptional stamina & skating there's no need to use this option vs Center initiator. Much better to commit & risk more playing 2-1-2 with cover on center and pressure on opp's defenders.
Transition & continuation:
NZ Coverage
+

1-2-2 Wide (pressing forward, wingers with wide positioning, 2 static defenders)
+

1-2-2 Lock (pressing forward, quick forward moving side to side, wingers with wide positioning)
+

1-3-1 Trap (pressing forward, wingers with wide positioning)
?

1-2-2 Retreat (shape restricts opp's wingers, static defenders)
?

1-3-1 Boucher passive&reactionary, thus forward mobility loses it's purpose
-

2-1-2 requires pressing defenders by wingers, forcing them to stay near middle of the ice, C and Wingers switch duties (press/blocking), defenders can't be static.
-

1-1-3 mobility & wide positioning loses it's purpose.
Best use:
Line/unit with rigid structure, meaning forwards mostly responsible for OZ success and defenders for DZ success. Most common situation is slow-ish but elite otherwise defenders. You can play all OZ tactics that keep them near blue line and never expose goal or middle of the ice. Benefit of 1-2-2 is that only 1 forward commits to pressing deep, so opp will almost never catch you out of position and create something from slot.
1-1-3

Description & illustrations:
https://i.imgur.com/UGunND6.png
1-1-3 saturates two key areas:middle of the ice and blue line. Center (pressing forward) tries to force puck movement to the boards, where passing options are limited compared to middle of the ice. That's where 1-1-3 takes different approach from 1-2-2 Wide.
If opp's center tries to stay in the middle of the ice and manages to receive the puck, he also has blocked passing lanes.
This option produces opp's forward giveaways because each on of them is checked and covered for (if center skates by LW, RD covers for him). So all they have left is to try and pass it through sticks waiting for it.
Player types, required actions & attributes:
1) Center that can disrupt passing & skating by playmaking Defender
2) Opp has playmaker Defender + mobile Forwards line structure.
3) Opp has Defenders that can't skate or protect puck from our Center.
Somebody like William Karlsson is great example
https://i.imgur.com/sQGWSdx.png
Not a type of player for physical team press or tactics that force puck to boards (weak hitting & power). But when teammates close passing lanes and puck advancing options for opp's defender, he can be one man press machine annoying defenders again and again. Even if he won't hit you, it's tough to outskate him and pass puck around him.
4) Wingers have less demand for mobility, so they could be more defensive type (better positioning&checking, weaker skating/physicals & def read)
Opp's weakness exploited:
1) Weak initiator Wingers (slow, weak puckhandling/passing).
2) Over reliance on defenders as passing initiators.
3) Weak skating of defenders
Strong vs Forwards High:
https://i.imgur.com/S8e0gSZ.png
All desired receivers are under check. Center, who has most space and should be either first or second pass target is under double coverage. Non along the board passes to wingers are also blocked.
Weak vs Along Boards:
https://i.imgur.com/XsqdaXm.png
Driving along the boards is obvious weakness for tactic that wants to keep 2 forwards close to middle of the ice. Avoiding using opp's center as passing option and the fact that our center is trailing the play leaves defender on the board no chance to stop play developing. He can't split in two and there are always two simple pass options for opp's LD+LW pair.
If puck goes to the other side it's same situation but worse. 2nd forward is even further from play, so opp's 2nd defender will have space & time to play puck back across the ice.
Transition & continuation:
NZ Coverage
+

1-1-3: Natural fit, continuation of forecheck
+

1-3-1 Trap: blocking passing lanes in the middle, 1 pressing forward
+

1-3-1 Boucher blocking passing lanes and space in the middle
+

1-2-2 Retreat: blocking philosophy, 1 pressing forward
?

1-2-2 Lock: requires mobile wingers, trapping instead of blocking, mobile defender (would be doable if you could micromanage who goes where)
-

1-2-2 Wide: requires mobile wingers, opens up middle of the ice
-

2-1-2: positional conflicts, different philosophy
Best use:
It should be situational, because it's very dependent on quality of opp's defenders. Somebody like Byfuglien
https://i.imgur.com/HoqJONc.png
won't succeed even with Along the Boards counter. He can't skate from anybody and will be checked again and again by our Center. But sadly, most of defenders with good pass who want to play with Forwards High (breakout option we counter) will be able to skate & have good puckhandling. So once you're in playoffs and play Karlsson etc 1-1-3 effectiveness will fall off the cliff.
2-1-2

Description & illustrations:
"This system forces the opponent’s defense to handle pressure while also taking away all options up the boards. This is also a physical forecheck because F1 and F2 are in deep and looking to finish hits while the defense are set to come down the boards when the puck is moved to the opposition wingers. The 2-1-2 forecheck forces teams to use the middle of the ice to escape the zone. The strength of the system is in the pressure it applies while at the same time giving the opponent only certain areas to break out of the zone.
The weakness of the 2-1-2 system is that at times you have a defenseman pinching and a forward back on defense accepting the rush when the opponent breaks out. Most forwards are weaker at defending the rush than any of the six defensemen."
https://i.imgur.com/JSBJrEd.png
Player types, required actions & attributes:
Key for this option is that Center usually stays back and covers for defenders, who are more involved than in safe/pragmatic options like 1-2-2
https://i.imgur.com/7Fjk5qA.png
So if you have slow defensive Center, like M. Koivu
https://i.imgur.com/vekyj28.png
you won't mind that switch, he's better than most defenders. But he might struggle skating around & chasing puck in pressing forecheck options.
2 pressing Wingers
1 defensive Center
2 mobile Defenders
Opp's weakness exploited:
Strong vs Along Boards:
https://i.imgur.com/heMv4B7.png
Wingers press opp's defenders and skate with them. Our defenders close boards for opp's Wingers. Pass to middle or drive from opp's Winger is blocked by our Center, who moves with the puck into defender's position and block trajectory of those actions.
Weak vs Forwards High:
Key problem for that option comes from defender moving from position. Even if Center covers for him, you're still stuck with 2 in the back.
https://i.imgur.com/I51sQ8r.png
Opp's Center is free to move 2 ways, and both times can be found with pass. So simple cross ice position change will allow opp to deal with forecheck. But then again, if you have Center like Koivu covering it should be ok unless C+D+D all lose race to their goal.
Transition & continuation:
NZ Coverage
+

2-1-2 Natural fit, continuation of forecheck.
+

1-1-3 2 pressing forwards, defensive center but static defenders.
+

1-3-1 Trap use of defensive center & mobile defender, 1 pressing forward, 1 forward that needs to move along weak side board
?

1-2-2 Lock good player types fit, but positional troubles?
-

1-2-2 Wide structure loses it's purpose, static defenders
-

1-2-2 Retreat structure & philosophy lose their purpose, static defenders
-

1-3-1 Boucher structure & philosophy lose their purpose
Best use:
Main benefit of C-to-D switch is that it's much easier to transition into blue line or middle of the ice saturating neutral zone coverages (1-1-3). So in a way we can switch things up between opp's DZ (forecheck) and NZ. In forecheck 1-1-3 beats Forwards High, that beats 2-1-2 forecheck.
So if opp has average skater @ center, we can go 2-1-2 as forecheck to force mistakes. If opponents deal with it, they won't be able to attack with tempo. Then we can switch to 1-1-3 in NZ, and block all space in the middle. 2-1-2 forecheck and 1-1-3 NZ share same strength in limiting opp's skating defenders. 2-1-2 in NZ beats balanced attack, while 1-1-3 struggles. So if Forwards High breakout won't lead to breakaways, we can pick and choose our options, while forcing opp's defenders to be good at both passing & skating.
2-3 Press

Description & illustrations:
https://youtu.be/PALBOBCxFq0?t=39
https://i.imgur.com/SRA4rbg.png
2-3 press is all about hitting opponents upon receiving puck.
Player types, required actions & attributes:
Ideally, 5 quick & hard hitting players. But as mentioned before, it's tough to find players combining these particular attribute combos, since correlation between power & speed is usually negative.
That's why secondary focus should be on non-dirty character (help with max hitting) and workrate (stamina & def read).
Opp's weakness exploited:
1) Teams that rely on off-puck movement and "support" style to provide more passing options.
2) Inability to make quick decisions (low teamplayer & off read)
3) Inability to skate the puck or avoid getting hit (low quickness, low agility, low puckhandling, low balance&strength). Doesn't have to be all of them at the same time, but if you think about hitting Z. Chara, it won't be hard (he's static) but you might hurt yourself doing that.
Strong vs Flexible Reaction:
https://i.imgur.com/yindozm.png
Initial goal of pressing defenders is to deny pass to center, so if it's successful, puck will go to winger near board. Our rotation of 3 creates wall in front of opp's center, and allows to cover for every mistake. So if opp's winger manages to escape RD's cover, our Center who moved to initial RD's position will meet him near board. LD will be covering opp's center and side-to-side passing lane, since LW will be trailing behind opp's right winger.
Weak vs Stretch:
https://i.imgur.com/w7g0B6B.png
Unlike Flexible Reaction, Stretch doesn't stay compact and positions players far from each other (both vertically & horizontally) to provide them space to skate into.
1) When defender brings the puck from behind the goal (left side) our Center & LW get isolated and have to make actions that conflict with 2-3 press structure.
LW has to stay on his side instead of chasing puckhandler, because of rotation of 3. Since puck moved to the other side he has to go back to LD's initial position. He's in between opp's C and RW, and since RW moves cross ice he will stay with ghost of opp's Center that faked swing behind the net.
Center is too far from anybody to make a move and has to cover 2 passing lanes when rotating to RD's position.
2) When opp's center takes puck on the behind the net Swing, our RW has to press two player, then trail center. This allows passing lanes to be open. Opp's strong side winger went higher, this stretches 3 blue line cover players. Our Center is again too far from action to do anything, but has to move away from passing lanes to fulfill his duties. This just illustrates how Stretch style turns pressing/mobile against itself.
Transition & continuation:
NZ Coverage
+

2-1-2 Pressing forwards, mobile defenders
+

1-2-2 Wide Mobile Forwards, pressing forward, hitting on the boards
+

1-1-3 2 pressing forwards, hitting, similar positioning
+

1-2-2 Lock Blocking pass receivers, mobile forwards
?

1-3-1 Trap 1 Mobile defender,1 pressing forward
-

1-2-2 Retreat Passive & non contact
-

1-3-1 Boucher No pressing
Best use:
We want puck to move instead of players, so skating edge will be very important for success of this option:
1) Can be continuation of Dump In NZ Offense. Everytime puck is turned over we can hit them. Plus position near the board make opponents much more susceptible to hits.
2) Way to turn "slow skating & low tempo" unit's weaknesses against them.
3) Good option for physical edge. Even if other team has quick non-physical forwards, 2-3 positioning allows to cover for unsuccessful hits so mistakes won't be too costly.
Torpedo

Description & illustrations:
"The system is called torpedo because the first two forwards in on the forecheck buzz from corner to corner, pressuring the puck.The third forward (F3), who is usually the center, stays high on one side. The defensive defenseman stays in the center of the blue line and is more of a safety. On the opposite side of F3 is the offensive defenseman. The offensive defenseman and the center have the freedom to pinch down hard on all passes up their boards and also move in offensively when F1 and F2 have puck possession. Some coaches will allow F3 and D2 to pinch all the way down the boards to the goal line on that side."
https://i.imgur.com/qinhFhC.png
"The advantage of this system is that F1 and F2 always provide pressure on the opposing defense, while passes up the boards are shut down by F3 and D2. Also when the puck is turned over, there are two potential passing options for F1 and F2. Offensively, F3 and D2 are always ready to jump in to receive a pass or take a shot. For this system to work effectively, the center (F3) must be good at playing back defensively because if D2 gets caught in the zone, F3 will have to play defense with D1. Few teams are as comfortable with their centers playing back as they are with their defense. Also the wingers who get in on the forecheck must be good, quick skaters who can “buzz” from side to side. As with other systems, the weakness in the torpedo system is that the middle of the ice is available for breakout plays. Although the torpedo is nontraditional and sometimes disregarded because of that, if you have the personnel to fit the descriptions of the positions, it is definitely worth trying."
Torpedo System - Forecheck
Player types, required actions & attributes
So keys for torpedo:
1) Put pressure on defenders and force them to make a pass. Requires 2 pressing forwards.
2) Press Wingers soon after receiving & block their pass lane near boards. Requires 1 mobile defender.
3) 1 Safety defender transitions to NZ coverage with safety or saturated blue line & covers opp's Center in case of failed forecheck.
Opp's weakness exploited:
1) Defenders susceptible to pressure (slow, weak puckhandling).
2) Inability to advance the puck as a unit (designated breakout player like in Through Center)
Strong vs Through Center:
https://i.imgur.com/OdIpZnV.png
Both passing lanes from defenders to center are blocked. Swing behind the goal is also unavailable, since defenders are getting pressed there. Even if center manages to avoid pressing forwards, there is safety to cover for them.
Weak vs Flexible Reaction
https://i.imgur.com/UksRQs1.png
Our pressing wingers block initial straight pass to opp's Center. But in Flexible Reaction everybody skates around reacting to position of opponents & teammates. So middle restricting pressing won't block passing lane to opp's center new position (in orange). Now opp's defender can find him or winger with a pass, with multiple options future options available. Safety can't split in two, so everybody starts picking from 2 poisons. Mobile defender has to cover middle of the ice, opening board for opp's initial pass defender to skate there.
Transition & continuation:
NZ Coverage
+

2-1-2 press opp's defenders, mobile defender closes wide option on board
+

1-1-3 two pressing forwards, safety defender
+

1-3-1 Trap pressing/trapping forward, mobile defender, safety defender
+

1-2-2 Lock 2 skating/trapping forwards, mobile defender closes wide option on board
-

1-2-2 Wide, 1-2-2 Retreat, 1-3-1 Boucher lack pressing and are passive/reactionary in nature.
Best use:
The best use of this option should be mediocre 1st line that you match against 3rd of opponent. That way we can max all the positives and remove the negative:
1) Opp's defenders will be the weakest passers & decision makers, prone to mistake forced by pressure.
2) Our mediocre 1st will probably have 2-way Center or Mobile defender who can pinch down their Wingers.
3) Defensive defender can be reliable safety and won't hurt our pressing with things he can't do.
4) Their Center might be below average skater & attacker. So when he's left free by our scheme, it won't have much negative impact. Most 3rd lines got some sort of Grinder or 2-way slow Center.

NZ Coverage

1-2-2 Wide

"The most important factor in making it work effectively is the play of F1. He should never forecheck too deep or too wide and give up mid-ice space. F1 should take a shallow angle and steer the puck carrier to one side. If a D-to-D pass is made by the opposition, then F1 reattacks on a shallow angle once again. F1 must stay within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the blue line when initiating the push and take away the mid-ice pass with a well placed stick. Let the opposition have the return D-to-D pass.
Essentially F1 remains between the dots through this sequence to once again take away mid ice space"
https://i.imgur.com/nXQsO0R.png
"F2 and F3 have simplified responsibilities. They stay on their side of the ice and lock the wide lanes (by staying in their specific lanes and skating backward to take away passing options). If the puck carrier comes up F2’s side, then he stands up (doesn’t back in) and keeps the opposition from gaining the red line (e.g., forces him to ice the puck). F3 takes the wide lane and makes sure no pass can get to a player in that lane. D1 and D2 keep a tight gap in the middle of the ice, ready to adjust to the puck (figure 7.3a). If the puck is moved to mid-ice or up the boards, then all five players react. D1 would overplay the boards when the puck comes
up F2’s side. D2 stays in mid ice and F3 takes the wide lane"
https://i.imgur.com/ALXDBiw.png
So keys are:
1) Mobile Center with good Def Read.
2) Wingers can be weak chain in terms of skill, but have to be physical.
3) Defenders have to react and move, so better to avoid safety types that like passive defense.
Because defenders leave their line to go higher, this option is weak against Dump In. Our Wingers that can hit probably won't be quick, so opp can utilize his quick wingers to full effect.
1-2-2 Lock

"This system is common at many levels because it denies teams the ability to bring the puck up the middle and forces teams to move the puck wide and try to enter up the boards. F1 starts by steering the puck to one side, and unlike other systems mentioned, he may take away either the D-to-D return pass or the wide-lane pass, depending on which is a priority (figure 7.7). This will influence the angle F1 takes and also the position of his stick. F2 challenges O1 before the red line, forcing him to ice the puck or chip in behind. F3 locks across hard on the opposing player in mid-ice.
F3 does not allow passes to any player in mid-ice and forces the opposition to make the long, wide pass to gain entry to the offensive zone.
https://i.imgur.com/KOHQZzJ.png
"D1 is ready to recover any chips in behind F2 and ready to challenge any bank passes to O3. D2 is responsible for any wide passes to O4. D2 must be alert because this is the one way teams try to break the 1-2-2 mid-ice lock—they will pass wide to O4 and try to have him pick up speed before the pass is made."
https://i.imgur.com/yIDnUtg.png
So LW being good defender is not the only requirement. Other forwards will need to move properly to close middle of the ice.
This is really the prelude to DZ option where LW should be involved. We block funnel entrance and send opp's wingers wide (thus wide drive weakness). Now with the puck in his corner this good LW defender can help against Winger and be effective vs board combo (RD+RW).
In the end it boils down to:
1) Right side is more potent (more right handed players who are more comfortable in driving behind goal etc).
2) We redirect opp's attacks there and make sure we have good defensive winger giving them hell all the way.
1-2-2 Retreat

Description & illustrations:
"This is a very defensive setup and is similar to the 1-2-2 mid-ice lock. The primary difference is that all five players tighten up, with F1 moving down to the top of the offensive zone circles and the two defensemen back no farther than the center red line. As the offensive team advances up ice, all five players skate backward and retreat in a tight pack (should move like there is a rope tying them together). This creates the visual of limited space for the offensive team."
https://i.imgur.com/tEj5yMI.png
Player types, required actions & attributes:
Elite positioning, good shot blocking, teamwork, def read & checking for whole team.
Speed for defenders makes sense only in terms of countering dump ins. Other than that, defenders will be in good position compared to other tactics, so it's an option for less quickness not more.
Weaknesses related to active/physical defense: weak stamina, balance, strength&hitting, quickness, bravery etc.
https://i.imgur.com/8ci45LC.png
Much less sense trapping somebody near mid line with 1-2-2 Lock with player like this. Plus when we keep him close with defenders, he can cover for them even w/o quickness and keep opp's options on the outside. Foligno (from 1-2-2 Lock example) is also slow, but he can go to the boards and hit somebody there. Not an option here, so better to stay close together as unit.
Opp's weakness exploited:
1) Weak puckhandling, playmaking, quickness of opp's defenders.
2) Inability to drive through defense: opp has no elite agility&puckhandling or good puckhandling&strength&balance players.
3) Mediocre pass & off read. Space will be restricted, time won't be. So there's no usual pressure on weak playmakers, but there is pressure not to make mistakes on dangerous/blocked passing lanes. This will be hard for 15 pass 15 Off Read guys.
Strong vs Dump In:
Because of defender's position (always deep at the back) it's hard to catch them off guard or find space with dump in. Dump in is already "50/50 fight for it" type entrance, it will have much less success vs tactic that contests it most.
Weak vs Activated D:
https://i.imgur.com/Ys81iFK.png
Retreat doesn't force puck into pressing/traps, so when opp bring numbers from deep coverage becomes hard. Opp's center and Activated defender can be on same passing lane, and that will allow Act. Def to drive through middle or straight to the point through board. So cross movements & need for our players to cover 2 players will allow opp to skate into OZ w/o trouble.
Transition & continuation:
+

Collapse to Net Importance of positioning, forcing opp to outside, positional fit.
+

Strict Zonal Importance of positioning, positional fit.
+

Wingers Down Low Positional fit (wingers near defenders), importance of positioning&checking on wingers, center skates between points to limit space.
+

2-3 Importance of positioning on forwards, players close
?

Sagging Zone Wingers move instead of Center, but otherwise good fit. Defenders need to be competent at active defense.
-

Half Ice Overload Opening slot to press on boards, so exactly opposite philosophy.
-

Man on Man No reason to play passively in NZ if you're able to play Man on Man.
Best use:
It can be surprisingly good fit for "attacking 4th" line types. Usually filled with prospects who are not there ability wise, but have good speed and offensive skills. Normally, you would never try to count on player like this
https://i.imgur.com/5NtPA1t.png
in teamwork + positioning type scheme. But "will he fit in 1-2-2 Retreat & good DZ tactic?" is not the right question to ask.
Right question would come from understanding, that he has weaknesses and will suck on defense, so "how do you minimize that?". 1-2-2 Retreat can easily be the answer to that question:
1) He can be weak link in "teamwork oriented" mechanism, but it will continue working. In pressing/active options his fails will turn into 2vs1 for somebody else. Plus, weak defensive abilities will lead to much more PIM for active defender. So that's two areas where we can make him hurt team less because of passive & simple approach.
2) Do we really want him actively defending if he has weak stamina & power & stickchecking? It's not uncommon that these players are weak in all of those.
3) Previous points are usually countered by making them Danglers or "less backchecking" players. There are two major problems with that:
All 3 forwards might be like that, so you can't defend 2vs5.
They play fewer minutes, so no need for them to rest on the ice, even if they don't have good stamina.
4) The speed question is key one. Not only can quickness help in DZ (for zonal options), but it glues defense & offense together. We know that 1-2-2 Retreat and related DZ tactics lead to more interceptions than takeaways/hits. So that will allow us to turn weakness into strength by counterattacking. Nothing bad will happen if "Dangler" type will stand near opp's defensive defender and block passing lane to middle of the ice poorly. But with max interceptions this player will get plenty of chances to punish opponent for his mistakes. So classic counterattacking thinking:
We acknowledge that they will control the puck more easily
Block/prevent easy options of shot creation
Force opp to get result through volume or risks
Use frequent mistakes/giveaways to launch counterattacks and use weak def attribute wings strengths.
1-3-1 Trap

"When looking at the 1-3- 1 the three 3 players across the middle of the ice definitely eliminate any room up the middle but gives up space behind on the far blue line. The theory is that it is more difficult to make the long pass especially through traffic.
The 1-3-1 can be played in two ways, either by designating which defenseman is up in the middle of the ice or having the defensemen react depending on which side the puck is on. We believe it is easier if one D is designated as the up player and one D is designated as the back player
https://i.imgur.com/bsJLYNH.png
"F1 has the freedom to go a little deeper (and press or angle the opponent with the puck) in this system because three lanes are covered in behind. F2 and F3 play their sides of the ice—if the puck carrier comes up F2’s side, then he stands up and prevents him from gaining the red line. F3 makes sure the wide lane is locked up and also prevents any passes from going to players in behind D2.
D2 tightens up in the middle of the ice, playing as far up as the top of the circle. D2 may skate forward or accept the rush skating backward. Regardless, D2 must keep a tight gap in the middle. D1 sits back and plays like a rover in football—stays in the middle initially and then reacts to wherever the puck goes"
https://i.imgur.com/L3z5jxB.png
Keys to success for this option:
1) Center that is a good enough defender&skater to close the trap on defender after forcing initial D-to-D pass. Skating edge of C vs D is quite common, so finding players for this role shouldn't be hard.
2) Active Defender that leaves blue line & def. pair. Idea is that he will have good enough checking and if he has to skate after Center, he will have help from safety. But that's where vulnerability vs Funnel comes from, we don't block Funnel area, and Defender left space in the middle to cover Center higher. So if you don't want to pay the price for that, make sure that at least one defender is capable skater, that won't lose race to the goal against Center.
1-3-1 Boucher

The difference from trap variation is that Center is not active and stays near the middle of the ice i reactionary mode.
https://i.imgur.com/S26himr.png
https://i.imgur.com/NIpAJpk.png
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_lNo5JWkRY
Blocking passing lanes in reactionary mode is more difficult. As you can see from examples, defenders can just move puck between them freely. Even though we block best passing lanes with 1-3-1 positioning, free defenders will always have 2 passing lanes open to them to find Winger. That's why our Winger positioning is important
https://i.imgur.com/3PWJAiA.png
If our Winger is a cone, quick passing will find the gaps and allow opponent to develop side-to-side attack where we will have to chase. If he's good at positioning and reacting, options will be closed and passes will have huge risks of being giveaways/turnovers.
2-1-2

"This is a common neutral zone forecheck off a lost draw, but it is also used effectively by many teams who want to apply more pressure in this area (when trailing in the game or in need of a more offensive approach). The 2-1-2 system is one of the more aggressive neutral zone forechecks. It is basically a man-on-man system in the neutral zone. F2 and F3 attack the opponent’s defense in a staggered fashion. Therefore if O1 has the puck, F2 will force and F3 will be halfway to O2. If a pass is made to O2,
then F3 will jump immediately. F1 locks onto the other team’s center, making sure no passes can be made to the middle of the ice, because both defensemen have outside responsibility. D1 moves up on any passes to O4, and D2 does the same for passes to O5. It is important that one D remain in the middle of the ice at all times when the other D is forcing the outside"
https://i.imgur.com/zbQP4eh.png
Continuation of 2-1-2 forecheck. Man-to-man and putting pressure on defenders.
Main matchup would be Center vs Center, because in forecheck he will drop back but here he will have to play his counterpart 1vs1. Either defensive Center to check effectively, or capable defender with good physicals (which is already requirement for man-to-man type defences).
1-1-3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qupJSP8qYEw
Differences from 1-3-1:
1) Much like in trap 1-3-1 Center has to force puck movement & chase puck.
2) Demand for mobility moved up the ice. If 1-3-1 has to skate to goal, here 1-1 forwards positioned up the ice have to move around and react. It's much easier to find forward that can skate with rushing defender than 1-3-1 demand of skating Defender matching with opp's center.
3) Saturating blue line leads to obvious strength vs Forward High style from opponent. Other options risk running into hit on boards, because it's very tough to enter through middle of the ice against that formation.
All these reasons make 1-1-3 great as tempo killer. There's no reliable way to advance puck quick for opponent. Long pass targets are covered, quick drives will be redirected into hit. This also makes it great counter-attacking option. So when Washington used it for 4th line it was a good fit of players & tactics. Small amount of playing time, so high intensity playstyle for forwards (skate pressing high then counter after turnover) was doable. And if opp slowed it down, 4th line don't mind and rested for counter-attacks.
Weakness is obvious when you understand strength. Vs slow & methodical entrance where everybody pass and move as a team 1-1-3 option will be very weak.
https://i.imgur.com/4nYE8I0.png
1) Our Center can't block return D-to-D pass & pass to center at the same time. Second forward won't be able to cover movement of opp's LD and passing lanes at the same time.
2) If opp finds Center with a pass from defender they basically executed Forwards High style we were preventing.
3) If opp finds LW things get even worse. Now no matter who received the pass, they can start cross movement. Opp's LD can skate wide and create +1 overload. Our 2nd forward (LW) wants to stay in the middle, but if he skates to cover opp's defender, they can just use simple passes to turn attack around and use other side. Passing lane in the middle will now be open.
4) Worst part is that everything will happen around RW, who might not be as good as defenders. So that will be find to avoid when using 1-1-3: weak defensive winger. Other two need skating effort (effectiveness can be nullified) but this guy can't be hidden on blue line if he is slow f.e. In worst case scenario he will be put to the test, so slow defensive winger can be a good fit in this option
https://i.imgur.com/fbCX7M7.png
Especially in regards to his battle with opponent's defenders. Limiting them in more proactive way is tough: despite good def attributes quickness edge for opp is too big. One mistake and offensive defender will fly away from him. In 1-1-3 Activated Defender is redirected near boards and limited in space. So it's much easier to hit him or stop passing/driving attempts.

10-13-2020, 02:06 PM	#5
ExeR Minors (Rookie Ball) Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 48	Tactical Settings Reminder that I don't know how exactly things work in engine. And from the start, goal wasn't to find exploitative tactics that won't survive one updater or version change. Info below is for better understanding of how things supposed to work for each tactical option. Breakout Breakout has more nuance to it than choice that is given. So we're in charge of picking "control breakout" vs set opponent who is ready to forecheck. Good start would be the general idea of what's going to happen most of the time and default/regular positions of players 1) Defender will initiate and make first pass or drive with puck 2) Center or defensive winger will be lower, since he helps on defense deep in DZ 3) Strong side forward (winger) on same side and is target for pass off the boards higher (closer to opponent's blue line). That's the first demand to player, strong side winger would have to fight for puck or protect it upon receiving. 4) Weak side forward is option for across the line horizontal movement (skating importance) and 1-touch pass from strong side winger. Breakout choice is the way we fine tune or structure this general setup. Descriptions give general idea of consequences and key players and matchups vs forecheck type. Also it's pretty obvious that teamwork, passing & skating are key attributes. But general setup has multiple passes, different off puck movement options etc. So to avoid weaknesses of players and bad development of breakout it's important to know the details. Flexible reaction Flexible reaction is designated to break partial pressing or agro forecheck. Torpedo the ultimate example of style it counters: part press, part zonal, part safety https://i.imgur.com/UksRQs1.png So if our team doesn't commit to any zone or action and keeps skating, passing and making decisions in simple manner, opponent will always chase the ghosts. 2-3 all out press is the counter to this option because it always presses the receiver w/o blocking passing lanes or safety. Along Boards Along boards is best represented by illustration vs forecheck it's supposed to beat: 1-1-3 https://i.imgur.com/8Dq6cv5.png 1-1-3 is zone/trapping type forecheck. Turning Center into decoy and sending Defenders skating near boards puts opponent into very tough position: 1) Tough to catch good puckhandler skating from middle of the ice 2) Cover/double team anywhere leaves Center wide open. 3) Wingers can skate to free space between defenders and receive easy pass. 4) There are lanes for cross ice pass. So if defender is good skater & puckhandler & winger on his side reacts by moving into half space (between middle and board) it will be very tough for opponent to stop entrance into OZ & puck advancing. Through Center This is pretty straightforward option. Instead of initiating himself, defender dumps puck to Center, who does all the work https://i.imgur.com/2j4GfGk.png Since we remove defender's ability from equiation, other parts should compensate: 1) Center needs to be elite. Elite puckhandling, quickness (Accel & Agility) and good passing & Off Read+Teamwork. 2) Weak side defender can become a valid option. Usually he is there for recycling failed attempts. But mobile/rushing defender types can be ideal for this. Fast enough to keep up with Center or get back to defense in case of mistake. And not good as puckhandler/passer to use them as 1st or more involved option. 3) Center needs to come deep into DZ, so don't mess up his role & his actions. Dangler tries to be furthest option and stays higher, so doing through center should be contradictory for him. Stretch This option is ideal for "average or worse" playmaking on Center & Defenders. Burden of key/entrance passes will fall on Wingers shoulders. https://i.imgur.com/Vn40KxS.png That could be a great fit for "Center sniper/goalscorer"+"Wing playmaker" pairs. https://i.imgur.com/NP0X8vh.png Both can have skating & off read on elite level. So after Center dumps puck he can receive it in dangerous position. Skating helps Center all the way: behind the goal swing and OZ entrance on unorthodox position. Last one can be quite an important little detail, because Wings are ahead and should be checked by Defenders. So fast Center will enter checked by opponent's forward. Forwards High This option relies heavily on initiating defender. https://i.imgur.com/mtU6a2X.png Not only does he have to bring puck from deep, but his pass is tougher + he has decision to make about which option to choose. So puckhandling to deal with agro forecheck and good playmaking will be key for him. It's a good breakout option for offensive defender profile (quarterback, playmaking). Center is secondary playmaker which is again a natural fit with playmaking defender. Back and forth between them will be key to success in OZ, so passing shouldn't be a problem for him. More tempo, more important Center is. Strict Positional Strict positional is based around two concepts: https://i.imgur.com/MC7ztHI.png 1) You can't cover/check everybody using mirror image. Meaning 3F+2D can't be covered by 3F+2D w/o exposing goal. And there's definitely no reason to expose goal when puck is in opponents DZ. If opp's defenders skate wide to cover Wings, Center can break into free space (in the middle behind opp's center). Nobody wants that, so space near boards will be free. 2) Since there is space, passing triangles will be a constant thing for strict positional formation. D-C-D, D-F-C, F-C-F. So if anybody ever faces blocked pathway, they can skate back, pass to somebody with space to skate into or pass to open guy checked zonally. That option has synergy with less risk taking, particularly tempo. And it's less demanding to particular attribute at elite level, but would benefit from all around profile. Best example of team for this option is veteran defenders, who are elite outside of physicals (quickness/speed). They can keep puck and do right decisions, but not skate it or pass on elite level. If they have average forwards upfront it's tough to transfer risk taking or skating to them. They will fail even more. So instead we keep them together, no cross movement or different options. NZ Offense or OZ entry Dump In Dump in is a "low skill, high effort" entry. https://i.imgur.com/ooPjOoP.png https://i.imgur.com/gpD4lke.png And problems with it's potential will come from all angles: 1) We willingly give away possession of puck to turn entry into race to the puck near boards. It sounds great for unit that is dead last in puckhandling & Off Read, but that's not the end of it... 2)...Forwards have to skate & fight for puck. Demand for physical attributes increases. But worst part is that we will face different type of defenders. Some will crumble and won't be tough enough to fight for puck effectively. But there are plenty of defenders who have no problem with physical attributes, especially balance & strength. 3) So even if you have a dream line/unit for that entry method, it will still have high giveaway chance. And finding "perfect" player is not that easy, quickness & strength have negative correlation if anything (ovechkin & matthews are only guys with elite quickness & strength). And that's how troubles of dump in will snowball. Even if you want to build something very logical like "dump in" + "2-3 press" to hit them if you lose puck, there will be problem with players. Not many of them will be good enough to fix mistakes, because they lack speed: https://i.imgur.com/rqKb4qX.png E.Kane - B.Tkachuk - Josh Anderson is probably the best lineup I can come up with. All have trouble with puckhandling & pass (15 or less) and all will shine in physical game. But problem with opposition remains https://i.imgur.com/7CqZa2s.png Matching physical attributes of opp's defenders will be common, and only lack of speed will be a positive. But that positive is not guaranteed. Funnel That's another "lose puck possession" options that makes players skate to puck instead of skating with puck. But more finesse than dump in. https://i.imgur.com/6pofk0X.png https://i.imgur.com/wEi7Nqk.png Throwing puck at goalie and skating hard to the slot "solves" some problems dump in had: 1) Quickness is now more important, since player can shoot or make plays from rebound if he is unchecked. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q00F07OFycQ https://i.imgur.com/e2iVFRC.png https://i.imgur.com/rNp2S03.png 2) You can involve defenders. One as initiator (which is great for breakouts where defender can go wide) and one as rushing/mobile defender that can get long rebound or be free for the pass. Even though funnel sounds much nicer through positives, there are drawbacks: 1) Lack of power for forwards go both ways. Fighting for puck on slot will be even harder than fighting for puck near boards. 2) Bigger quickness edge is illusionary for the most part. Defenders stay near middle of the ice, so they will have shorter distance to skate and won't leave most dangerous area - slot. For dump in, if they want to contest the puck they will need to skate to wide area, leave slot space open and try to check player that can go different directions (behind goal or along the board) 3) It's risky tactic from positional stand point. Dump in is initiated far, one forward to another, puck loss usually happens deep in DZ near the board (passing lanes blocked). Funnel commits lots of players forward, so any clearance or pass cuts off 3-4 defensive players from your team. More intricate entrance can drag opponent's forwards away, here they will be in prime position for odd man rush. Thus funnel can have great synergy with quick but technically limited players (Hagelin), but make sure their backchecking tendencies are not "good luck guys". Activated D Some theory https://i.imgur.com/kuJSJY0.png There are no drawbacks in activating elite offensive defender. He will be able to avoid pressing from active forechecks and skate from deep at passive systems like 1-2-2 Retreat. Only weakness of Active Def approach is that there is offside rule. It's hard to skate from deep and not have anybody ahead. So saturating blue line like in 1-1-3 leads to array of problems: https://i.imgur.com/E4uYuZt.png 1) Other defender is recycle option and even he can be blocked by first forward of opponent. 2) Passing lanes and entrance are blocked & covered. Since there are so many players here and they are in 1-3 formation, they can cover for each other mistakes, w/o giving up middle of the ice (even if puck carrying def squeezes past 3rd forward of opp, defender can leave RW and cover). So that's where importance of skating & puckhandling comes from. Passing is much less important, quickness edge of Wingers will probably be more important for pass success. Importance of pass for defenders and way to beat 1-1-3 positionaly described in Balanced Attack. Stay In Your Lanes Continuation of breakouts that keep 2+3 formation. Unlike Balanced Attack, this option doesn't mind going with primitive option. It's not by design we go wide f.e. but because opp blocks passing triangles and skating routes in half spaces with 2-1-2 https://i.imgur.com/XyzM46M.png Center is taken from the game by opponent, so we go wide. That's why you need somewhat strong Wingers. That pass will be expected and opp's defender might be waiting to hit/pressure them. But look at the result. Center, despite staying in his lane, gets free space in the middle of the ice to skate into. Opp's defenders either keep that closed or go to pressure Wingers. If they don't press Wingers those guys can enjoy freedom in the corners to create scoring chances by skating, passing, shooting. For this particular tactical matchup Center needs quickness edge to lose cover/check from opp's center. If opp goes to option that opens Center, it will be easy to find him and use him as playmaker/initiator. That's why 1-3-1 Trap is so effective against static positioning & obvious puck advancing routes. Saturated forward line will force our defenders to do something, while safety reacts to pass & always covers 1vs1 of our Forwards. So our wingers will start playing 1vs2. Wide Drive Wide drive is natural continuation of breakouts, that find wingers in good position to enter OZ (along boards, stretch, forwards high). https://i.imgur.com/bZZDY3l.png https://i.imgur.com/mbizgBN.png Wingers become initiators & decision makers in attack, so that's the key to understanding this option: 1) Skating continues being important. Cross movement in breakout & ability to attack defender from wide here. 2) But more importantly winger needs puckhnadling and Off Read. Skating can be better utilized in dump in and funnel options, here you can have ok skater, but he needs to be able to protect the puck and make good decisions. Marchand, F.Forsberg, Giroux won't be ranked high at skating to puck, but will be great as decision makers that can deal with pressure and protect puck. 3) Agility and puckhandling instead of quickness also comes handy when we think about opponent's coverage. Good matchup like lock https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEWHTOvriHo https://i.imgur.com/NBDu36T.png works itself out because of direction. Opp is trapping and passively limiting player we want to have puck and enter wide. No matter what they do in DZ, capable Winger will be able to skate around them and make good pass. And it will stay important even vs bad matchup, that blocks boards with threat of hitting if you try to squeeze into OZ there. https://i.imgur.com/q2UmrrW.png Evading one hitter(F2) will crack their defensive formation. Big gap between defenders, Center & weak side Defender can skate into OZ w/o cover. It's still better to avoid going wide when F+D actively moving there to hit your initiator, but at least there will be a chance to avoid it. Average puckhandle & agility will get Winger in trouble. Balanced Attack Balanced attack is continuation of flexible reaction & strict positional breakouts, that keep shape of team in pretty much default state - 2+3. That's why it's so effective vs blue line saturating & middle of the ice blocking options of opponent like 1-1-3. https://i.imgur.com/KNKOceA.png 1) All players are dragged away from blue line a little, to keep passing triangles alive. That gives all of them option to use half spaces (between board & middle of the ice). So all forwards have 2 ways to go->defenders have two ways to pass. Defenders can move forward to occupy one of the options and send winger to another. 2) Highest and lowest forwards of opponent aren't doing anything. Especially low forward, who doesn't block any passing lanes and, more importantly, doesn't block Activated Defender. Defender that stays back is now free to receive and make passes. And if opp changes to 2-1-2 it immediately breaks that comfort, that's why it's a counter to that. Defender that stays back probably doesn't possess good skating & puckhandling, so our team will be forced to rely on forwards advancing puck 1v1 instead of passing triangles and multiple options of movement. Forecheck Offensive roles gain a lot from quickness, because offensive roles only gain DR from active actions and mostly in forecheck/NZ. That's why you can't take elite def attr center who is slow and make him perform well as screener, you need to switch him to two-way or backchecking. So if you have sniper/screener/perimeter shooter roles, players with speed need to forecheck or be prioritised while picking forecheck/NZ option, because they will improve their DR and team perfomance. Backchecking is continuation of that. If you want your Forwards to do work in DZ, they will need speed and to be able to get back from aggressive/pressing type of forechecks. 1-2-2 Description & illustrations: "The strength of this system is that the other team is enticed to bring the puck up the boards, and then the boards are taken away. Also if the opponent breaks out, usually only one forechecker is committed deep in the zone. The weakness in the 1-2-2 system is that the opponent has slightly more time to make plays on the breakout, and teams with good passing defensemen can hit the middle of the ice." https://i.imgur.com/LS0srDQ.png Player types, required actions & attributes: 1) Press defender with puck from middle of the ice (to deny simple straight pass to Center). Requires 1 pressing forward (center). 2) Close passing lanes to boards. Movement for wingers involve cross ice skating and change of positions, so they will need good skating. Requires 3 quick forwards (ideally with good hitting or stickchecking) https://i.imgur.com/0n0K81T.png 3) Defenders are not very active and stay back to give this forecheck solidity. It relies on workload and abilities of Forwards to be successful. 2 static defenders. Opp's weakness exploited: 1) Weak initiator center (slow, weak puckhandling/passing). 2) Over reliance on Wingers to advance the puck or be playmakers. Strong vs Stretch: https://i.imgur.com/M7UayHI.png Both variations of Stretch 1) Center stays in the middle waiting for pass (left side of image) 2) Center Swings behind net to find 3 stretched options (right side of image) don't perform well, because our Center mimicks his movement (press followed by moving into wide position) and we close the board with Winger. Even if opp's center skates to the middle of the ice instead of passing, there is no need for our static defenders to react. Plus opp's winger moved there and our Center and LW will be trailing them. Weak vs Through Center: https://i.imgur.com/wVNirKe.png Center is left uncovered and has multiple options. Through Center make him come very deep into DZ to pick up the puck, so he will move through middle of the ice and find space to receive the pass. It won't be the end of the world, but our forwards will skate around accomplishing nothing. So if you don't have exceptional stamina & skating there's no need to use this option vs Center initiator. Much better to commit & risk more playing 2-1-2 with cover on center and pressure on opp's defenders. Transition & continuation: NZ Coverage + 1-2-2 Wide (pressing forward, wingers with wide positioning, 2 static defenders) + 1-2-2 Lock (pressing forward, quick forward moving side to side, wingers with wide positioning) + 1-3-1 Trap (pressing forward, wingers with wide positioning) ? 1-2-2 Retreat (shape restricts opp's wingers, static defenders) ? 1-3-1 Boucher passive&reactionary, thus forward mobility loses it's purpose - 2-1-2 requires pressing defenders by wingers, forcing them to stay near middle of the ice, C and Wingers switch duties (press/blocking), defenders can't be static. - 1-1-3 mobility & wide positioning loses it's purpose. Best use: Line/unit with rigid structure, meaning forwards mostly responsible for OZ success and defenders for DZ success. Most common situation is slow-ish but elite otherwise defenders. You can play all OZ tactics that keep them near blue line and never expose goal or middle of the ice. Benefit of 1-2-2 is that only 1 forward commits to pressing deep, so opp will almost never catch you out of position and create something from slot. 1-1-3 Description & illustrations: https://i.imgur.com/UGunND6.png 1-1-3 saturates two key areas:middle of the ice and blue line. Center (pressing forward) tries to force puck movement to the boards, where passing options are limited compared to middle of the ice. That's where 1-1-3 takes different approach from 1-2-2 Wide. If opp's center tries to stay in the middle of the ice and manages to receive the puck, he also has blocked passing lanes. This option produces opp's forward giveaways because each on of them is checked and covered for (if center skates by LW, RD covers for him). So all they have left is to try and pass it through sticks waiting for it. Player types, required actions & attributes: 1) Center that can disrupt passing & skating by playmaking Defender 2) Opp has playmaker Defender + mobile Forwards line structure. 3) Opp has Defenders that can't skate or protect puck from our Center. Somebody like William Karlsson is great example https://i.imgur.com/sQGWSdx.png Not a type of player for physical team press or tactics that force puck to boards (weak hitting & power). But when teammates close passing lanes and puck advancing options for opp's defender, he can be one man press machine annoying defenders again and again. Even if he won't hit you, it's tough to outskate him and pass puck around him. 4) Wingers have less demand for mobility, so they could be more defensive type (better positioning&checking, weaker skating/physicals & def read) Opp's weakness exploited: 1) Weak initiator Wingers (slow, weak puckhandling/passing). 2) Over reliance on defenders as passing initiators. 3) Weak skating of defenders Strong vs Forwards High: https://i.imgur.com/S8e0gSZ.png All desired receivers are under check. Center, who has most space and should be either first or second pass target is under double coverage. Non along the board passes to wingers are also blocked. Weak vs Along Boards: https://i.imgur.com/XsqdaXm.png Driving along the boards is obvious weakness for tactic that wants to keep 2 forwards close to middle of the ice. Avoiding using opp's center as passing option and the fact that our center is trailing the play leaves defender on the board no chance to stop play developing. He can't split in two and there are always two simple pass options for opp's LD+LW pair. If puck goes to the other side it's same situation but worse. 2nd forward is even further from play, so opp's 2nd defender will have space & time to play puck back across the ice. Transition & continuation: NZ Coverage + 1-1-3: Natural fit, continuation of forecheck + 1-3-1 Trap: blocking passing lanes in the middle, 1 pressing forward + 1-3-1 Boucher blocking passing lanes and space in the middle + 1-2-2 Retreat: blocking philosophy, 1 pressing forward ? 1-2-2 Lock: requires mobile wingers, trapping instead of blocking, mobile defender (would be doable if you could micromanage who goes where) - 1-2-2 Wide: requires mobile wingers, opens up middle of the ice - 2-1-2: positional conflicts, different philosophy Best use: It should be situational, because it's very dependent on quality of opp's defenders. Somebody like Byfuglien https://i.imgur.com/HoqJONc.png won't succeed even with Along the Boards counter. He can't skate from anybody and will be checked again and again by our Center. But sadly, most of defenders with good pass who want to play with Forwards High (breakout option we counter) will be able to skate & have good puckhandling. So once you're in playoffs and play Karlsson etc 1-1-3 effectiveness will fall off the cliff. 2-1-2 Description & illustrations: "This system forces the opponent’s defense to handle pressure while also taking away all options up the boards. This is also a physical forecheck because F1 and F2 are in deep and looking to finish hits while the defense are set to come down the boards when the puck is moved to the opposition wingers. The 2-1-2 forecheck forces teams to use the middle of the ice to escape the zone. The strength of the system is in the pressure it applies while at the same time giving the opponent only certain areas to break out of the zone. The weakness of the 2-1-2 system is that at times you have a defenseman pinching and a forward back on defense accepting the rush when the opponent breaks out. Most forwards are weaker at defending the rush than any of the six defensemen." https://i.imgur.com/JSBJrEd.png Player types, required actions & attributes: Key for this option is that Center usually stays back and covers for defenders, who are more involved than in safe/pragmatic options like 1-2-2 https://i.imgur.com/7Fjk5qA.png So if you have slow defensive Center, like M. Koivu https://i.imgur.com/vekyj28.png you won't mind that switch, he's better than most defenders. But he might struggle skating around & chasing puck in pressing forecheck options. 2 pressing Wingers 1 defensive Center 2 mobile Defenders Opp's weakness exploited: Strong vs Along Boards: https://i.imgur.com/heMv4B7.png Wingers press opp's defenders and skate with them. Our defenders close boards for opp's Wingers. Pass to middle or drive from opp's Winger is blocked by our Center, who moves with the puck into defender's position and block trajectory of those actions. Weak vs Forwards High: Key problem for that option comes from defender moving from position. Even if Center covers for him, you're still stuck with 2 in the back. https://i.imgur.com/I51sQ8r.png Opp's Center is free to move 2 ways, and both times can be found with pass. So simple cross ice position change will allow opp to deal with forecheck. But then again, if you have Center like Koivu covering it should be ok unless C+D+D all lose race to their goal. Transition & continuation: NZ Coverage + 2-1-2 Natural fit, continuation of forecheck. + 1-1-3 2 pressing forwards, defensive center but static defenders. + 1-3-1 Trap use of defensive center & mobile defender, 1 pressing forward, 1 forward that needs to move along weak side board ? 1-2-2 Lock good player types fit, but positional troubles? - 1-2-2 Wide structure loses it's purpose, static defenders - 1-2-2 Retreat structure & philosophy lose their purpose, static defenders - 1-3-1 Boucher structure & philosophy lose their purpose Best use: Main benefit of C-to-D switch is that it's much easier to transition into blue line or middle of the ice saturating neutral zone coverages (1-1-3). So in a way we can switch things up between opp's DZ (forecheck) and NZ. In forecheck 1-1-3 beats Forwards High, that beats 2-1-2 forecheck. So if opp has average skater @ center, we can go 2-1-2 as forecheck to force mistakes. If opponents deal with it, they won't be able to attack with tempo. Then we can switch to 1-1-3 in NZ, and block all space in the middle. 2-1-2 forecheck and 1-1-3 NZ share same strength in limiting opp's skating defenders. 2-1-2 in NZ beats balanced attack, while 1-1-3 struggles. So if Forwards High breakout won't lead to breakaways, we can pick and choose our options, while forcing opp's defenders to be good at both passing & skating. 2-3 Press Description & illustrations: https://youtu.be/PALBOBCxFq0?t=39 https://i.imgur.com/SRA4rbg.png 2-3 press is all about hitting opponents upon receiving puck. Player types, required actions & attributes: Ideally, 5 quick & hard hitting players. But as mentioned before, it's tough to find players combining these particular attribute combos, since correlation between power & speed is usually negative. That's why secondary focus should be on non-dirty character (help with max hitting) and workrate (stamina & def read). Opp's weakness exploited: 1) Teams that rely on off-puck movement and "support" style to provide more passing options. 2) Inability to make quick decisions (low teamplayer & off read) 3) Inability to skate the puck or avoid getting hit (low quickness, low agility, low puckhandling, low balance&strength). Doesn't have to be all of them at the same time, but if you think about hitting Z. Chara, it won't be hard (he's static) but you might hurt yourself doing that. Strong vs Flexible Reaction: https://i.imgur.com/yindozm.png Initial goal of pressing defenders is to deny pass to center, so if it's successful, puck will go to winger near board. Our rotation of 3 creates wall in front of opp's center, and allows to cover for every mistake. So if opp's winger manages to escape RD's cover, our Center who moved to initial RD's position will meet him near board. LD will be covering opp's center and side-to-side passing lane, since LW will be trailing behind opp's right winger. Weak vs Stretch: https://i.imgur.com/w7g0B6B.png Unlike Flexible Reaction, Stretch doesn't stay compact and positions players far from each other (both vertically & horizontally) to provide them space to skate into. 1) When defender brings the puck from behind the goal (left side) our Center & LW get isolated and have to make actions that conflict with 2-3 press structure. LW has to stay on his side instead of chasing puckhandler, because of rotation of 3. Since puck moved to the other side he has to go back to LD's initial position. He's in between opp's C and RW, and since RW moves cross ice he will stay with ghost of opp's Center that faked swing behind the net. Center is too far from anybody to make a move and has to cover 2 passing lanes when rotating to RD's position. 2) When opp's center takes puck on the behind the net Swing, our RW has to press two player, then trail center. This allows passing lanes to be open. Opp's strong side winger went higher, this stretches 3 blue line cover players. Our Center is again too far from action to do anything, but has to move away from passing lanes to fulfill his duties. This just illustrates how Stretch style turns pressing/mobile against itself. Transition & continuation: NZ Coverage + 2-1-2 Pressing forwards, mobile defenders + 1-2-2 Wide Mobile Forwards, pressing forward, hitting on the boards + 1-1-3 2 pressing forwards, hitting, similar positioning + 1-2-2 Lock Blocking pass receivers, mobile forwards ? 1-3-1 Trap 1 Mobile defender,1 pressing forward - 1-2-2 Retreat Passive & non contact - 1-3-1 Boucher No pressing Best use: We want puck to move instead of players, so skating edge will be very important for success of this option: 1) Can be continuation of Dump In NZ Offense. Everytime puck is turned over we can hit them. Plus position near the board make opponents much more susceptible to hits. 2) Way to turn "slow skating & low tempo" unit's weaknesses against them. 3) Good option for physical edge. Even if other team has quick non-physical forwards, 2-3 positioning allows to cover for unsuccessful hits so mistakes won't be too costly. Torpedo Description & illustrations: "The system is called torpedo because the first two forwards in on the forecheck buzz from corner to corner, pressuring the puck.The third forward (F3), who is usually the center, stays high on one side. The defensive defenseman stays in the center of the blue line and is more of a safety. On the opposite side of F3 is the offensive defenseman. The offensive defenseman and the center have the freedom to pinch down hard on all passes up their boards and also move in offensively when F1 and F2 have puck possession. Some coaches will allow F3 and D2 to pinch all the way down the boards to the goal line on that side." https://i.imgur.com/qinhFhC.png "The advantage of this system is that F1 and F2 always provide pressure on the opposing defense, while passes up the boards are shut down by F3 and D2. Also when the puck is turned over, there are two potential passing options for F1 and F2. Offensively, F3 and D2 are always ready to jump in to receive a pass or take a shot. For this system to work effectively, the center (F3) must be good at playing back defensively because if D2 gets caught in the zone, F3 will have to play defense with D1. Few teams are as comfortable with their centers playing back as they are with their defense. Also the wingers who get in on the forecheck must be good, quick skaters who can “buzz” from side to side. As with other systems, the weakness in the torpedo system is that the middle of the ice is available for breakout plays. Although the torpedo is nontraditional and sometimes disregarded because of that, if you have the personnel to fit the descriptions of the positions, it is definitely worth trying." Torpedo System - Forecheck Player types, required actions & attributes So keys for torpedo: 1) Put pressure on defenders and force them to make a pass. Requires 2 pressing forwards. 2) Press Wingers soon after receiving & block their pass lane near boards. Requires 1 mobile defender. 3) 1 Safety defender transitions to NZ coverage with safety or saturated blue line & covers opp's Center in case of failed forecheck. Opp's weakness exploited: 1) Defenders susceptible to pressure (slow, weak puckhandling). 2) Inability to advance the puck as a unit (designated breakout player like in Through Center) Strong vs Through Center: https://i.imgur.com/OdIpZnV.png Both passing lanes from defenders to center are blocked. Swing behind the goal is also unavailable, since defenders are getting pressed there. Even if center manages to avoid pressing forwards, there is safety to cover for them. Weak vs Flexible Reaction https://i.imgur.com/UksRQs1.png Our pressing wingers block initial straight pass to opp's Center. But in Flexible Reaction everybody skates around reacting to position of opponents & teammates. So middle restricting pressing won't block passing lane to opp's center new position (in orange). Now opp's defender can find him or winger with a pass, with multiple options future options available. Safety can't split in two, so everybody starts picking from 2 poisons. Mobile defender has to cover middle of the ice, opening board for opp's initial pass defender to skate there. Transition & continuation: NZ Coverage + 2-1-2 press opp's defenders, mobile defender closes wide option on board + 1-1-3 two pressing forwards, safety defender + 1-3-1 Trap pressing/trapping forward, mobile defender, safety defender + 1-2-2 Lock 2 skating/trapping forwards, mobile defender closes wide option on board - 1-2-2 Wide, 1-2-2 Retreat, 1-3-1 Boucher lack pressing and are passive/reactionary in nature. Best use: The best use of this option should be mediocre 1st line that you match against 3rd of opponent. That way we can max all the positives and remove the negative: 1) Opp's defenders will be the weakest passers & decision makers, prone to mistake forced by pressure. 2) Our mediocre 1st will probably have 2-way Center or Mobile defender who can pinch down their Wingers. 3) Defensive defender can be reliable safety and won't hurt our pressing with things he can't do. 4) Their Center might be below average skater & attacker. So when he's left free by our scheme, it won't have much negative impact. Most 3rd lines got some sort of Grinder or 2-way slow Center. NZ Coverage 1-2-2 Wide "The most important factor in making it work effectively is the play of F1. He should never forecheck too deep or too wide and give up mid-ice space. F1 should take a shallow angle and steer the puck carrier to one side. If a D-to-D pass is made by the opposition, then F1 reattacks on a shallow angle once again. F1 must stay within 6 feet (1.8 m) of the blue line when initiating the push and take away the mid-ice pass with a well placed stick. Let the opposition have the return D-to-D pass. Essentially F1 remains between the dots through this sequence to once again take away mid ice space" https://i.imgur.com/nXQsO0R.png "F2 and F3 have simplified responsibilities. They stay on their side of the ice and lock the wide lanes (by staying in their specific lanes and skating backward to take away passing options). If the puck carrier comes up F2’s side, then he stands up (doesn’t back in) and keeps the opposition from gaining the red line (e.g., forces him to ice the puck). F3 takes the wide lane and makes sure no pass can get to a player in that lane. D1 and D2 keep a tight gap in the middle of the ice, ready to adjust to the puck (figure 7.3a). If the puck is moved to mid-ice or up the boards, then all five players react. D1 would overplay the boards when the puck comes up F2’s side. D2 stays in mid ice and F3 takes the wide lane" https://i.imgur.com/ALXDBiw.png So keys are: 1) Mobile Center with good Def Read. 2) Wingers can be weak chain in terms of skill, but have to be physical. 3) Defenders have to react and move, so better to avoid safety types that like passive defense. Because defenders leave their line to go higher, this option is weak against Dump In. Our Wingers that can hit probably won't be quick, so opp can utilize his quick wingers to full effect. 1-2-2 Lock "This system is common at many levels because it denies teams the ability to bring the puck up the middle and forces teams to move the puck wide and try to enter up the boards. F1 starts by steering the puck to one side, and unlike other systems mentioned, he may take away either the D-to-D return pass or the wide-lane pass, depending on which is a priority (figure 7.7). This will influence the angle F1 takes and also the position of his stick. F2 challenges O1 before the red line, forcing him to ice the puck or chip in behind. F3 locks across hard on the opposing player in mid-ice. F3 does not allow passes to any player in mid-ice and forces the opposition to make the long, wide pass to gain entry to the offensive zone. https://i.imgur.com/KOHQZzJ.png "D1 is ready to recover any chips in behind F2 and ready to challenge any bank passes to O3. D2 is responsible for any wide passes to O4. D2 must be alert because this is the one way teams try to break the 1-2-2 mid-ice lock—they will pass wide to O4 and try to have him pick up speed before the pass is made." https://i.imgur.com/yIDnUtg.png So LW being good defender is not the only requirement. Other forwards will need to move properly to close middle of the ice. This is really the prelude to DZ option where LW should be involved. We block funnel entrance and send opp's wingers wide (thus wide drive weakness). Now with the puck in his corner this good LW defender can help against Winger and be effective vs board combo (RD+RW). In the end it boils down to: 1) Right side is more potent (more right handed players who are more comfortable in driving behind goal etc). 2) We redirect opp's attacks there and make sure we have good defensive winger giving them hell all the way. 1-2-2 Retreat Description & illustrations: "This is a very defensive setup and is similar to the 1-2-2 mid-ice lock. The primary difference is that all five players tighten up, with F1 moving down to the top of the offensive zone circles and the two defensemen back no farther than the center red line. As the offensive team advances up ice, all five players skate backward and retreat in a tight pack (should move like there is a rope tying them together). This creates the visual of limited space for the offensive team." https://i.imgur.com/tEj5yMI.png Player types, required actions & attributes: Elite positioning, good shot blocking, teamwork, def read & checking for whole team. Speed for defenders makes sense only in terms of countering dump ins. Other than that, defenders will be in good position compared to other tactics, so it's an option for less quickness not more. Weaknesses related to active/physical defense: weak stamina, balance, strength&hitting, quickness, bravery etc. https://i.imgur.com/8ci45LC.png Much less sense trapping somebody near mid line with 1-2-2 Lock with player like this. Plus when we keep him close with defenders, he can cover for them even w/o quickness and keep opp's options on the outside. Foligno (from 1-2-2 Lock example) is also slow, but he can go to the boards and hit somebody there. Not an option here, so better to stay close together as unit. Opp's weakness exploited: 1) Weak puckhandling, playmaking, quickness of opp's defenders. 2) Inability to drive through defense: opp has no elite agility&puckhandling or good puckhandling&strength&balance players. 3) Mediocre pass & off read. Space will be restricted, time won't be. So there's no usual pressure on weak playmakers, but there is pressure not to make mistakes on dangerous/blocked passing lanes. This will be hard for 15 pass 15 Off Read guys. Strong vs Dump In: Because of defender's position (always deep at the back) it's hard to catch them off guard or find space with dump in. Dump in is already "50/50 fight for it" type entrance, it will have much less success vs tactic that contests it most. Weak vs Activated D: https://i.imgur.com/Ys81iFK.png Retreat doesn't force puck into pressing/traps, so when opp bring numbers from deep coverage becomes hard. Opp's center and Activated defender can be on same passing lane, and that will allow Act. Def to drive through middle or straight to the point through board. So cross movements & need for our players to cover 2 players will allow opp to skate into OZ w/o trouble. Transition & continuation: + Collapse to Net Importance of positioning, forcing opp to outside, positional fit. + Strict Zonal Importance of positioning, positional fit. + Wingers Down Low Positional fit (wingers near defenders), importance of positioning&checking on wingers, center skates between points to limit space. + 2-3 Importance of positioning on forwards, players close ? Sagging Zone Wingers move instead of Center, but otherwise good fit. Defenders need to be competent at active defense. - Half Ice Overload Opening slot to press on boards, so exactly opposite philosophy. - Man on Man No reason to play passively in NZ if you're able to play Man on Man. Best use: It can be surprisingly good fit for "attacking 4th" line types. Usually filled with prospects who are not there ability wise, but have good speed and offensive skills. Normally, you would never try to count on player like this https://i.imgur.com/5NtPA1t.png in teamwork + positioning type scheme. But "will he fit in 1-2-2 Retreat & good DZ tactic?" is not the right question to ask. Right question would come from understanding, that he has weaknesses and will suck on defense, so "how do you minimize that?". 1-2-2 Retreat can easily be the answer to that question: 1) He can be weak link in "teamwork oriented" mechanism, but it will continue working. In pressing/active options his fails will turn into 2vs1 for somebody else. Plus, weak defensive abilities will lead to much more PIM for active defender. So that's two areas where we can make him hurt team less because of passive & simple approach. 2) Do we really want him actively defending if he has weak stamina & power & stickchecking? It's not uncommon that these players are weak in all of those. 3) Previous points are usually countered by making them Danglers or "less backchecking" players. There are two major problems with that: All 3 forwards might be like that, so you can't defend 2vs5. They play fewer minutes, so no need for them to rest on the ice, even if they don't have good stamina. 4) The speed question is key one. Not only can quickness help in DZ (for zonal options), but it glues defense & offense together. We know that 1-2-2 Retreat and related DZ tactics lead to more interceptions than takeaways/hits. So that will allow us to turn weakness into strength by counterattacking. Nothing bad will happen if "Dangler" type will stand near opp's defensive defender and block passing lane to middle of the ice poorly. But with max interceptions this player will get plenty of chances to punish opponent for his mistakes. So classic counterattacking thinking: We acknowledge that they will control the puck more easily Block/prevent easy options of shot creation Force opp to get result through volume or risks Use frequent mistakes/giveaways to launch counterattacks and use weak def attribute wings strengths. 1-3-1 Trap "When looking at the 1-3- 1 the three 3 players across the middle of the ice definitely eliminate any room up the middle but gives up space behind on the far blue line. The theory is that it is more difficult to make the long pass especially through traffic. The 1-3-1 can be played in two ways, either by designating which defenseman is up in the middle of the ice or having the defensemen react depending on which side the puck is on. We believe it is easier if one D is designated as the up player and one D is designated as the back player https://i.imgur.com/bsJLYNH.png "F1 has the freedom to go a little deeper (and press or angle the opponent with the puck) in this system because three lanes are covered in behind. F2 and F3 play their sides of the ice—if the puck carrier comes up F2’s side, then he stands up and prevents him from gaining the red line. F3 makes sure the wide lane is locked up and also prevents any passes from going to players in behind D2. D2 tightens up in the middle of the ice, playing as far up as the top of the circle. D2 may skate forward or accept the rush skating backward. Regardless, D2 must keep a tight gap in the middle. D1 sits back and plays like a rover in football—stays in the middle initially and then reacts to wherever the puck goes" https://i.imgur.com/L3z5jxB.png Keys to success for this option: 1) Center that is a good enough defender&skater to close the trap on defender after forcing initial D-to-D pass. Skating edge of C vs D is quite common, so finding players for this role shouldn't be hard. 2) Active Defender that leaves blue line & def. pair. Idea is that he will have good enough checking and if he has to skate after Center, he will have help from safety. But that's where vulnerability vs Funnel comes from, we don't block Funnel area, and Defender left space in the middle to cover Center higher. So if you don't want to pay the price for that, make sure that at least one defender is capable skater, that won't lose race to the goal against Center. 1-3-1 Boucher The difference from trap variation is that Center is not active and stays near the middle of the ice i reactionary mode. https://i.imgur.com/S26himr.png https://i.imgur.com/NIpAJpk.png https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_lNo5JWkRY Blocking passing lanes in reactionary mode is more difficult. As you can see from examples, defenders can just move puck between them freely. Even though we block best passing lanes with 1-3-1 positioning, free defenders will always have 2 passing lanes open to them to find Winger. That's why our Winger positioning is important https://i.imgur.com/3PWJAiA.png If our Winger is a cone, quick passing will find the gaps and allow opponent to develop side-to-side attack where we will have to chase. If he's good at positioning and reacting, options will be closed and passes will have huge risks of being giveaways/turnovers. 2-1-2 "This is a common neutral zone forecheck off a lost draw, but it is also used effectively by many teams who want to apply more pressure in this area (when trailing in the game or in need of a more offensive approach). The 2-1-2 system is one of the more aggressive neutral zone forechecks. It is basically a man-on-man system in the neutral zone. F2 and F3 attack the opponent’s defense in a staggered fashion. Therefore if O1 has the puck, F2 will force and F3 will be halfway to O2. If a pass is made to O2, then F3 will jump immediately. F1 locks onto the other team’s center, making sure no passes can be made to the middle of the ice, because both defensemen have outside responsibility. D1 moves up on any passes to O4, and D2 does the same for passes to O5. It is important that one D remain in the middle of the ice at all times when the other D is forcing the outside" https://i.imgur.com/zbQP4eh.png Continuation of 2-1-2 forecheck. Man-to-man and putting pressure on defenders. Main matchup would be Center vs Center, because in forecheck he will drop back but here he will have to play his counterpart 1vs1. Either defensive Center to check effectively, or capable defender with good physicals (which is already requirement for man-to-man type defences). 1-1-3 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qupJSP8qYEw Differences from 1-3-1: 1) Much like in trap 1-3-1 Center has to force puck movement & chase puck. 2) Demand for mobility moved up the ice. If 1-3-1 has to skate to goal, here 1-1 forwards positioned up the ice have to move around and react. It's much easier to find forward that can skate with rushing defender than 1-3-1 demand of skating Defender matching with opp's center. 3) Saturating blue line leads to obvious strength vs Forward High style from opponent. Other options risk running into hit on boards, because it's very tough to enter through middle of the ice against that formation. All these reasons make 1-1-3 great as tempo killer. There's no reliable way to advance puck quick for opponent. Long pass targets are covered, quick drives will be redirected into hit. This also makes it great counter-attacking option. So when Washington used it for 4th line it was a good fit of players & tactics. Small amount of playing time, so high intensity playstyle for forwards (skate pressing high then counter after turnover) was doable. And if opp slowed it down, 4th line don't mind and rested for counter-attacks. Weakness is obvious when you understand strength. Vs slow & methodical entrance where everybody pass and move as a team 1-1-3 option will be very weak. https://i.imgur.com/4nYE8I0.png 1) Our Center can't block return D-to-D pass & pass to center at the same time. Second forward won't be able to cover movement of opp's LD and passing lanes at the same time. 2) If opp finds Center with a pass from defender they basically executed Forwards High style we were preventing. 3) If opp finds LW things get even worse. Now no matter who received the pass, they can start cross movement. Opp's LD can skate wide and create +1 overload. Our 2nd forward (LW) wants to stay in the middle, but if he skates to cover opp's defender, they can just use simple passes to turn attack around and use other side. Passing lane in the middle will now be open. 4) Worst part is that everything will happen around RW, who might not be as good as defenders. So that will be find to avoid when using 1-1-3: weak defensive winger. Other two need skating effort (effectiveness can be nullified) but this guy can't be hidden on blue line if he is slow f.e. In worst case scenario he will be put to the test, so slow defensive winger can be a good fit in this option https://i.imgur.com/fbCX7M7.png Especially in regards to his battle with opponent's defenders. Limiting them in more proactive way is tough: despite good def attributes quickness edge for opp is too big. One mistake and offensive defender will fly away from him. In 1-1-3 Activated Defender is redirected near boards and limited in space. So it's much easier to hit him or stop passing/driving attempts. Last edited by ExeR; 11-03-2020 at 04:26 AM.