Hockey Tip #3. To pinch or not to pinch: it’s not a guessing game.

If you are playing defense, learn these hockey tips and become the most reliable defenseman on ice. Every defenseman experienced that dragging feeling, followed by a split second of indecision. Should I commit or not? Is it the right time to pinch? What if I am too late? If you are one of those guys and are not sure whether to pinch or not to pinch, keep reading. In this blog entry I’ll give you few tips on becoming a more consistent defenseman. Remember them the next time you hit the ice and your teammates will thank you for that.

Pinching, if you don’t know what it is, is actually quite simple. Basically, it’s rushing forward off the opponents blue line when your team is in their zone. Sounds simple, right? The question you should ask yourself, when is the right time for this. If your timing is right - it gives your team an immediate advantage and you keep possession of the pack in the other team’s zone. If the timing is wrong – your opponent can easily have two and sometimes three on one rush back to you your own end. Players often think that pinching is like throwing a dice, sometimes you get what you want, sometimes – not. It should not be like this.

When to pinch

It is impossible to teach every game situation. With experience you will be able to read the game much better, and it will become a more intuitive decision. But for now, keep in mind those four simple “rules” and do pinch when the opportunity presents itself.

1) Where is the puck? The guy you are pinching towards does not have the puck yet or does not have control of the puck. You have to make sure to get to him faster than he can establish puck control and either make a pass or flick the puck against a board. If you can take away time and space from the guy by pinching – do it.

2) Your partner. The longer you play with your partner – the easier it becomes. There is nothing else that can boost your confidence than the trust you develop with your defense partner. You can take a bit of a risk here and there knowing that he is going to cover you. Talk to him before and after the game, discuss game situations and how you can help each other on the ice. Ask him to cover the middle of the ice when you decide to pinch. Communication in this case makes it perfect. Develop trust in each other, and you no longer will be double guessing yourself.

3) Your line and the opponent’s team line. There is no secret that starting probably from pee wee age group every team has first, second and a third line. When as a defenseman you are playing with the 1st line you can pinch with more confidence than playing with the 3rd line. Who is on the ice for the other team also matters. You should be a bit more cautious and defensively-minded playing against their top line, and you could take more risk competing against their third line.

4) The Score. Everything else being the same, depending on a score you should either hold back or pinch. Do not pinch if there is a tie or you are leading by a goal or even two goals. You main responsibility here is to defend and shut the other team down. Your game is expected to be more conservative. Mistakes in one, or two goal games are very costly, so defend first, attack – second. However, if your team is loosing by a pair of goals, pinch, when the opportunity is there. It might be exactly what you team needs to get back in the game.

When Not to Pinch

Stick to the following “rules” and do not pinch when:
1) Your partner is not a reliable defenseman. I know you should always be confident in your teammates, but the truth is you will be playing with both stronger and weaker defense partners. You have to use your best judgment here.

2) Your teammates, especially your wingers are out of position. Do not pinch if there is no chance for them to cover you.

3) Your team is losing by one, it’s a tie, or your team is winning by one or two. In those game situations you have to hold back and shut the other team down. The exception here, when it is late in the game and your team is loosing by one.

4) You are playing against a really fast winger. Be more cautious here or you can get burned.

How to pinch

While pinching - do not hesitate. You have to commit everything you have and not double guess yourself. You must accomplish one of two goals: 1) take the puck or 2) take the player. It is an absolute key to being a successful and reliable pinching defenseman. Your task is to keep the puck in the other team’s zone and create an advantage for your team. I hope you liked this little hockey tips guide on how to pinch. Good luck! I know you can do it.