LOOK FIRST. RECEIVE READY.™ A Shoulder Check gives a Player information before the puck arrives. Coach Joey™ teaches Players to scan early so the first touch can lead directly into the next play.
U5-U7 • U8-U10 • U11-U14 • U15-U18 • Junior
Take a quick look around before the pass reaches you. Find a teammate, open ice, or pressure.
Hockey decisions happen quickly. If your first look begins only after the puck reaches your stick, pressure may already be on top of you. However, a quick pre-scan gives you useful information before you receive.
A shoulder check is not a long stare away from the puck. Glance, gather information, then return your eyes to the play. The goal is awareness without losing control of what is happening in front of you.
If pressure is tight, protect or move the puck quickly. If space is open, attack it. If a teammate is available, be ready to pass. Information matters only when it changes your decision.
A Shoulder Check helps a Player answer important questions before receiving: Where is the pressure? Where is the support? How much time do I have? That information can make the first touch far more useful.
Do not wait until the puck is already on the way. Look early enough to identify pressure and open space before your attention returns to the pass.
A quick look should not focus only on the nearest defender. Find teammates too, because the next play may be a pass rather than a carry.
The Shoulder Check should change what you do. If pressure is coming from one side, receive or move the puck toward the safer side when possible.
Do not stare behind you. Use a quick look, return your eyes to the puck, and update the picture again if the play gives you time.
The value of scanning is not the look itself. The goal is to know your next option sooner so you can pass, protect, skate, or shoot before pressure arrives.
Have a Coach or teammate give a visual or verbal cue behind the receiver before the pass. The Player must shoulder check, identify the cue, then receive and make the next play. Add pressure gradually as the habit becomes automatic.
Continue with Get Open, Make a Target and Reset After a Mistake. For more player-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
See the play before the puck reaches you. LOOK FIRST. RECEIVE READY.™
LOOK FIRST. RECEIVE READY.™
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.
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