The Cycle Tactic (OZ) Purpose The cycle is a tactic used to retain puck control in the offensive zone when under defensive pressure in a confined space. It is used primarily on the strong (puck) side between the hash marks, corner and area behind the goal line to the net. The tactic by design provides the puck carrier with puck support from behind along the boards. The player (F2) fills in from behind the puck carrier (F1) and calls for the cycle pass. The third forward (F3) positions to fill in behind of F2 to support the puck and call for a cycle pass, if the cycle needs to continue. The goal of the forwards is to find an open lane to the net and separate from defensive coverage. There are three cycles used; the low, high and reverse depending on the puck location and space available to move the puck. The cycle requires the offensive forwards without the puck to support the puck carrier from above, below and to the side by getting open and setting a passing lane while separating from coverage. The pass is direct or indirect towards the boards and should be executed with accuracy, touch and control. High Cycle Diagram 1 of 5
High Cycle Play Description (Advance the puck up the boards (wall) to High Seam) F1 moves the puck up the boards looking to take the puck to the net from the High Seam, F1 makes a controlled back pass off the boards to F2 who reads F1 has no lane or play option, F2 fills in from behind for the puck and continues up the boards to the hash marks looking for a scoring lane or play option to the net, F1 off the back pass advances toward the middle of the ice while reading F2 s play options; F1 can go to the net for a return pass or play on net or cycle in behind to support F3 if F2 likely isn't able to make a play and the cycle needs to continue. D2 has the option of dropping down from the weak side top position (back door) to receive a pass from the forwards cycling the puck (F1, F2 or F3). Note: A right handed shooting forward moving up the wall from the corner on the left side of the rink is always looking to take the puck down the high seam to the net for a shot on goal. The high seam is a scoring lane from the hash marks on the face-off circle to the net. Teams will practice the high seam net drive with different options. Low Cycle Diagram 2 of 5
Low Cycle Play Description (Advance the puck down the boards from hash marks to corner) F1 carries the puck down the boards to the corner or area below the goal line to the net, F1 is looking to make a play with the puck on net; alone if a seam or lane opens up to the net or through a cycle passing play or possibly to the weak side D coming down from the point back door, F1 has to be alert to hear the cycle call from F3 and be ready to make a controlled direct or indirect touch pass to F3, F1 then must decide to continue the cycle or break off to receive a pass off the cycle for a play on net, F2 is watching and reading the offensive situation because he doesn't know if he should join the cycle and support F3 or break to open ice, low or middle ice to support a play on net. D- Cycle or Reverse Diagram 3 of 5
D Cycle Play Description (Strong side D puck exchange along boards with F1) F1 carries the puck up the boards past the hash mark, strong side D (D1) skates down the boards for a puck exchange with F1, D1 looks to take the puck to the net from the coroner or area below the goal line, F2, F3 and possibly D2 can go to the net to support D1 with a play on net. Teaching & Coaching Cycle Play @TLPF we have posted two excellent drills for teaching and coaching the two player & three player cycle play available on the Hockey Canada Drill Hub. The two player cycle should be coached and mastered before progressing to the three player cycle. The cycle play is used to control the puck in a tight space with defensive pressure. Ultimately the goal is taking the puck to the net as a unit off the cycle. As mentioned before, teams that advance the puck on net the most usually win the most. Players have to be taught and coached how to support the puck in the offensive zone high, middle and low ice (different levels) to take the puck to the net and retain puck control. Skills For Cycle Tactic As players improve the following individual skills their ability to cycle the puck will improve: Puck control; the ability to roll the wrists and hands to change the blade angle of the stick to control the puck, the ability to keep the head up while stick handling to create ice awareness and read/react skills while still maintaining puck control. Passing skills. There aren't enough competitive hockey players at the elite level who are using the indirect pass these days. The indirect pass is an essential skill for ever player to master because defensive play improves with higher competition and the direct pass becomes harder to make with better coverage. The indirect pass executed with touch and control is part of every top player's game. The ability to give and receive a pass without the puck bouncing all over the place is another essential skill. Timing is essential as is the correct angle of approach to fill in behind the puck carrier on the cycle. The ability to protect the puck with the player's body is an essential skill to the cycle game. Skating ability is a huge component as the player must have balance, agility and maneuverability to move in tight spaces with or without the puck. 4 of 5
Attacking The Net Off The Cycle Once players can demonstrate the skills and abilities to execute the cycle without resistance it is important to add player resistance on a progression basis. The coaches should provide passive resistance at first and then progress to player resistance. The teaching and coaching of the skills to read and react to pressure and an open seam or scoring lane come once the players have mastered the timing, control and execution of the cycle. Breaking off the cycle for an attack on net with proper puck support in low and middle ice should follow. There are examples of different cycle plays that have been put on the site in play animation format. We @TLPF hope you take the time to review the different plays in animation format for learning purposes. Good luck with the cycle game! 5 of 5