Possession is key. The longer the ball is in your teams stick, the better chance you have to win. Face-offs are where you win that extra possession that could change the game. The face-off player is fighting at the X but the wing players are just as important. The wing players can make and break the work of the face-off guy.
As a wing player, your objective is to get the ball of the ground and too your offense. Simple as that. Many times wing players run straight down the half line right at the X, this doesn't help your teammate. You aren't allowed to touch either player facing off and it wont matter who wins the draw anyways, it will now be a six guy free for all. Communicate with your face-off guy, know where he is going to try to put the ball and get to that space. But getting to that space is useless if the other team is right on your hands, make seperation from your opponent; lean in and V-cut, use your body to box out and gain position. Be aggressive but be mindful that if you lose the ground battle you will be on D-fense. Don't put your self in a position where you will jeopardize your ability to play sound D-fense.
The middies shouldn't be the only ones getting involved in the face-offs. Attack and Defense should both be ready to help get that ball. Obviously attack and defense have to wait for the possession call to leave the restraining box. The moment the ball is picked up by the other team the attack should ride as hard as they can to the mid line. If you are able to get back the ball that is another possession for your team, and one less for your opponent. An extra possession could be the difference between a win and loss, so don't take face-offs lightly.
As a wing player, your objective is to get the ball of the ground and too your offense. Simple as that. Many times wing players run straight down the half line right at the X, this doesn't help your teammate. You aren't allowed to touch either player facing off and it wont matter who wins the draw anyways, it will now be a six guy free for all. Communicate with your face-off guy, know where he is going to try to put the ball and get to that space. But getting to that space is useless if the other team is right on your hands, make seperation from your opponent; lean in and V-cut, use your body to box out and gain position. Be aggressive but be mindful that if you lose the ground battle you will be on D-fense. Don't put your self in a position where you will jeopardize your ability to play sound D-fense.
The middies shouldn't be the only ones getting involved in the face-offs. Attack and Defense should both be ready to help get that ball. Obviously attack and defense have to wait for the possession call to leave the restraining box. The moment the ball is picked up by the other team the attack should ride as hard as they can to the mid line. If you are able to get back the ball that is another possession for your team, and one less for your opponent. An extra possession could be the difference between a win and loss, so don't take face-offs lightly.
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