The Ultimate Guide to Give and Go in Hockey: What You Need to Know

Welcome to the ultimate guide to give and go in hockey – the definitive resource for players looking to take their gameplay to the next level. If you’re a newcomer to the sport, give and go refers to a quick, one-two pass that enables the player with the puck to move forward and create scoring opportunities.

Here, we’ll provide you with an in-depth understanding of give and go, including its benefits, common mistakes to avoid, and techniques to perfect your skills. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, you’ll gain valuable insights into the game and learn how to incorporate this tactic into your gameplay.

So, let’s dive in and explore everything you need to know about give and go in hockey. Whether you’re a casual fan or a hardcore enthusiast, you’re sure to pick up some invaluable tips that will help you take your game to the next level.

Understanding the Basics of Give and Go in Hockey

Hockey is a fast-paced and dynamic game that requires players to have a wide range of skills and techniques to succeed. One such technique that has gained popularity over the years is the Give and Go, which involves two players passing the puck back and forth to create opportunities for scoring. Give refers to the initial pass while Go refers to the movement of the player receiving the pass towards the goal.

The Give and Go technique can be executed in various ways, including one-touch passing, give and go with a wall pass, and a give and go in motion. In this technique, the player who passes the puck usually moves to create space, while the player receiving the puck uses the available space to make a quick attack towards the goal. This technique requires quick thinking, coordination, and teamwork, making it a popular choice among players and coaches alike.

One of the main advantages of using the Give and Go technique is that it allows players to create scoring opportunities quickly, which can be especially useful in fast-paced games where time is of the essence. Additionally, the technique can create confusion and disorganization in the opposing team’s defense, providing an advantage to the offensive team. Timing is critical when it comes to executing the Give and Go, and players need to be aware of the positions of their teammates and the opposing team to make the most of this technique.

It’s important to note that while the Give and Go is a simple technique, it requires a significant amount of practice to master. Players need to develop their passing, receiving, and movement skills to execute this technique effectively. Additionally, players need to be aware of the opposing team’s strategies and adapt their gameplay accordingly. Practice and communication between players are key factors in mastering the Give and Go technique.

Overall, the Give and Go technique is an essential part of any hockey player’s repertoire. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it a popular choice among players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, learning and mastering this technique can give you a significant advantage on the ice. Stay tuned for the rest of our guide, where we will dive deeper into the benefits of incorporating the Give and Go technique into your gameplay, tips and techniques to perfect your skills, common mistakes to avoid, and examples of successful Give and Go plays in professional hockey.

What Is Give and Go in Hockey?

Give and Go is a common offensive strategy used in hockey that involves quick and seamless passing between two players, with the passer immediately moving to an open area on the ice to receive a return pass and continue the attack. The purpose of the give and go is to create scoring opportunities by catching the opposing team off guard and creating space for the puck carrier.

This strategy requires both players to have excellent communication and awareness of their positions on the ice. The player making the pass must be able to anticipate the movement of their teammate and deliver an accurate pass, while the recipient must be able to quickly read the play and move into an open area.

The give and go is often used as a counter-attack strategy, where the defending team is caught out of position or is in the midst of a line change. It can also be used as a way to break through a tight defense, as the quick passes can create gaps in the defensive structure.

How Does Give and Go Work?

The Give and Go is a two-part play that requires quick passing and coordinated movement between two players on the ice. The play starts with one player passing the puck to their teammate and then immediately moving into an open space, often towards the net.

The player who receives the pass, known as the Go receiver, then quickly passes the puck back to the first player, who is now in a better position to take a shot on goal or create a scoring opportunity for their team.

Timing is critical in executing the Give and Go play. Both players need to anticipate each other’s movements and be in sync to execute it effectively. If done correctly, it can catch the opposing team off guard and create a scoring chance.

Give and Go plays can be used in various situations, such as during power plays or when the team is trying to break out of their defensive zone. It is also a useful strategy when the team is looking to create an odd-man rush.

Where and When to Use Give and Go in Hockey?

Knowing when and where to use give and go can significantly improve your hockey gameplay. This play works best in tight spaces or when you need to quickly advance the puck up the ice.

One situation where you can use give and go is during a power play when you have a man advantage. Another is when you need to create a breakaway. It’s also useful when you’re trying to create confusion in the defensive zone.

However, it’s important to note that using give and go excessively can be predictable and easy to defend against. It’s best to use it sparingly and strategically to keep your opponents guessing.

The Benefits of Incorporating Give and Go into Your Gameplay

Enhanced Teamwork: Give and Go plays require players to work closely together, improving communication and teamwork. Players must be aware of their teammates’ positions and movements to execute these plays effectively.

Increased Scoring Opportunities: Give and Go plays are designed to create space and break through the opponent’s defense, leading to more scoring opportunities. It’s an effective way to catch the defense off guard and create an advantage.

Quick Transition: Give and Go plays allow for quick transitions from defense to offense, allowing players to quickly move the puck up the ice and catch the opponent off guard.

One of the most significant benefits of incorporating give and go into your gameplay is its ability to enhance team coordination and communication.

The give and go play requires a high level of communication between teammates as it involves passing the puck back and forth while in motion. This type of play encourages players to communicate more effectively and improve their coordination on the ice. By utilizing this strategy, teammates learn to trust one another’s abilities and become more in tune with each other’s playing style.

Effective give and go plays often result in a higher number of goals, which can boost team morale and increase confidence in their abilities. Additionally, mastering give and go can help players develop a stronger sense of teamwork and cooperation, which is essential to succeed in hockey as well as in life.

Creates More Scoring Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of incorporating give and go into your gameplay is the increased likelihood of creating scoring opportunities. When executed effectively, the give and go can lead to a breakaway, a 2-on-1, or even a 3-on-2 rush towards the opposing team’s net.

Additionally, give and go can help create space and open up passing lanes. By passing the puck and moving, players can force defenders to adjust their positions, creating gaps in the defense for offensive players to exploit.

Furthermore, give and go can be used as a strategy to draw defenders towards the player with the puck, opening up space for other players on the ice to get into position and create scoring opportunities.

Tips and Techniques to Perfect Your Give and Go Skills

Timing is everything: Proper timing is crucial to executing the perfect give and go. The player making the initial pass must wait for the right moment to make the pass and then move into position to receive the return pass.

Practice short passes: Short, quick passes are essential for give and go plays. Practice passing with a partner at close range to improve accuracy and speed.

Use body language: Nonverbal communication is key in give and go plays. Use your body language to signal your intention to your teammate, such as pointing where you want them to go or making eye contact.

Be aware of your surroundings: It’s important to be aware of where your teammates and opponents are on the ice to execute successful give and go plays. Scan the ice and anticipate the movements of your teammates to make quick decisions.

To execute a successful give and go, players need to have excellent stickhandling and puck control abilities. Some tips to improve these skills include practicing quick and controlled stickhandling, using both hands on the stick for better control, and keeping your eyes up to read the play and anticipate the next move.

Another useful technique to enhance your puck control is to incorporate fakes and dekes into your play. Fakes can be used to trick defenders and create more space for your teammates, while dekes can help you avoid defenders and maintain possession of the puck.

Finally, it’s essential to have good body positioning while handling the puck. Keep your body low and balanced, use your body to protect the puck from defenders, and be ready to react quickly to changes in the play.

By working on these skills, players can become more confident and efficient when executing give and go plays, increasing their chances of success on the ice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Executing Give and Go Plays

Not Keeping Your Head Up: One of the most common mistakes in executing a give and go play is not keeping your head up to anticipate the play. It’s important to have awareness of your surroundings, including your teammates and opponents.

Not Timing the Pass: Timing is everything in give and go plays. A common mistake is not passing the puck at the right time, resulting in a missed opportunity or a turnover.

Not Moving Without the Puck: A give and go play involves both the passer and the receiver. If the receiver is not moving without the puck, the play won’t work. It’s important to create space and be ready to receive the puck.

Not Communicating: Communication is key in any team sport, and give and go plays are no exception. Failing to communicate with your teammates can result in missed opportunities or turnovers.

Telegraphing Your Intentions to the Opposing Team

• Using the Same Give and Go Pattern Too Frequently: Repeating the same pattern can make it predictable for the opposing team to anticipate and defend against. It is crucial to mix up your plays and change your patterns to keep your opponents guessing.

• Passing Directly to Your Teammate: Passing the puck directly to your teammate without faking a shot or a change of direction makes it easier for the opposing team to defend against. Instead, consider adding some deception to your plays to create more opportunities.

• Not Moving Without the Puck: One of the critical aspects of executing a successful give and go is to keep moving without the puck after making the initial pass. If you stand still, you make it easier for the defending team to cover you and your teammate.

• Waiting Too Long to Make the Return Pass: Waiting too long to return the pass to your teammate can give the opposing team more time to close the gap and disrupt the play. It is essential to make the return pass quickly and accurately to capitalize on the open space.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can improve your chances of successfully executing give and go plays and keep the opposing team on their toes.

Not Following Through on the Go Part of the Play

One of the most common mistakes in executing a give and go play is not following through on the “go” part of the play. Players may make the pass and then stand still, assuming that their teammate will take care of the rest. However, this can lead to missed opportunities and lost possession of the puck.

Anticipation is key when executing a give and go play. The player making the initial pass should anticipate where their teammate will be heading and start moving in that direction. This allows for a quicker and smoother transition and puts pressure on the opposing team’s defense.

Communication is also important in ensuring that both players are on the same page. The player making the pass should let their teammate know that they should expect the puck back, and the player receiving the pass should communicate their intentions and positioning.

Maintaining Speed is crucial in a give and go play. Both players should maintain their speed and momentum to keep the play fluid and avoid getting caught by the opposing team’s defense. This can also help create more scoring opportunities and catch the defense off-guard.

Practice is essential in perfecting give and go plays. Players should work on their timing, communication, and speed during practice to ensure they can execute the play effectively in a game situation. Practicing with different teammates can also help players adapt to different styles of play and improve their overall coordination on the ice.

• Listen to your teammate: One of the biggest mistakes when it comes to executing give and go plays is not communicating effectively with your teammate. Make sure you are listening to their instructions and are both on the same page before attempting the play.

• Use clear signals: Communication is key to making successful give and go plays. Use clear and concise signals to let your teammate know when you are ready for them to pass the puck back to you.

• Practice with different teammates: Different players have different playing styles, and it is essential to practice give and go plays with different teammates to improve your coordination and communication skills.

• Don’t be afraid to give feedback: If you notice your teammate is not following through on the play or is not communicating effectively, don’t be afraid to give feedback. Constructive criticism can help both players improve their give and go skills.

Effective communication and coordination are essential to executing successful give and go plays. Make sure you are actively listening to your teammate, using clear signals, practicing with different players, and providing feedback to improve your give and go skills.

Examples of Successful Give and Go Plays in Professional Hockey

In hockey, give and go plays can be the difference between a successful attack and a missed opportunity. Here are some examples of successful give and go plays in professional hockey:

Example 1: In a game between the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Carolina Hurricanes, Tyler Johnson executed a perfect give and go with teammate Brayden Point. Johnson passed the puck to Point and then quickly skated toward the net. Point quickly passed the puck back to Johnson, who then scored a goal.

Example 2: During a game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers, Sidney Crosby used a give and go play to set up teammate Conor Sheary for a goal. Crosby passed the puck to Sheary and then quickly skated toward the net. Sheary then passed the puck back to Crosby, who quickly passed it back to Sheary for the goal.

Example 3: In a game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Anaheim Ducks, Patrick Kane executed a give and go play with teammate Brandon Saad. Kane passed the puck to Saad and then quickly skated toward the net. Saad then passed the puck back to Kane, who scored a goal.

Chicago Blackhawks – Kane and Toews Give and Go

Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks are known for their excellent give and go plays. In a game against the Dallas Stars in 2015, the two displayed their skill in executing this maneuver. Kane passed the puck to Toews, who immediately passed it back to Kane as he skated towards the net. Kane was able to beat the Stars’ goalie and score the game-winning goal. This play showcased their seamless communication and ability to anticipate each other’s movements.

The success of Kane and Toews’ give and go plays can be attributed to their strong chemistry and extensive practice together. They know each other’s playing style and tendencies, allowing them to make split-second decisions on the ice. Their speed and agility also make them difficult to defend against, as they can quickly change directions and create scoring opportunities.

The Kane and Toews give and go play has become a signature move of the Chicago Blackhawks, and is a testament to the effectiveness of this strategy when executed properly.

Montreal Canadiens – Gallagher and Galchenyuk Give and Go

In a game against the Dallas Stars on March 8th, 2016, the Montreal Canadiens demonstrated a perfect example of a give and go play. Brendan Gallagher, carrying the puck up the left wing, passed the puck to Alex Galchenyuk who was skating toward the net. Gallagher then immediately cut to the net, and Galchenyuk returned the puck to him with a quick pass for a goal.

Galchenyuk’s quick decision-making and accurate passing allowed Gallagher to score a goal in a crucial moment of the game. The give and go play was executed flawlessly, and it was a testament to the Canadiens’ ability to work together as a team.

This play showcases the importance of quick communication and coordination between teammates in executing a give and go play. Gallagher and Galchenyuk’s chemistry on the ice allowed them to read each other’s movements and anticipate the play, resulting in a successful goal.

Pittsburgh Penguins – Crosby and Kunitz Give and Go

The Pittsburgh Penguins have also had great success with give and go plays, particularly with their star player Sidney Crosby and former teammate Chris Kunitz. The duo executed several impressive give and go plays throughout their time playing together, including a memorable one in the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals.

In this play, Crosby received the puck from Kunitz and passed it back to him immediately, while Kunitz drove to the net. Kunitz then passed it back to Crosby, who had moved to a better position, and Crosby shot the puck into the net.

What made this play so effective was the quickness and precision of the passes, as well as the timing and positioning of the players. By communicating and anticipating each other’s movements, Crosby and Kunitz were able to create a scoring opportunity out of what seemed like a routine play.

Frequently Asked Questions