The Ultimate Guide: What Wing Should A Right Handed Hockey Player Play?

Are you a right handed hockey player trying to decide which wing position is best for you? If so, you’re not alone. Many players struggle with this decision, but it’s an important one to make in order to optimize your performance on the ice.

There are several factors to consider when choosing which wing to play, including your strengths and weaknesses as a player, the style of play your team employs, and the strategy of your opponents. It’s important to take all of these factors into account before making a decision.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of playing both the right wing and the left wing positions, as well as provide you with valuable tips on how to determine which position is best for you.

Get ready to take your game to the next level by discovering the wing position that’s the perfect fit for your playing style and strengths!

Introduction: The Importance of Choosing the Right Wing

Choosing the right wing position in hockey can be a make or break decision for any player, but it’s especially important for right handed players. If you’re not sure which wing to play on, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each position carefully.

One of the most important things to consider is your handedness. As a right handed player, you have a natural inclination to play on the right wing, but is that always the best choice?

Another key factor to consider is your playing style. Do you prefer to skate with the puck and make plays, or do you excel at finishing scoring opportunities? The answers to these questions can help determine which wing is the best fit for you.

It’s also important to take into account your team’s needs. If your team is lacking in scoring depth, you may want to consider playing on the left wing to balance out the lines.

Ultimately, the decision of which wing to play on comes down to a number of different factors. In this guide, we’ll break down the pros and cons of playing on both wings, as well as provide you with tips on how to determine which position is the right fit for you.

The Role of Wing Positions in Hockey

In ice hockey, each team has six players on the ice, including a goaltender and five skaters. Skaters are divided into three positions: forwards, defensemen, and the goaltender. Forwards are further divided into three positions: center, left wing, and right wing. The role of each position is critical to the team’s success.

Wings play a crucial role in the offensive zone, responsible for scoring goals and creating scoring opportunities for their teammates. They also need to be aware of their defensive responsibilities, as they are often the first line of defense in their own zone.

The right wing is typically responsible for scoring goals, shooting from the right side of the ice and working with the center to create scoring opportunities. The left wing is typically responsible for playmaking, passing to teammates and controlling the puck along the boards.

Each wing position has its own unique set of responsibilities and requires different skills, making it essential for players to choose the right wing position based on their strengths and weaknesses. The next sections will discuss the pros and cons of playing the right and left wing positions and factors to consider when choosing the best wing position for right-handed players.

Why Choosing the Right Wing Position Matters

Choosing the right wing position in hockey is crucial for any player, especially for right-handed players. A misaligned position can negatively impact a player’s ability to perform at their best, affecting both individual and team performance.

Playing on the wrong wing can make it difficult to receive passes, shoot accurately, and maneuver the puck. It can also result in being positioned on the weaker side of the ice, making it more challenging to defend against the opposing team.

Additionally, choosing the right wing position is important for team strategy. Each position has specific responsibilities, and having players in their correct positions optimizes a team’s performance.

Therefore, it is essential for right-handed players to understand the pros and cons of each wing position to make an informed decision and select the position that best fits their playing style and strengths.

Let’s dive deeper into the benefits and drawbacks of playing on the right and left wings, as well as the factors to consider when making this decision.

Right Wing Position: Pros and Cons for Right Handed Players

Overview: The right wing position is one of the most sought after positions in ice hockey. As a right-handed player, you have the advantage of being able to shoot from your dominant side, but there are pros and cons to playing this position.

Pros: One major advantage of playing right wing is your ability to take advantage of your dominant side. This can give you an edge when it comes to shooting and passing. Additionally, right wingers tend to have more offensive opportunities and can often rack up more points than other positions.

Cons: One major disadvantage of playing right wing is that you will have less time and space to make decisions with the puck. As a right winger, you will often be defending the boards and will have less room to maneuver. Additionally, you will need to have strong skating abilities, as you will often be responsible for breaking out of your own zone.

Playing Style: Right wingers are expected to be strong skaters and excellent passers. They need to have good hockey sense and be able to read the play well. Additionally, they need to be able to shoot accurately and often. Right wingers need to be able to work well with their linemates and communicate effectively on the ice.

Notable Players: There have been many great right wingers in the history of ice hockey, including Wayne Gretzky, Jaromir Jagr, and Mike Bossy. These players have all been known for their incredible offensive abilities and their ability to make plays happen.

Pros of Playing Right Wing for Right Handed Players

Offense Opportunities: Right wing players are often positioned to have better scoring opportunities on the ice, as they have easier access to the opponent’s net from the right side of the rink.

Strong Shots: Right-handed players have a natural advantage when playing on the right wing position, as their dominant hand is on the outside, which allows for stronger and more accurate shots.

Effective Board Battles: Right wingers are often called upon to dig pucks out of the boards and win battles along the wall, which is an area where right-handed players can excel due to their dominant hand being on the outside.

Cons of Playing Right Wing for Right Handed Players

Limited View of the Ice: Right wingers generally have a narrower view of the ice as they are on the right side of the rink. This can limit their ability to see plays developing on the left side of the ice, which can be disadvantageous during fast-paced games.

Difficulty Receiving Passes: Right wingers receive most of their passes on their backhand, which can be more difficult for right-handed players as their backhand is weaker than their forehand. This can lead to more turnovers and missed opportunities during games.

Defensive Challenges: As the last line of defense in their zone, right wingers need to be skilled at preventing opponents from entering the zone, intercepting passes, and clearing the puck out of the zone. However, right-handed players may have difficulty performing these tasks on the left side of the rink, where they are positioned as a right winger.

Impact of Right Handedness on Right Wing Performance

While playing right wing may seem like the obvious choice for right-handed players, there are actually several factors that can impact their performance in this position.

Stickhandling: Right-handed players may have an advantage in stickhandling on the left side of the ice, as they can use their dominant hand to control the stick and maintain possession of the puck. However, they may struggle with stickhandling on the right side of the ice, which could impact their ability to create scoring opportunities.

Shooting: Right-handed players shooting from the right wing may have an advantage in shooting accuracy, as they can use their dominant hand to shoot the puck towards the net. However, they may struggle with shooting power from this position, as they will not have as much momentum on their shot.

Defensive Play: Right-handed players on the right wing may struggle with defensive play, as they will need to turn their body and reach across their body with their stick to defend against players attacking from the left side. This can be a disadvantage, as it may take longer to get into a defensive position and increase the risk of giving up scoring chances.

Understanding the impact of right handedness on right wing performance can help players make an informed decision about which position to play. However, there are also other factors to consider, such as individual skills and team needs.

Left Wing Position: Pros and Cons for Right Handed Players

While many right-handed players naturally gravitate towards the right wing, the left wing can also be a viable option. Here are some of the pros and cons of playing left wing as a right-handed player:

Pros: Left wingers typically play on their off-wing, meaning that a right-handed player playing left wing will have their stick towards the middle of the ice, which can be advantageous for certain plays. Additionally, left wingers often have more opportunities to make plays in the offensive zone, which can be beneficial for players looking to rack up points.

Cons: Playing on the left side can be more challenging defensively for right-handed players, as they may have a harder time angling their body and stick to defend against shots and passes coming from the right side of the ice. Additionally, left wingers may be required to cover more ice in the defensive zone, which can be physically demanding.

Ultimately, the decision to play left wing as a right-handed player will depend on a variety of factors, including personal preference, team needs, and individual skill set. It’s important to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision.

But what about players who are left-handed? Stay tuned for our next section on the left wing position for left-handed players.

Before we dive into the left-handed player’s perspective, let’s take a closer look at some of the specific advantages and challenges of playing left wing as a right-handed player.

Pros of Playing Left Wing for Right Handed Players

Versatility: Left wingers are often responsible for both offensive and defensive duties, which can allow right handed players to develop a more well-rounded game.

Opportunities for Breakaways: As a left winger, right handed players will often have the opportunity to take advantage of breakaway situations by shooting on their strong side.

One-Timer Shots: Left wingers who are right handed can take advantage of one-timer shots when positioned in the left circle or near the boards, allowing for quick and powerful shots on net.

Passing Opportunities: As left wingers often play on the opposite side of the ice from right handed players, this can open up passing opportunities that may not be available to other positions.

Less Physicality: Playing left wing can often mean less physical play, as right handed players are often shielded by the boards and may not be involved in as many board battles as other positions.

Cons of Playing Left Wing for Right Handed Players

Limited visibility: Unlike the right wing position, left wing players have their back to the boards, making it difficult for them to see the game’s action. They may also have a hard time seeing the other players’ positions and movements, leading to missed opportunities.

Less natural shooting angle: Left wing players have to shoot from an awkward angle due to their position, which can result in missed shots and lower accuracy. This disadvantage may also affect their ability to take advantage of scoring opportunities.

Greater defensive responsibilities: Left wing players often have more defensive responsibilities than right wing players. They may have to cover the opposing team’s defenseman, which can be a challenging task. This defensive responsibility can affect their offensive game and decrease their scoring opportunities.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wing Position

Playing Style: Your style of play can determine which wing position suits you best. If you are a fast and agile player, you might consider playing right wing. If you prefer a more physical style of play, left wing might be a better fit.

Team Needs: Consider the needs of your team when choosing a wing position. If your team already has several strong right wingers but lacks depth on the left side, playing left wing could be a valuable contribution to the team.

Personal Preference: Ultimately, the decision of which wing position to play comes down to your personal preference. Consider which position you enjoy playing the most, as well as which position you feel most comfortable and confident in.

Training and Development: Keep in mind that developing skills for a particular wing position takes time and practice. If you are willing to put in the effort to improve your skills and adapt to a new position, it can be a worthwhile investment in your overall development as a player.

Playing Style and Strengths

When deciding on a wing position, it’s essential to consider your playing style and strengths. If you’re a player who enjoys quick transitions and plays aggressively, you may want to consider playing on the left wing. Left wings are often known for their fast, dynamic play and ability to create scoring opportunities.

Alternatively, if you’re a player who values defensive play and strength, you may be better suited for the right wing. Right wings often play a more conservative style and can provide stability on defense.

It’s also important to consider your strengths when deciding on a wing position. If you have excellent stickhandling skills and are comfortable making plays with your left hand, the right wing may be a better fit. On the other hand, if you have a strong wrist shot and prefer to shoot from your left side, the left wing may be more suitable for you.

Team Needs and Dynamics

• Playing with a strong center: If the team has a strong center, the left wing might be more involved in defensive play and providing support, while the right wing can focus on offensive play.

• Playing with a weaker defense: If the team has a weaker defense, the left wing may need to focus more on defensive duties and covering for the defensemen, while the right wing can focus on offense.

• Playing with a more aggressive or passive team: If the team is more aggressive and likes to forecheck, the left wing may be better suited to create turnovers and win battles along the boards, while the right wing can use their speed and agility to get open for scoring opportunities. If the team is more passive and likes to focus on defense, the right wing may be better suited to support the defensemen and create offensive chances on the rush.

• Playing with a new team: If joining a new team, it is important to understand the team’s system and how they play before choosing a wing position. Observing and communicating with teammates and coaches can help determine the best fit for the player’s skills and strengths.

Coaching and Development Opportunities

Skills development: When choosing a wing position, players should consider which position offers the most opportunities for skill development. A player should choose a position that allows them to grow their strengths and work on their weaknesses.

Coaching: Coaches play a significant role in the development of a player’s game. Players should consider the quality of coaching available for their chosen position. Good coaches can help players reach their full potential, while poor coaching can hinder development.

Playing time: Players should consider the amount of playing time they can expect in their chosen position. If a player is not getting enough playing time, they may struggle to develop their skills and improve their game.

Flexibility: Players who are open to playing multiple positions may have more opportunities to get on the ice and develop their skills. Being able to play multiple positions makes a player more valuable to their team and can increase their chances of getting playing time.

How to Determine Your Ideal Wing Position

If you are a hockey player trying to determine your ideal wing position, there are several factors to consider. First, consider your playing style and strengths. Do you excel at speed and agility or are you more physical? Your strengths can help determine which position is best for you.

Another important consideration is team needs and dynamics. If your team already has a strong left winger, it may be better for you to play on the right side. Or, if you have a strong center, you may want to play wing to complement their style.

Coaching and development opportunities are also important factors to consider. If you have a coach who is willing to help you develop your skills in a particular position, that may be the best position for you to play.

It’s also important to consider your own preferences and goals. Do you want to focus on scoring goals or do you prefer a more defensive role? Your personal goals can help determine your ideal position.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different positions. You may find that you excel in a position that you hadn’t considered before. Ultimately, the key to determining your ideal wing position is to be open-minded and willing to try new things.

Assessing Your Skills and Preferences

When determining your ideal wing position in hockey, it’s important to assess your skills and preferences. This will help you determine which position will best suit your playing style and allow you to excel on the ice. Here are some things to consider:

• Skating ability: If you have strong skating skills, you may prefer a faster-paced position like left or right wing. If you’re not as confident on your skates, a slower-paced position like center may be a better fit.
• Shot type: Are you more comfortable with a wrist shot or a slap shot? This can help determine which side of the ice you should be on. If you have a strong wrist shot, you may prefer to play on the opposite side of your dominant hand to make shooting easier.
• Physicality: Are you comfortable with contact and physical play? If so, left or right wing may be a good fit for you. If you prefer a more finesse style of play, center may be a better option.

Remember, everyone’s skills and preferences are different, so it’s important to assess your own abilities when determining your ideal wing position. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different positions during practices or scrimmages to see which feels the most natural to you.

Getting Feedback from Coaches and Teammates

Another way to determine your ideal wing position is to seek feedback from your coaches and teammates. They have more experience in the game and can provide you with valuable insights about your strengths and areas for improvement.

Ask your coaches and teammates about your performance in games and practices. What do they think are your strengths and weaknesses? Which wing position do they think suits you best? Listen to their feedback and take note of their suggestions.

You can also ask for more specific feedback about your skills. For example, ask your coaches and teammates about your skating speed, shooting accuracy, and defensive abilities. Their feedback can help you identify areas where you need to improve and focus your training.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Fit on the Ice

Choosing the right wing position is essential for success in ice hockey. Consider the physical demands of each position, your playing style and strengths, your team’s needs and dynamics, and your coaching and development opportunities.

Assess your skills and preferences to determine your ideal wing position. Take into account your skating, shooting, passing, and defensive abilities, as well as your size, speed, and agility.

Getting feedback from coaches and teammates is crucial to improve your performance and find the best position for you. Listen to their constructive criticism and use it to make adjustments to your game.

Remember that finding your perfect fit on the ice may take time and experimentation. Be open to trying different positions and learning new skills to reach your full potential as a hockey player.

Ultimately, the key to success in ice hockey is to find a position where you can contribute to the team and enjoy the game. By taking into account all the factors mentioned above and working hard to develop your skills, you can find your ideal wing position and make a significant impact on the ice.

Experimenting with Different Positions

Once you have assessed your skills, preferences, and received feedback from coaches and teammates, it’s time to start experimenting with different wing positions.

Try playing in different positions during practices or scrimmage games to see where you feel the most comfortable and effective. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, as this is the best way to learn and improve.

It’s also important to communicate with your coaches about your desire to try different positions and ask for their advice on how to improve your performance.

Staying Open to Change and Growth

Even after you have determined your ideal wing position, it’s important to remain open to change and growth. As you continue to play and develop as a hockey player, your skills and preferences may shift, and you may find that another position is a better fit for you.

Additionally, as you move up in levels of play, the expectations and demands of different positions may change, requiring you to adapt and grow in new ways. It’s important to remain receptive to feedback from coaches and teammates and to continue working on developing your skills.

Remember that hockey is a team sport, and sometimes the needs of the team may require you to play a different position or take on a new role. Embrace these opportunities for growth and development, and approach them with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

Frequently Asked Questions