Are you a hockey fan wondering what the term “hinged” means? Look no further because this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about hinging in hockey. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced player, understanding the concept of hinging is crucial to improving your skills on the ice.
So, what does hinged mean in hockey? Essentially, hinging refers to the act of moving backwards or towards the defensive zone in a swift and controlled manner, in order to regain possession of the puck or maintain defensive positioning. This guide will explore the different aspects of hinging, including its definition, how to use it, hinged shots and passes, benefits, common mistakes, advanced techniques, and hinged plays in drills and practice.
Whether you’re a defenseman, forward, or goalie, hinging is an important skill that can greatly benefit your game. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about hinged in hockey and take your skills to the next level.
Table of Contents
Definition of Hinged in Hockey
Hinged is a term used in ice hockey to describe a player’s movement in and out of tight spaces while maintaining control of the puck. Essentially, hinging involves using the edges of the skates to pivot and change direction quickly, allowing players to avoid defenders and create scoring opportunities. In other words, hinging is a technique that requires players to be both agile and skillful on their skates.
To hinge effectively, players must keep their knees bent and their weight balanced over their feet. They must also be able to move their upper bodies independently of their lower bodies, which allows them to make quick turns and sudden stops. This combination of balance, coordination, and agility is what makes hinging such an essential skill in hockey.
Hinging is also closely related to another important concept in hockey: gap control. When a player hinges, they are often doing so to maintain their position on the ice and keep the puck away from opposing players. By using their edges to move in and out of tight spaces, they can create more space for themselves and control the pace of the game.
Although hinging is typically associated with forwards and defensemen, goaltenders also use hinging techniques to move quickly from side to side and make saves. For a goaltender, hinging involves being able to shift their weight and position quickly and smoothly, while still maintaining balance and control.
Hinging is a fundamental skill in hockey that can take years to master. However, with practice and dedication, players of all skill levels can improve their hinging abilities and become more effective on the ice. In the following sections, we’ll explore some of the key techniques and strategies for using hinging in your own game.
The Meaning of Hinged in Hockey and Why it’s Important
Hinged in hockey refers to the technique of using your body as a hinge to generate power and accuracy when shooting or passing the puck. It involves rotating your body from your hips while keeping your upper body stable, creating a torque that transfers to the puck. This technique allows players to generate more power and accuracy, making it an essential skill for players at all levels of hockey.
Using the hinge technique is important because it allows players to generate more power and accuracy on their shots and passes. By rotating their hips and transferring their weight, players can generate more force behind their shots, making it harder for goalies to stop them. Additionally, hinging can improve a player’s accuracy, as it allows them to better control the direction of their shots and passes.
Another reason why hinging is important is that it allows players to make quick, efficient movements on the ice. By using their bodies as a hinge, players can pivot and change direction more easily, giving them an advantage over opponents who are slower or less agile.
Overall, understanding the hinge technique and how to use it effectively is crucial for any hockey player looking to improve their game. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, mastering this technique can help you generate more power and accuracy on your shots and passes, making you a more effective player on the ice.
Next, we’ll look at how to use the hinging technique in different situations on the ice, including shooting, passing, and defensive play.
How to Use Hinge in Hockey
If you want to use the hinge in hockey, you need to know the basics of executing it properly. Here are five steps to help you use hinge in hockey:
Step 1: First, stand with your knees slightly bent, and your stick on the ice in front of you.
Step 2: Next, pivot on your back foot, and turn your hips towards your target.
Step 3: Then, take a few strides towards your target while keeping your stick on the ice.
Step 4: As you approach your target, push off your back foot and snap your wrist to release the puck.
Step 5: Finally, follow through with your shot or pass by pointing towards your target with your stick.
Remember, the hinge in hockey is a versatile skill that can be used in various game situations. Practice it often to improve your overall gameplay!
Proper Body Positioning for Hinging in Hockey
When executing a hinge, proper body positioning is key to ensuring maximum effectiveness. The first step is to get low with your knees bent and your weight shifted slightly forward.
Keep your head up and your eyes focused on the puck or the play, and be ready to pivot quickly if necessary. Your stick should be in a neutral position, ready to make a play in any direction.
It’s also important to maintain a balanced stance, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight evenly distributed. This will allow you to quickly shift your weight as needed to make a play or pivot to a new direction.
Practice proper body positioning during drills and scrimmages to ensure that you’re ready to execute a hinge effectively when it matters most.
Remember, proper technique and positioning are crucial to making the most of your hinging skills on the ice.
Hinged Shots and Passes in Hockey
Hinged shots and passes are powerful and accurate techniques used to deliver the puck to a teammate or towards the net. These techniques are highly effective when executed properly, providing a fast and unpredictable shot or pass that can catch the goalie off guard. To perform a hinged shot, you need to use the power of your body rotation and weight transfer to generate momentum and force behind the puck. On the other hand, hinged passes require proper hand and wrist movement, as well as good timing and accuracy to deliver the puck to the intended target.
One of the most popular hinged shots in hockey is the slap shot, which involves hitting the puck with a full wind-up and follow-through motion. The power generated from the player’s body rotation and the speed of the shot can make it difficult for the goalie to track the puck. Another hinged shot is the wrist shot, which is quicker and more accurate, but less powerful than the slap shot.
When it comes to hinged passes, the saucer pass is a common technique used to lift the puck over an opponent’s stick or to make a pass across longer distances. The puck is elevated off the ice and spins like a frisbee, allowing it to travel over obstacles and reach the intended target. Another hinged pass is the backhand pass, which can be executed quickly and accurately when done properly, providing a surprise factor for the defense.
Hinged shots and passes require practice and skill to master, but they are essential tools for any hockey player who wants to take their game to the next level. Proper technique, timing, and accuracy are crucial when using these techniques, so it’s important to practice them regularly to improve your skill level and become a more effective player on the ice.
By incorporating hinged shots and passes into your game, you can become a more versatile and dangerous player on the ice, able to create scoring opportunities and make plays that can turn the tide of a game. These techniques are used by some of the best players in the world, and with enough practice, you can master them too.
The Wrist Hinge for More Powerful Shots and Passes
The wrist hinge is a crucial aspect of hinged shots and passes in hockey, and it can greatly enhance the power and accuracy of your shots and passes. To execute a proper wrist hinge, start by cocking your wrists back as you load up for the shot or pass.
Next, as you initiate the shot or pass, release your wrists and allow them to snap forward quickly, generating a whipping motion that adds extra speed and force to the puck. It’s important to keep your arms and upper body relaxed and fluid during this motion, allowing for maximum transfer of energy from your wrists to the puck.
Practicing wrist hinges regularly will help you develop more powerful and precise shots and passes, making you a more effective player on the ice.
Remember, however, that wrist hinges should be used appropriately and selectively in certain situations. Overusing them can lead to decreased accuracy and control, so it’s important to strike a balance and use them strategically to maximize their benefits.
The Snap Hinge for Quick and Accurate Shots and Passes
Another way to use the hinged technique in hockey is with the snap hinge. This technique is used for quick and accurate shots and passes. It involves snapping the wrist quickly while maintaining control of the puck or ball.
To perform a snap hinge, start with your wrists relaxed and your stick on the ice. As you approach the puck, bring your stick back and flex your wrists back towards your body. Then, snap your wrists forward quickly to make contact with the puck or ball.
The snap hinge is especially useful for players who need to make quick decisions on the ice, such as during a fast break or when facing an aggressive defense. With practice, you can use the snap hinge to deliver powerful shots and accurate passes with minimal windup time.
It’s important to note that the snap hinge can take some time to master, and may require additional practice to develop. As with any hockey technique, it’s essential to practice proper form and gradually build up your skills over time.
Overall, the snap hinge is a valuable technique for any hockey player looking to improve their speed, accuracy, and overall performance on the ice. By incorporating this technique into your gameplay, you can become a more versatile and effective player.
The Stick Hinge for Better Stickhandling and Deception
The stick hinge can also be used to improve your stickhandling skills and create deception when handling the puck. By using the hinge in different ways, you can keep defenders guessing and create openings for yourself or your teammates.
One way to use the stick hinge in stickhandling is by using it to quickly change the angle of your stick and move the puck in different directions. By hinging your stick and quickly releasing it, you can make it difficult for defenders to anticipate your next move.
Another way to use the stick hinge is by using it to fake out defenders. By hinging your stick and then quickly pulling it back, you can create the illusion that you’re going to move the puck in one direction, only to quickly change direction and move it in another.
The stick hinge can also be used to create space for yourself. By hinging your stick and then quickly pulling it back, you can force defenders to back off, giving you more room to maneuver with the puck.
Finally, the stick hinge can be used to make passes with more accuracy and deception. By hinging your stick and then quickly releasing it, you can create a quick, snappy pass that’s difficult for defenders to anticipate.
Benefits of Hinging in Hockey
Improved Shot Power: Hinging your wrist during a shot can generate more power, making your shots more effective.
Better Passing Accuracy: Using the hinge technique during a pass can add more accuracy and precision to your passes, leading to more successful plays.
Enhanced Stickhandling: Incorporating the hinge technique in your stickhandling can make it easier to deceive opponents and maintain control of the puck.
Reduced Injury Risk: Proper hinging technique can reduce the risk of wrist injuries, such as sprains and fractures, by distributing the force of impact evenly across the wrist.
Increased Shot Power and Accuracy
One of the most significant benefits of hinging in hockey is the increased shot power and accuracy. By properly hinging your wrist, you can generate more power and speed behind your shots, making it more difficult for goalies to stop them.
Additionally, hinging your stick can help you achieve better accuracy by allowing you to control the placement of the puck on your stick before you release it. With practice, you can learn to hinge your stick in a way that helps you put the puck exactly where you want it to go.
Better Puck Control and Deception
Stickhandling: Hinging your stick helps you control the puck better, especially in tight spaces. With the ability to hinge your stick, you can maneuver around defenders and keep the puck away from their reach.
Deception: When you hinge your stick, you can also use it to fake out defenders. By faking a pass or shot with a hinge, you can make the defender commit, giving you an opportunity to make a move around them.
Protection: Hinging your stick can also protect the puck from defenders. By keeping the blade of your stick close to the puck, you make it difficult for defenders to poke it away.
Passing: Using a hinge can also improve your passing game. By hinging your stick, you can change the angle of your pass, making it harder for defenders to intercept. You can also use the hinge to pass through tight spaces or over defenders.
Improved Pass Accuracy and Creativity
Hinging can also lead to more accurate and creative passes. By using different hinge techniques, players can change the direction and speed of the puck, making it more difficult for the opposition to intercept. The wrist hinge is particularly effective for quick, accurate passes, while the stick hinge allows for more deceptive moves and unpredictable passes.
In addition, hinging can give players more options when it comes to passing. Rather than simply passing the puck in a straight line, players can use hinging techniques to pass around defenders or even behind their backs, increasing the potential for creative and unexpected plays.
Improved pass accuracy and creativity can be particularly important in power play situations, where the ability to move the puck quickly and accurately can make all the difference in creating scoring opportunities.
Common Mistakes When Hinging in Hockey
Over-reliance on one type of hinge: One common mistake players make is relying too much on one type of hinge, such as always using the wrist hinge. Using different hinges for different situations can help improve your overall game.
Not using proper technique: Another mistake is not using proper technique when hinging. This can lead to poor shot accuracy and power, as well as reduced puck control. Make sure to practice and use proper form for each type of hinge.
Focusing too much on power: While power is important, it shouldn’t be the sole focus when hinging. Accuracy and control are equally important and should be practiced just as much.
Hinging at the wrong time: Hinging at the wrong time can lead to turnovers and missed opportunities. It’s important to read the play and choose the appropriate hinge for the situation.
Lack of practice: Lastly, not practicing hinging enough can be a mistake. Like any skill in hockey, hinging requires practice to master. Make sure to include hinging drills in your practice routine.
Improper Timing and Execution of Hinge Techniques
Mastering hinge techniques is crucial for a successful hockey player, but improper timing and execution can lead to costly mistakes. Here are some common issues:
- Waiting too long: Hinging too late can make it difficult to get into a good shooting or passing position, leaving you vulnerable to defenders.
- Rushing the hinge: On the other hand, rushing the hinge can cause you to lose control of the puck or miss your intended target.
- Using the wrong technique: Different hinge techniques work for different situations, so it’s important to use the appropriate one depending on the game scenario.
Improper hinge execution can result in turnovers, missed shots, and ultimately, losing games. Take the time to practice and master the timing and execution of each hinge technique to become a more effective player on the ice.
Incorrect Stick Positioning and Body Movements
Stick Positioning: One of the most common mistakes in hinging is holding the stick in the wrong position. Placing the stick too high or too low can make it difficult to move the puck effectively. It is essential to position the stick correctly in front of the body to maintain control and execute accurate passes.
Body Movements: Another common mistake is incorrect body positioning during hinging. Players often lean too far forward or backward, which affects their balance and limits their ability to move the puck quickly. Keeping the upper body straight and centered over the skates can help maintain balance and improve overall performance.
Improper Footwork: Footwork is a crucial component of hinging, and improper foot positioning can hinder a player’s ability to move the puck effectively. Players need to ensure that their feet are in the correct position to generate power and execute quick movements while hinging.
Lack of Practice and Repetition of Hinge Techniques
Repetition is key when it comes to mastering any skill in hockey, including hinging. However, many players neglect to practice hinging regularly, which can lead to a lack of improvement in their technique and performance.
Effective drills for practicing hinging can include stationary drills where the player focuses on shifting their weight and maintaining a strong athletic stance. Dynamic drills can also be useful, where the player incorporates movement and agility while hinging.
Additionally, incorporating hinging into team drills and game-like scenarios can help players improve their ability to make quick and efficient transitions on the ice.
It’s important to note that proper form and technique should always be prioritized over speed and quantity of repetitions. Focusing on correct execution of hinging techniques during practice will ultimately lead to improved performance in game situations.
By prioritizing regular practice and repetition of hinging techniques, players can improve their overall performance on the ice and become more confident and efficient in their movements.
Advanced Hinging Techniques in Hockey
Delayed Hinge: This technique involves delaying the hinge movement until the opponent is committed to a particular direction, allowing the defender to quickly react and shut down their movement.
Reverse Hinge: Instead of moving backward, the defender performs a quick turn and skates forward towards the puck carrier, forcing them to make a quick decision and reducing the distance to the puck.
Double Hinge: This technique involves two defenders working in tandem, with one defender moving back and the other moving forward to pressure the puck carrier and force them to make a mistake.
Hinge and Go: This technique involves using a quick burst of speed after performing the hinge movement to quickly close the gap on the puck carrier and take possession of the puck.
What is the toe drag hinge?
The toe drag hinge is a technique used to deke out a defender while maintaining control of the puck. It involves dragging the toe of your stick on the ice to pull the puck back and then quickly moving it to the other side of your body, creating space between you and the defender.
How can the toe drag hinge lead to scoring opportunities?
The toe drag hinge can create scoring opportunities by fooling the defender and giving the player more space and time with the puck. This can lead to a clear shot on net or an open passing lane to a teammate.
The One-Handed Hinge for Quick and Sneaky Moves
The one-handed hinge is an advanced technique that requires skill and practice. This move is perfect for players who want to be quick and sneaky with the puck. To perform this technique, players need to have a strong grip on their stick and excellent hand-eye coordination.
Here are some tips on how to execute the one-handed hinge successfully:
- Keep your head up: To execute this technique successfully, keep your head up, and keep an eye on the puck at all times. This will help you anticipate your opponent’s moves and react quickly.
- Practice your hand-eye coordination: The one-handed hinge requires excellent hand-eye coordination. Practice this technique regularly to improve your skills.
- Use your body to protect the puck: Use your body to shield the puck from your opponent while executing the one-handed hinge. This will help you maintain control of the puck and create scoring opportunities.
- Master the fake: The one-handed hinge is an excellent way to fake out your opponents. Master this move, and you’ll be able to create scoring opportunities and leave defenders in the dust.
- Be patient: The one-handed hinge requires patience and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t master this technique right away. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be executing this move like a pro.
The one-handed hinge is an advanced technique that can give you an edge on the ice. With practice, you can use this technique to create scoring opportunities and outmaneuver your opponents. So, get out there and start practicing!
Hinged Plays in Hockey Drills and Practice
Integrating Hinged Plays: Coaches can integrate hinged plays in various hockey drills and practices to help players develop their skills in different game situations.
Passing and Receiving: Hinge techniques can help players improve their passing and receiving skills, as they allow for quick transitions and better control of the puck.
Shooting and Scoring: Hinge techniques can also lead to more scoring opportunities, as players can quickly maneuver around defenders and create open shots on goal.
Defensive Strategies: Defensively, hinged plays can be used to quickly transition from defense to offense, as well as to disrupt opposing teams’ offensive plays.
Team Building: Incorporating hinged plays into drills and practices can help build teamwork and communication, as players need to work together and communicate effectively to execute the plays successfully.
Incorporating Hinge Techniques into Stickhandling and Shooting Drills
Develop Quick Hands: Incorporate hinge techniques into stickhandling drills by having players practice executing quick toe drags and one-handed hinging maneuvers. Encourage players to perform these moves at a quick pace and to switch up the hand and foot they use for the hinging action.
Improve Shot Accuracy: Use hinge techniques to enhance shooting accuracy by having players perform one-handed hinge shots. Encourage players to focus on proper body positioning and follow-through while keeping their eyes on the target.
Incorporate Hinge Drills into Scrimmages: Practice hinge techniques in game-like situations by incorporating them into scrimmage drills. This will help players develop a better sense of when to use these moves in real game situations.
Use Obstacle Courses to Develop Hinge Skills: Set up an obstacle course that requires players to use hinging techniques to maneuver around cones, through agility ladders, and over small hurdles. This will improve their overall balance, agility, and coordination.
Challenge Players with Defenders: Have players practice using hinge techniques in one-on-one situations with defenders. This will help them develop the ability to create space and score goals under pressure.