A short corner is a hockey term that means the area on the pitch or ice that is closest to the home goalie’s net. It is usually occupied by three players: the centre (from where the puck is controlled), the winger who is closest to the goalie, and the trailer or the guy who is following the play from behind. The goal is to push the puck into the net as quickly as possible.
In the NHL, there are only two team positions that allow for players to spend the majority of their time at centre; the centre-wing hybrid and the quarterback. Similar to other positions in hockey, there is a large amount of individual skill and strategy that goes into being a good short corner player. Here are some of the strategies you need to know.
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Know Your Role
Short cornering is not a position that you can simply step into and succeed at. You need to know what your role is and act accordingly. You will usually be given a specific assignment by your centre and you must carry it out effectively. For example, your centre might tell you to join the rush or drop back and create a play for him or her when the defence is off-guard.
The most important thing for a short corner player to do is know where he or she should be in relation to the play. Positioning is crucial and you must find the right place for yourself so that you can be more effective. Learning the rules of the game and knowing when and where to join the rush can only take you so far to become a good short corner player. You need to be able to read the play and make the right decision quickly.
One-On-One Versus Two-On-Two
When there are more than two players in the short corner, the opposing teams battle for the puck on the floor while the short corner players try to prevent the puck from entering the net. If the defending team has the puck on the floor, the offensive players in the corner will also try to tip it their way so that they can start the transition game and attack the net. This is known as a one-on-one battle in hockey and it is an area that is both physically and strategically demanding. If you are playing against more than two defenders, you do not have the option of having two players back you up. You either need to outnumber the defenders or take the puck to the net.
The Importance Of Timing
Depending on the situation, a skilled short corner player can make a difference between a winning and a losing game. Sometimes, pushing the puck down the ice quickly and accurately can lead to a scoring chance. Other times, you might need to wait for a rebound or a deflection before you can put the puck in the net. You need to learn when it is best to push the puck and when it is better to wait for a moment of opportunity to score. The general rule is: the later it is in the period, the safer it is to push the puck.
The Importance Of Agility
Agility is the ability to change directions quickly and with precision. Your agility will determine your effectiveness as a short corner player. You will need to be able to quickly recognize a play and then take the right action. Another important thing is: you need to change directions smoothly and with balance. You should not be tipping or teetering from side to side as you move. This makes you easy to predict and allows the opposing team to clobber you.
Being a short corner player is all about knowing the game and having the right moves and tools at your disposal. You should not be afraid to use your head as well as your skill-set to the best of your ability. You should enjoy the challenge and look forward to using your brain as well as your brawn to outwit your opponent.