🧠 Hockey IQ Breakdown: 3 Ways to Create Scoring Chances

Scoring goals is one of the toughest skills in hockey—and one of the most talked about. To beat defenders and goaltenders at higher levels, you need more than just dangles and a lethal shot. You need to out-think the opposition.

Here are three core principles that elite players and teams use to consistently generate quality scoring chances.

From: Topher Scott of The Hockey Think Tank (Apple Podcasts | Spotify)

1. 🥅 Use the Back of the Net

Why it works:

Attacking from behind the net forces defenders—and especially the goalie—to monitor both what’s in front of them and what’s happening behind them. That split-second confusion is often all it takes to capitalize, especially at the highest levels.

The Hockey IQ:

• Goalies (and defenders) must shoulder-check constantly.

• It creates unpredictability and hesitation in defensive coverage.

2. 🔄 Change Sides

Why it works:

Modern defenses pressure quickly and often overload the puck carrier to force turnovers. Quickly switching the puck to the other side of the ice breaks that aggressive pressure and creates space.

The Hockey IQ:

• Move the puck across the ice via a pass, rim, or skate it yourself.

• Changing sides resets the defensive structure.

• Opens up new shooting lanes and better angles of attack.

VIDEO: 3 Ways to Generate Goals

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