🧠 Hockey IQ Breakdown: Passing from a Loaded Position
Scoring from a clean shot is getting tougher every year — goalies are bigger, quicker, and more technically sound than ever.
The most efficient way to beat them today? Move the puck through the house.
Easier said than done.
To make those high-danger passes consistently, you need to sell deception — and one of the best ways to do that is by passing from a loaded position.
It opens up lanes and freezes the goalie, creating more net for your teammate to shoot at.
From: Adam Zlatkus of Along The Ice (YouTube | Instagram)
1. 🏒 Use It on 2-on-1s
Why it works:
When defending a 2-on-1, the defender’s top priority is taking away the pass. They’ll have their stick in the lane — forcing you to either sauce it or find the triangle.
But when you wind up in a loaded shooting position, you force the defender to react. Many will reach or bite on the fake, opening the passing lane just long enough to thread it through.
The Hockey IQ:
Works best on your off-wing since the pass doesn’t have to cross your body.
Add a leg kick or weight transfer to really sell the shot.
2. 🎯 Use It When You Have a Low-Percentage Shot
Why it works:
Even when you know you’re at a bad angle or too far out, the goalie doesn’t. They’re trained to respect every potential shot.
By loading up like you’re about to rip it, you can pull defenders and goalies out of position — opening up a seam for a high-danger pass across the crease.
The Hockey IQ:
Fake shots from poor angles often create huge backside openings.
Leg kicks and fake one-timers are especially effective in tight.
VIDEO: PASSING FROM A LOADED POSITION
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