In most instances, we use that expression -- "out of the mouths of babes"-- in reference to young kids saying the darnedest things. In this case, however, the enclosed video was sent me by an adult lady friend I've met through Facebook. Much like we'd envision young kids, however, my friend is purely a casual hockey fan, but, as you'll discover, a pretty insightful one.
With that, she's going to help me reinforce a couple of principles I've stated over and over again within these pages.
-- Dennis Chighisola
Out of the Mouths of Babes
Our Facebook dialogue began with my friend asking me if I'd seen the penaltyshot goal scored by a member of her favorite team, the Montreal Canadiens. No, I hadn't caught Lars Eller's sensational move, but CoachChic.com members have to know that I'm always dying to see any kind of new and exciting offensive play. Once you watch this video, we're going to discuss it on two levels -- one from a quick philosophical perspective, and the other from a fairly close look at what really went into Eller's play working. (Oh, as my lady friend said, "Look at this shot... amazing !!!!") Okay, so here's where that "out of the mouths of babes" thing comes into play. For, my friend followed the sending of that video with the observation that, "...that is exactly what the HABS need... there's not enough of twist like that with the hockey stick." Ya, her terminology isn't quite the same as we'd use to describe the move -- or the difference in Eller's approach to many other players. But, at the same time, I think you're sensing exactly what she was trying to say.
Actually, she attempted to explain herself a little better moments later, adding, "Meaning that players get lazy and don't try new techniques."
Okay, so Dennis is going to try to interpret his friend's observations in his own way, but repeating something I've stated countless times within CoachChic.com, in that great offensive players seem to have a certain "mentality" that causes them to try numerous wild tricks in practice, and then dare to try those things in the heat of battle. So, while the young lady may have been wrong to call ordinary players lazy, she was right-on to suggest that they don't seem to dare to try new techniques.
By the way... In the promotion of my "Incredible Stickhandling" video, I make the point that I truly believe a stickhandler's mentality can be encouraged. And to my way of thinking, fast acting balls combined with some nifty moves can get those kinds of juices flowing.
Now, with that hopefully established, I'd like you to review that video another time or two. This time, though, look for something else I often talk about when it comes to finishing a great puckhandling move. For, I firmly believe that the final move -- in this case, Eller's spin and tuck of the puck into the net -- wouldn't have worked unless he caused the goaltender to move in a certain way. (Go ahead, watch the video again to see what I'm talking about.)
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Having watched that a number of times myself, I'd have to say that Eller's sweeping across the ice (from right to left) caused the goaltender to start moving with him. And Eller's quick fake forehand shot just before spinning back also contributed to the goaler somewhat freezing.
Truthfully, I'm not in favor of players moving too much laterally on breakaways, shootouts or penaltyshots, because the best place for an attacker to be is the middle of the ice. Moreover, from that position, the attacker can move his hands (and the puck) faster and over a greater distance than moving his entire body.
Anyway, my real point here is that hardly any move is going to work without an outstanding set up or deke. Again, the attacker has to make a defender or goaltender do one thing -- or truly believe his fake -- in order for the next move to work.
