Understanding The Center Position

Role and Responsibilities: Faceoffs & D-Zone Coverage

• Faceoffs

  • Communicating BEFORE the puck is dropped

    • The center is responsible for making sure everyone is on the same page before the puck is dropped. What are we doing on a faceoff win AND a loss? What set plays are we doing? These are all things that are done and discussed at higher levels. The center is similar to a quarterback in football. Take charge before the puck is dropped and get everyone on the same page.

  • Win the faceoff

    • As a center, If you want to play in every situation and be someone a coach will put on the ice all the time, then it is important to win the majority of your faceoffs. Take some time to practice this skill and learn various tricks to give you the edge over your opponent.

• Low & Slow Breakout Support

  • Center option for the defense for a breakout pass

    • The center's first responsibility is to swing low into the defensive zone, staying underneath the puck to give the defenseman a safe and reliable outlet. This low support provides an easy pass if the D is under pressure or if wingers aren’t yet available.

  • Option for wingers when they receive the puck on the boards

    • On a breakout, the center supports the wingers by being the link between them and the defense. After swinging low to support the defenseman, the center must provide a middle support option if the winger receives the puck and needs to dish it quickly. By driving up the middle of the ice with speed once the breakout starts, you will create space for the winger by pulling defenders toward the middle.

Center Support

Winger Support

• Defensive Support

  • As a center you are basically the third defenseman when you are in the defensive zone. Your job is to help win the puck back in corners and along the walls. The first photo below shows where a center should be in that situation.

  • You are also responsible for anyone in the middle of the ice or in the soft areas of coverage. 

  • Finding the “high guy” and players in the soft areas 

Center Support In Corner

High Forward/Soft Area Coverage

Key Attributes Of a Center

• Speed

• High hockey IQ

• Strong defensively 

• Ability to win faceoffs

• Strong puck carrier

• Good vision/passing