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Offensive Zone Play: High Cycle

A cycle run at the top of the zone between our D and the closest F to change the point of attack without giving up the blue line.

F1F2F3D1D2HIGH CYCLE
F = forwards, D = defence (our five skaters) / Net we are attacking is at the top, our blue line at the bottom / Solid arrows = skating routes / Dashed arrows = puck movement / Black dot = puck

What this is The High Cycle is the same idea as the low cycle, but run along the blue line. When the puck is at the point and the shot lane is dead, the D and the nearest forward exchange spots so we change the angle and the shooter without dumping the puck low.

Reading the diagram D1 has the puck at the top of the zone. The solid arrows show D1 rolling off the puck along the line while F3 skates in behind to pick it up — the cycle happens above the dots. D2 slides across the top to keep the far side covered, and F1 and F2 hold their net-front and high-slot spots so the shooting lanes stay filled. Nobody leaves the zone; we are just moving the puck side to side.

Key ideas The high cycle buys a new shot lane. Change the angle, keep five skaters in the zone, and never turn your back to the blue line.

What to look for

  • Roll the puck along the blue line to find a new shot lane
  • Nearest forward swings in behind to take it over
  • Far defence slides across to cover the line
  • Net-front and slot stay filled so shots have traffic

Coaching cues

  • Feet moving before the hand-off
  • Hand it back, do not force it into a shin pad
  • Stay above the puck
  • One shooter, one screen, always

Common mistakes

  • Standing still at the point and getting shot-blocked
  • Both D on the same side of the ice
  • Forward cutting below the puck instead of behind it
  • Blind blue-line passes across the middle
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