One Touch
Making a play with a single touch of the puck.
This week's video showcases the importance of a player's ability to make a play with one touch of the puck. A player's first touch of the puck often determines success at any level of hockey. It is also a very good indicator of a player's quality of puck skills or "hands". It can also be viewed as a sign of a player with high hockey intelligence. Whether it is a puck recovery, pass reception, one-timer, or a touch pass to a teammate, the skill of making plays or setting up the next play with one touch of the puck is critical. Players that are able to execute plays with a single touch can simply play at a higher rate of speed, in a smaller space, and with less time (this is the hallmark for advancement from level to level).
The game last night between LA and Carolina included 9 total goals and resulted in another win for the Canes in overtime. Of the 9 goals between the two teams...6 were a direct result of the goal scorer and/or the setup man executing with one touch of the puck. Let's look at all six and see the effectiveness of a single touch and the variety of situations in which this skill is needed.
