GAP CONTROL - Another Critical Core-Playing-Concept

COACHES & PLAYERS:   Gap control is another critical core-playing-concept that MUST be understood and leveraged appropriately


By Paul Lubanski


In today's blog--we explore its meaning and significance:

At least once a season I feel compelled to reintroduce the critical core playing concept of GAP control. It is essential that all youth hockey coaches and participants know, understand and can identify with the term.

So first, what is a basic GAP?

GAP is a word used to both define and characterize the space/distance between the attacking players and the defending opposition. You must be cognizant of the fact that GAPPING occurs on a continuous basis throughout a game, in all three zones, from BOTH an offensive and defensive perspective.

Most commonly however, you have heard of GAPPING as it relates to the defensive side of the equation. Hence,the two most typical GAPPING situations that repeatedly occur in a game are:



1. Defensive players have "backed-off" and are allowing the attacking team space; this is known as playing a "loose GAP."

2. Defenders have not "backed-off" and consequently are pressing the attackers in close-proximity; this is referred to as playing a "tight GAP."

Again, as I referenced earlier and as you read just above, we mostly hear of the term GAPPING from the defensive-side of things, and usually pertaining to our d-men playing in a line-rush-against situation. It is here that the defenders must be attempting to maintain as tight a GAP as possible. Thus, limiting the time and space available to manufacture a dangerous and successful play within that rush. However, d-men are not the ONLY players that constantly and consistently must be performing GAPPING maneuvers. You see, back-checking forwards are welcome to literally get-inside an opponents jersey in order to thwart a rush and they must be held accountable if the effort is not there to do so.

Do keep in mind that there are situations that require the defenders to utilize both "tight" and "loose" GAP strategies. While some can be dictated by the coach, the specific and appropriate system to employ can change radically for an individual player throughout a contest. Of course, if you watch closely, you will notice that the most intelligent, aware and skilled players are usually the best at recognizing when to switch from one approach to another.

TIGHT VS. LOOSE GAP?

Personally, I prefer my team play as "tight" a GAP as humanly possible. The "smother" strategy as I refer to it, can eliminate the most time and space by attempting to force the puck-carrier out of a potential play-making comfort-zone. This "tight" approach employs an aggressive, high pressure and "in you face" style that can serve to substantially limit the opponents options.

In my opinion, deployment of a "loose" GAP mantra is tantamount to playing a zone-type defense in basketball. While there may a few situations that arise that can warrant the "loose" approach, I would make certain that only my very best and brightest skaters are on the surface to carry out!

In conclusion, as a coach or player, you must realize and internalize that there are a number of core-skills that if mastered--will lead to GAPPING success. Among them: all aspects of skating--especially backwards, angling. stick-checking and basic body-positioning and checking.

BONUS TIP

Offensively, teach your players to be able to quickly recognize where the defenders are leaving a GAP for them to exploit. In a "tight" situation, it is best to consider a deke and/or bounce-off-the-boards move to reach around and leverage the open-space behind the defender.

In a "loose" situation, the space to create is often safely available in-front of the defense. USE IT!



Best of luck.



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