Faceoff Winning Secrets: Techniques for Centers

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Winning faceoffs isn’t just about quick hands; it is a blend of leverage, body mechanics, preparation, and tactical reads. Elite NHL centers regularly win over 55–60% of their draws because they execute a physical routine before the linesman even drops the puck.

1. Fundamentals: Stance & Grip Mechanics

  • Choke Down for Leverage: Slide your bottom hand significantly lower down the shaft than your normal stick-handling grip. Lowering your hand closer to the blade gives you maximum torque and prevents your stick from bending or twisting on contact.

  • The “Underhand” Flip (Backhand Win): Flip your top hand so your palm faces forward/upward, or grip your bottom hand underhand. This position engages your forearm, triceps, and shoulder muscles, allowing you to forcefully snap the puck backward.

  • Wide Base & Low Center of Gravity: Keep your feet wider than shoulder-width apart with knees deeply bent. If your feet are too narrow, a strong opposing center will easily knock you off balance before you can sweep the puck.

  • Watch the Linesman’s Hand: Never watch the ice or the opposing player’s eyes—focus strictly on the linesman’s hand holding the puck. Your reaction time starts the instant their fingers release the puck.

2. Core Faceoff Techniques

1.The Backhand Draw (Bread & Butter):Best for clean back-to-defense wins.

  1. Turn your blade so the backhand faces the dot.

  2. As the puck falls, forcefully sweep your bottom hand back while rotating your shoulders.

  3. Use your upper body weight to press down through the heel of the stick blade to prevent the opponent from lifting your stick.

2.The Stick Lift & Sweep: Best against aggressive backhand drawers.

  1. Instead of aiming for the puck first, drive your blade directly under the heel of the opponent’s stick.

  2. Lift their stick off the ice with a quick upward pop.

  3. Pull the free puck back toward your defense or wingers with your second motion.

3.The Tie-Up (Body Block):Best in the defensive zone or against faster opponents.

  1. Drive your stick straight into the opponent’s stick shaft or hands to immobilize them.

  2. Step your front leg directly into their body space to lock them out.

  3. Kick the puck backward with your skate or let your supporting winger sweep the free puck.

4.The Forehand Push (Forward Break):High-risk, high-reward offensive zone play.

  1. Position your blade to sweep forward between the opposing center’s legs.

  2. Drive the puck directly past their feet to break straight toward the net for a quick shot or pass to the slot.

3. High-Level In-Game Adjustments

  • Read the Linesman: Every linesman drops the puck with a slightly different rhythm. Pay attention during early shifts to see if a referee drops quickly, pauses at the bottom, or favors one side of the dot.

  • Communicate Pre-Drop Plays: Always signal your wingers and defensemen before stepping up to the dot (e.g., “win to the boards,” “win clean to the point,” or “tying up—winger come in”).

  • Adapt to the Opponent’s Handedness:

    • Left vs. Right: Both centers compete for the same lane on their backhands, turning the draw into a direct contest of speed and strength.

    • Same-Handed Draw: Your blades will cross over each other; lifting the opponent’s stick or using body tie-ups becomes significantly more effective.

  • Flexibility Over Pure Strength: If an opponent is physically overpowering you on clean draws, switch immediately to stick lifts or body tie-ups to negate their leverage.

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