Transitioning from Winger to Center

[Ness]

I'm a righty and normally play right wing, but for an upcoming tournament in June, I was asked to play center due to lack of offensive depth. I know the center position has a lot more responsibilities than a winger does. Advice? Tips? Just need to learn about positioning and stuff like that.

 

[Mofletz]

Basically support your wingers. Support your Dmen.

When taking faceoffs, let your wingers know what you have in mind before the puck is dropped.

Get ready to skate miles.

 

[vaspa]

Defensive responsibilities are obviously much greater when you play center. I made the same transition from RW to C a good 15-20 years ago and my coaches told me that as a ground rule on C playing defense is to always try to stay between the puck and goal. I think it's still a pretty sound piece of advice.

 

[Devil Dancer]

Watch some videos on defensive responsibilities for centers. In short, you're responsible for the slot. You should also come back farther to take breakout passes from your D.

In the O zone, nothing really changes from W to C.

Also, read up on how to win a faceoff. There's an art to it.

 

[donkers*]

If you don't cover the guy in the slot your defense will hate you.

 

[Fanned On It]

Be prepared to skate more... you're going to be chasing down pucks a lot.

 

[qmechanic]

Check out How To Hockey's guide on "The Role of a Centerman."

 

[AcrossThePond]

Can only echo what's been said really.

Faceoffs - let your wingers know where you want them and what you're initially going to try and do.

Be prepared to skate A LOT more than you usually do, so try to get some extra fitness/practice in to compensate for fatigue.

Track back and help out defensively, also covering the slot, you don't want to leave that wide open!

Good luck and let us know how you get on!

 

[sanityplease]

Get ready to skate, Center is the 3rd defenseman. The other teams center is usually your responsiblility in your zone.

On breakout & moving down ice, try to get open & be a safe passing option in the center of the ice for your wingers.

Backcheck hard, remember you're the 3rd defenseman.

 

[Ness]

Thanks for the tips, fellas. The extra skating part does not sound fun, simply because I'm not as in shape as I should be. Lol.

 

[neksys]

Thanks for the tips, fellas. The extra skating part does not sound fun, simply because I'm not as in shape as I should be. Lol.

The good news is that you will be soon - you'll have no choice