RECEIVE IT MOVING.™ Receive the Pass while moving so the next play can happen faster. Coach Jane™ teaches girls to protect time, space, and momentum instead of stopping their feet to collect the puck.
Receive the Pass in Motion
Receive the Pass with your feet active and your next option already in mind. As a result, the puck arrives inside the flow of the play instead of ending it.
Coach Jane™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
Presenter script: “Hi, Coach Jane here. Match the puck with your stick while your feet keep moving. Control it without stopping the play. Receive it moving.”
Keep Your Feet in the Play
Young Players often stop completely when a pass arrives. Begin with short, controlled passes while the receiver glides through a wide lane. The goal is to cushion the puck without losing all forward movement.
As control improves, vary the angle and pace of the pass. Accuracy and control come before speed.
Prepare the Next Decision
Receiving in motion is useful because the Player can move directly into the next action. That might be another pass, a shot, a change of direction, or protecting the puck from pressure.
Coach Jane™ by Age
U5–U7 • U8–U10 • U11–U14 • U15–U18 • Junior
U5–U7 + U8–U10 — Glide and Receive
Start with a slow glide and a short pass. Let the Player control the puck before adding another task.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What is the first goal when learning to receive a pass in motion?
U11–U14 — Match the Puck
Adjust your hands and stick to the speed and angle of the pass rather than reaching stiffly at the puck.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What helps make a moving reception cleaner?
U15–U18 + Junior — Receive Into the Next Play
Scan before the puck arrives and receive it toward the space or option you intend to use next.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
Why scan before receiving?
5 Smart Ways to Receive the Pass in Motion
Receive the Pass while moving so the next play can happen faster. A controlled reception should protect speed, time, and space instead of forcing the Player to stop every time the puck arrives.
1. Show the Passer a Clear Target
Keep your stick available and your body positioned so the passer knows where you want the puck.
2. Match the Puck With Soft Hands
Do not stab at the pass. Cushion it by allowing the stick to move slightly with the puck’s speed and direction.
3. Keep Your Feet Active
Receive the Pass without giving away unnecessary movement. A good reception should fit inside your skating rhythm.
4. Scan Before the Puck Arrives
Know where pressure and support are before the reception. That helps you receive toward safer space and prepare the next decision sooner.
5. Receive Into the Next Play
Control the puck toward the option you intend to use next, whether that is a pass, shot, carry, or change of direction.
Practice Receiving While Moving
Start with short passes to a Player gliding through a wide lane. Increase the speed and angle of the pass as control improves, then add light pressure.
Continue with Look Before You Pass and Start Skating Before You Handle the Puck. For more player-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Jane’s Takeaway
Control the puck without stopping the play. The better the reception, the sooner the next decision can begin.
RECEIVE IT MOVING.™
Keep Learning With Coach Jane
Continue with Look Before You Pass and Start Skating Before You Handle the Puck.
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Jane™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.
