CATCH IT MOVING.™ Receive a Pass in Motion so the puck arrives inside the flow of the play instead of forcing you to stop. Coach Joey™ teaches Players to control the puck while keeping their feet active.
COACH JOEY™ BY AGE
U5-U7 • U8-U10 • U11-U14 • U15-U18 • Junior
U5-U7 + U8-U10 — Keep Moving
Present your stick, watch the puck, and keep your feet moving as you receive a pass.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What should you try to keep doing while receiving a pass?
U11-U14 — Match the Pass
Adjust your speed and blade angle so the puck arrives under control. Cushion harder passes and guide the puck into useful space.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What helps you control a harder pass?
U15-U18 + Junior — Receive Into the Next Play
Position your body and stick so the reception flows directly into a pass, shot, escape, or acceleration. The first touch should help create the next advantage.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What should an advanced first touch do?
Why Receiving in Motion Matters
Stopping unnecessarily gives defenders time to close space. By contrast, receiving while moving can preserve speed, improve passing options, and help you attack an opening immediately.
Give the Passer a Target
Show your stick blade and make your route easy to read. A good target helps the passer deliver the puck into an area where you can control it without breaking stride.
Control the First Touch
Do not simply let the puck hit your blade. Cushion it, guide it, and keep it in a position that supports the next play. As Players improve, the first touch becomes part of the decision.
5 Smart Ways to Receive a Pass in Motion
Receive a Pass in Motion by matching your skating, stick position, and hands to the puck. The goal is control without giving away the speed and space you already earned.
1. Show the Passer a Clear Target
Keep your stick available and your body positioned so the passer knows where to send the puck. A clear target makes the reception easier for both Players.
2. Match the Puck With Soft Hands
Do not stab at the pass. Cushion the puck by allowing the stick to move slightly with its speed and direction.
3. Keep Your Feet Active
The point of learning to Receive a Pass in Motion is to preserve movement. Avoid unnecessary stops when the play allows you to keep skating.
4. Scan Before the Puck Arrives
Know where pressure and support are before the reception. That information helps you receive toward the safer space or prepare the next pass, shot, or carry.
5. Receive Into the Next Play
A good reception should connect directly to what happens next. Control the puck toward the space or option you intend to use rather than collecting it without a plan.
Practice Receiving While Moving
Begin with short passes to a Player gliding through a wide lane. Increase speed and change the passing angle as control improves. Add light pressure later so the Player must scan and decide where to receive the puck.
Continue with Get Open, Make a Target and Short Shifts. For more player-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Joey’s Takeaway
Receive the puck without ending your momentum. CATCH IT MOVING.™
Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
CATCH IT MOVING.™
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.