If you are keen when watching a hockey game, it is hard to miss certain routines. One aspect that has a specific way of doing it is changing lines. So, how do hockey players know when and how to change lines?
It isn’t hard to know since this change occurs after a specific period. Equally important, hockey players can only change lines during certain moments during the game. In other words, some rules govern line changes in hockey.
It also explains why it only happens at certain times. By the end of this piece, you should also distinguish between a bad and a good change.
1. When Should You Change Lines During a Hockey Game?
Various factors determine line changes during a hockey game. The coach often determines its necessity, but there are instances when the players make that call. These instances can help the hockey players to change lines during the game.
1.1. Ice Time
Hockey players will only perform excellently if they are energetic enough to handle the ice and the game. Unfortunately, the players’ energy levels usually decrease with time. Within no time, fatigue kicks in and can jeopardize one’s performance regardless of the skills.
Every player can tell when that time comes, thanks to their internal clocks. If they can’t handle another second of ice time due to fatigue, that’s an appropriate time to change lines. On average, a forward’s regular shift lasts 45 seconds to a minute. On the other hand, the shift of the defensemen is relatively longer.
1.2. Game Status
The situation of a game can also demand a line change. It often occurs during the last minutes and is common among teams with fewer goals. This line change usually involves letting go of the goalie and replacing him with an extra attacker.
Under such circumstances, players have no choice but to change lines fast. Consequently, the team will have the fresh legs it needs to overturn tables.
1.3. Special Situations
A coach can determine line changes during a hockey team to optimize opportunities. Such rare yet crucial opportunities include a penalty kill or power play. Since not all hockey players are good at this, a line change may be necessary.
The coach decides to deploy the players suitable for these special situations. After all, such moments are rare and powerful enough to change any match.
1.4. Coach Directive
What most people don’t know is that teams have several coaches. These personnel meet to discuss any necessary line change worth implementing. The meetings could be before or during the game, with each discussion affecting the team somehow.
What may persuade the coaching staff to change lines varies from one situation to another. It could be to achieve a certain strategy. In other instances, it depends on a line’s performance or the game flow.
So, a line change occurs as soon as a coach deems it fit. It usually depends on the current situation or time.
1.5. Teammates’ Decision
As hockey players play on the ice, they usually communicate with their team members. Communication often involves various verbal cues and signals.
So, a player can easily tell his teammates when to change lines as they play. It could be due to failure to keep up or exhaustion. Besides signaling, hockey players can also shout to their fellow players regarding the need to change lines.
1.6. Strength of the Opponents
A hockey team needs to ensure each line is a perfect match for its opponents. So, lines may be determined by one’s opponents.
On one side, a team wants to be able to tackle the team they are against. On the other hand, it wants to water down the strength of its opponents by taking advantage of their weaknesses. Therefore, change lines occur to achieve the two simultaneously.
1.7. Signals from the Bench
It is no secret that players on the bench are usually keen on what’s happening on the field. Once they start non-stop motion, it is often an indicator that they are ready to change lines.
They have been tracking the game flow throughout the match. Besides, they also have techniques for communicating with their teammates as they play on ice. Under such circumstances, they have a great idea of what may be right for the team at that particular time.
So, the coach may consider changing these lines based on the non-stop motion on the bench.
2. How Do Line Changes Work in Hockey?
The hockey team consists of a goalie, three forwards, and two defensemen. In most cases, the forwards and defenders change their positions with other respective players after 45 seconds.
Due to this small time interval, hockey players change lines throughout the game. Can you imagine the two teams changing 6 defensemen and 4 forwards every once in a while?
The hockey team doesn’t have to change lines when the game is ongoing. There is another option for making changes during stoppages. In these cases, the officials will whistle the play dead for a while.
3. The Importance of Knowing When to Change Lines
Changing lines in hockey games should be a well-coordinated exercise. Otherwise, the team may land in trouble, usually if excess players are on the ice. A bad line change is the main cause of this issue.
In this case, someone who isn’t supposed to enter the game does so, making the players more than enough. In other instances, it is as simple as the new player entering the field before the old one leaves.
This practice will cost a team a two-minute minor penalty. It is no secret that such situations are often a game-changer in any match.
Final Words
It is interesting how hockey player how hockey players know how to change lines. The signals come from different parties. It could be from an individual player, teammates, hockey players on the bench, or the coach. It also often depends on the situation.
The team effort ensures the hockey team plays excellently throughout the team. The team is aware of the need to change lines at any one time.
There are also players ready to replace players who can’t handle the ice. Under such circumstances, the team remains competitive every second of the game. The performance should always be at its best.
Last Updated on by Sathi