Increasing Your Hockey Knowledge & Awareness

Defining the Term 'F'

 

It is imperative that  if you wish to advance into the junior, college & pro hockey ranks that you understand the term 'F'  and improve your hockey vocabulary.

F simply means 'Forward', and can be anyone of left wing, right wing, or centre.

Traditional Hockey

The old-school way of playing and understanding the game consisted of three forwards: Left Wing, Right Wing, and Centre, with defined areas of the ice.  For example the left winger must stay on the left hand side of the ice.  This way of play is o.k. as it forces players to stay in  an area where they are best suited.

Change in the Game of Hockey

The game has evolved into aggressive puck pursuit, support and positioning.  So teams have adapted their systems changing their forwards into an 'F' system.

 

F1 = Forward closest to the puck, or with the puck

F2 = Second forward in on the play, and supports F1

F3 = Last forward to in the rush & must read off of F1 & F2

 

This is commonly used as it allows teams to play a high tempo game and have players in great position at all times.  In using the "'F-system' It allows all 3 forwards to be involved in the play at all times.  'F' requires that all players on a team be smart and be able to react to situations on the ice to help the team win.

• This system can be played in all 3 zones
• F1, F2, & F3 are always interchangeable with LW, RW & C as the puck changes position on the ice
• Can be used in specialty situations as well: Power Play, Penalty Kill, Extra Man, Face-Offs

 

This is why when you watch an NHL game that you see players skating every where on the ice.  When you see a Left Winger in the right corner, it is likely that he was 'F1' and doing his job.

For Members

For an in depth look into 'F', go to the 'Mental Edge' section of the site and watch the videos and follow up with the exercises provided.

Exercise

Next time you watch a game live or on television, see if you can identify F1, F2, & F3.

From there you will begin to understand how to play an advanced hockey system as a forward.

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