Punch Turn

The “Punch Turn” is a different type of turn. It’s usually used when a player is trying to create time and space in a small area or trying to be deceptive when attacking an opposing player. Other names you may have heard it called include a “half stop” or a “hybrid turn.” It helps players change direction quickly and allows them to attack in a different way.

As part of this skating technique, the skate that opens up has to find the flat of the blade. If players are on their inside or outside edge, this is when they catch an edge and sometimes fall down. While one skate opens up on the flat, the other skate remains on the inside edge, almost like a tight turn, hence one of the names being “hybrid turn.” One foot looks like it is stopping while the other foot is tight turning.

For this blog, we will look at the punch turn used in different areas. Attacking a defenseman and using the punch turn at top speed can help create separation. When you are down low, using the punch turn creates deception that can help you escape pressure.

Having the ability to be agile and good on your edges (inside and outside) is part of the game now. The punch turn is a useful skill to learn and add to your game.

Five key points when teaching this technique are:

1. Extending the foot you are opening up in front of your body and onto the flat, not just beside the other skate. “Reach ahead.”
2. Pointing your toe in the direction you want to go.
3. When everything is activated, rotate your hips, turn your head, and let your stick lead you out of the turn.
4. When using this move, think about “spotting” the puck to the area you want to go instead of stickhandling it as you turn.
5. Have a good base with your feet and legs. If your base is too narrow, it does not allow players to generate the same speed or power. It also gives opposing players a chance to knock players off the puck easier.

Below, I’ve outlined a five-drill progression that you can use to help your players work on the “Punch Turn.” All drills can be found in the CoachThem Marketplace so you can easily add them to your personal playbook.

NEW: Click on video icon in the rink for the Drill video!

The below Practice Plan can be found in our Marketplace under Punch Turn.

1. Punch Turn - Activation Blue Line

On blue line:

• Working on the punch turn with both legs (alternate).
• Adding a puck and using the upper body with puck transfer.

2. Punch Turn - Activation On Circle

• Step 1: Trying to feel the ice under the skates by shaving with the skate. Use the circle to make one foot straight that leads.
• Alternate from both sides.
• Step 2: When he has the right weight on their edge, work on engaging the turn with the outside edge from the other foot.

3. Punch Turn - Wave And Turn

• Players start from the red line.

1. Work the punch turn one side - switch to the other leg when coming back.
2. Work the punch turn one side - switch to the other leg when coming back with the puck.
3. Punch turn and make a complete turn.

4. Punch Turn - From Corner

• The player goes up. Punch the inside and goes opposite. Cross-over, and quick release.
• We want to simulate a play where a forward receives pressure from D and creates separation with the punch.

5. Punch Turn - Fun Game 2 vs 2

• First team that touches the puck is offensive.
• If defensive recover, they have to feed their team (behind the line) and go out.
• The new 2 players become offensive and the players who were offensive become defensive.

Blog by CoachThem Contributor, Mitch Giguere

Mitch Giguere, ChPC, an assistant coach with the Wheeling Nailers in the ECHL, affiliated with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Mitch has his High Performance 2 from Hockey Canada, Advanced Coaching Diploma from the Canadian Sport Institute and is finishing his Learning Accelerator at the Canadian Sport Institute. You can follow his popular video breakdown on Social Media for more excellent hockey content.

Written by the CoachThem Team

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