Jim’s Intro to Offside
Hi folks, Jim here, the only commentator who once tried to explain offside to a group of parents using salt shakers and accidentally started chess club.
What is offside?
Offside is a fundamental rule that governs how teams enter the offensive zone. A play is offside when an attacking player crosses the opponent’s blue line into the offensive zone before the puck fully crosses. The puck must be the first thing to enter the zone. If a teammate is already inside the zone when the puck comes in, play is blown dead and a faceoff is held in the neutral zone. The rule keeps the game fair, prevents 7cherry-picking,8 and forces teams to coordinate their attacks.
How does it work?
Offside is all about timing and positioning relative to the blue line.
- The Blue Line: It acts as the gate to the offensive zone. The puck must cross first, completely, before any attacking skater does.
- Skate Position: A player is onside if both skates are on or behind the blue line when the puck crosses. If even one skate is fully over before the puck, it’s offside.
- Delayed Offside: If attacking players enter too early but the defending team has the puck, officials may signal delayed offside. The attackers must clear the zone before re-engaging.
- Tag-Up Rule: Once attackers leave the zone and 7tag up8 by bringing both skates back across the blue line, they can legally attack again.
- Faceoff Location: When offside is called, the faceoff takes place just outside the blue line in the neutral zone.
This rule shapes the way teams move the puck up ice and structure their breakouts.
How do you make good decisions with it?
Smart offside decisions come from awareness, timing, and communication.
- Puck Carrier: Control entries by making sure the puck crosses the line first, either by carrying it in or passing it cleanly.
- Wingers: Time rushes so you stay onside without slowing the play unnecessarily. Keep an eye on the puck, not just your speed.
- Defensemen: Recognize when to hold the line and when to regroup if teammates get trapped.
- Team Communication: Yelling 7stay!8 or 7clear!8 helps teammates avoid unnecessary whistles.
- Regroups: If things get messy, pull the puck back out, reset, and attack again cleanly.
How do you master it?
Mastering offside is about developing instincts and synchrony. Players learn to keep their heads up, read puck movement, and time entries precisely. Teams practice controlled zone entries to keep their formation intact. Wingers learn to 7delay8 at the line, slowing just enough to stay legal, while puck carriers make crisp passes that hit teammates in stride.
What does it look like when done right?
Clean zone entries look effortless. The puck crosses the blue line first, teammates follow in perfect sync, and the attack unfolds smoothly without hesitation or whistles. Good teams make this look automatic, maintaining full speed without drifting offside.
Commentator’s Corner
Jim’s Take
I’ve seen more promising rushes die at the blue line because someone got a little too eager. The puck is the VIP. Everyone else waits their turn to cross.
Parent Tip
Use simple analogies to explain offside to players, like a race where the puck is the starter’s pistol. Once they get the timing concept, the rest clicks.
Player Tip
Keep your head on a swivel near the blue line. A quick glance at the puck and some good footwork can save your team from a costly whistle.
A Final Thought
Offside might sound technical, but it’s really about rhythm and teamwork. Master it, and your rushes stay sharp, your entries stay clean, and your offense keeps humming.
