Bombardment in Hockey – Definition and Tips

Ever heard a commentator say a team is "bombarding" the net? It’s just a fancy way of describing a nonstop stream of shots aimed at the goal. Think of it as a rainstorm of pucks – the more chances you give yourself, the higher the odds something gets in.

Why Teams Choose a Bombardment Approach

Coaches love bombardment because pressure creates mistakes. When a defense has to deal with shot after shot, they can’t focus on positioning, so gaps open up. Those gaps often lead to rebounds, deflections, or a simple high‑danger shot that slips by the goalie.

Another upside is morale. Seeing the puck fire constantly can boost a team’s confidence while shaking the opponent’s nerves. Even if the first few shots miss, the sheer volume can wear down a goalie’s focus.

How to Spot a Bombardment Tactic

Look for a few tell‑tale signs: a rapid increase in shot attempts, players circling the slot, and quick passes that reset the play before the defense can set up. You’ll also notice the attacking zone staying crowded – forwards pile up, and defensemen jump forward to join the rush.

Stats sites often label this as “shots on goal per minute” or “corsi for.” A spike in those numbers usually means a team is using a bombardment strategy.

For players, the key is balance. You want to keep the pressure high without taking cheap shots that waste energy. Aim for high‑quality spots – the net’s five‑hole, the top corner, or a quick tip‑in from a traffic jam in front of the crease.

If you’re a forward, practice rapid shot release. The faster you can get the puck off your stick, the harder it is for the goalie to track. Defensemen can help by feeding the puck to the slot as soon as they win a battle in the neutral zone.

Goalies have a tougher job when faced with bombardment. They need to stay patient, track the puck’s line, and be ready for rebounds. A good goalie will stay square to the shooter and use the blocker to cover the high‑danger areas.

In practice, set up a drill where a group shoots while a few defenders try to clear the zone. Count how many shots hit the target area in a set time. This mimics a real game’s bombardment pressure and helps players get used to the pace.

Remember, bombardment isn’t just about firing blindly. It’s about creating enough chances that one will stick. Combine it with smart positioning, quick passing, and disciplined defense, and you’ve got a recipe for more goals.

So next time you watch a game and see a team peppering the net, you’ll know exactly why they’re doing it and how it works. Whether you’re a fan, a player, or a coach, the bombardment concept is a simple yet powerful tool in the hockey playbook.