1 on 1 Dekes are tricky to get right, but if you follow a few simple rules, you will soon have the confidence to pull off some really effective dekes in the game. Dont worry about what type of deke youre going to do (ex Windmill, Between the Legs etc), let the computer handle that, your goal is to focus on timing and following the simple rules.
Rule #1: The sticks move together.
It is important to keep the sticks aimed in the same direction when you attempt your deke. The right stick controls where the puck goes and the left stick controls the direction of your deke. So if you want the puck to end up where you end up, then keep the sticks aimed in the same direction.
Rule #2: Skate in the direction of the deke first, then deke.
You need a little momentum in the direction of the deke before you attempt it or you will find your skater unable to make any sort of significant direction change with the deke. If I am planning to deke to the right, I move the left stick in that direction for a split second before I deke. If I want to do a quick stop and deke back the other way, I have to push the left stick in the opposite direction before I deke. You dont actually have to start skating in that direction, you just have to let it know thats the direction you are planning to go.
Rule #3: Give yourself some room.
They are called 1 on 1 dekes for a reason. Dont be a hero and try to deke around three guys in the slot. Use the 1 on 1 dekes to get around single defenders so that you can get into the slot. Make sure the area where you are dekeing into is clear of defenders before you attempt the deke, because you can lose the puck very easily while performing the deke if you get bumped or someone gets a stick in the way.
So here is my deke thought process:
1. I see a defender coming in for a check, stick lift or poke.
2. I see open ice to my right.
3. I get ready to time my deke as the defender gets closer.
4. Right before I deke, I push the left stick directly right.
5. Then I quickly recenter both sticks and then push both sticks to the right and press L1 simultaneously.
I find that dekeing directly left and right is most successful. Also right after a quick stop, you can lose the defender by quickly dekeing back the other way.
(Videos to follow soon)
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Great post, I found the tip about skating in the direction that you wish to deke prior to performing the deke particularly useful.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the videos! Thanks
Little bit of type in your article I believe. Your left stick controls the direction your player will travel and the right stick controls where the puck ends up after the deke.
ReplyDeleteNaturally, if you push them in the same direction the puck will end up where your player is after the deke. That doesn't mean it's always the best decision to mash the sticks in the same direction.
When a player is trying to check me from an angle, we'll say a 45 degree angle, and he is approaching from the side I carry the puck on, I pull the puck to a one-hand, hold L1 (LB for 360), push the left stick down and in the direction of the oncoming check, and push the right stick up and to the direction of the oncoming check.
The result is my player hops back avoiding the oncoming check and the puck goes puck goes forward. The would be check splits right through the puck and myself. Once he safely flies by with his botched check, I recollect the puck and travel to the net.
It's difficult to explain but if you want to try it out take a left handed skater, bring the puck to one hand, hold L1, push the left stick lower left, and then push the right stick upper right. You would pull this move when a defender is coming at you from the left.
Also, it is very important that you always push the left stick to which ever direction you want prior to pushing the right stick. Once you hit the right stick in any direction the deke is initiated.
Last tip, if you want to do a Windmill deke and you are uncertain when the Dman will finally commit to the check it can be very difficult to try and pull the puck to the back hand and then pull off the move before the defender hits you. The answer to this problem, as you approach the defender, but still at a distance where he can not check you, pull the puck to your back hand and hold down the L1 button. Once you have the L1 button held down you can let go of the right stick and your player will still keep the puck on his backhand until you either hit the right stick again to pull the loose puck deke or you let go of the L1 button. So when the defender is close enough all you have to do is tap the right stick in a direction and then wave goodbye to him.
Human Dmen will pick up on the move eventually. Once that happens do the same thing with pulling the puck to the back hand and holding L1, let go of the right stick while keeping L1 pressed. Odds are they will play you a little more conservative this time to avoid anymore embarrassment so they'll be trying to poke check. As soon as you are within their range to land a poke check just let go of L1 and skate at full speed as fast as you can. You wont pull any deke at all, when you let go of L1 your player brings the puck back to his forehand and you beat him with speed. Flat footed D-men skating backwards are not as fast as you.
Enjoy.
Correction made, thanks for pointing that out.
ReplyDeleteGood stuff from Below and Mr. Anon there, this will give me the confidence to finally start deking more often rather than leaving it to chance. Thanks and keep posting, guys.
ReplyDeleteVery informative article which is about the Perfectionist and i must bookmark it, keep posting interesting articles.
ReplyDeleteHow to Stop Being a Perfectionist