Executing the Laser Rake at the Faceoff
The laser rake is a quick, direct faceoff move designed to pull the ball into space immediately after the whistle. The player begins in a balanced stance with relaxed hands and the stick head positioned square to the ball. Body weight stays centered so the player can move explosively in any direction.
At the whistle, the top hand applies firm downward pressure to control the head of the stick while the bottom hand pulls straight back in a clean, linear motion. The rake stays tight to the ground, minimizing wasted movement and keeping the ball protected. The goal is to move the ball quickly into space rather than fighting through contact at the ball.
As the ball is raked out, the player stays low and accelerates to collect it or move through the opponent’s pressure. A successful laser rake relies on speed, precision, and clean mechanics to win possession efficiently.