ADVANCED TRANSITION SYSTEM

• The 4-10-4 is a transition system used by teams that have a number of players with good “Two-Way” (offense + defense) playing ability, or when advantageous to change the pace during a game lacking momentum (usually as an adjustment in between periods).

• This strategy involves 4 full time defenders, 10 full time transition players (two-way) and 4 full time offenders (2 lefties + 2 righties).  The 10th "transition" player should be a versatile player that can fill in anywhere, as needed (i.e. if a teammate is tired, injured, in the penalty box etc.).

• Full time offensive players change with full time defensive players (standing by the door) and vice-versa.  Transition players ideally change only for each other (standing in the middle of the bench); ideally lefty for lefty and righty for righty.

• In the first and third periods (not seen in the diagram), transition players play defense, transition the ball deep into the offensive zone, play offense, guard against reverse transition and then change through the offensive door once the situation is deemed safe.  During the second period the transition players start out on offense, run back and play defense, help transition the ball deep into the offensive zone and then change (as shown in diagram).