Deke vs. Dangle — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 9, 2024
Deke is a quick hockey maneuver used to mislead an opponent, usually involving a sudden change in direction. Dangle, however, refers to skillful stickhandling to maintain control and deceive defenders.
Difference Between Deke and Dangle
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Key Differences
In hockey, a deke is used by a player to make a defender believe they will move in a particular direction, only to change direction abruptly. Dangle, on the other hand, involves more prolonged and elaborate stickhandling, showcasing the player’s skill in controlling the puck through various defenders.
Deke typically involves a single, quick, and decisive movement designed to bypass an opponent immediately. Dangle focuses on a series of complex maneuvers and feints, often used to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities while moving through multiple opponents.
A deke is often a strategic move executed to get past a specific player or to make a direct approach to the goal. In contrast, dangling is about retaining puck control under pressure, allowing a player to navigate through tight defense or buy time for teammates to position themselves.
The deke is crucial in one-on-one scenarios, such as during a breakaway where a player needs to outmaneuver the goalie. Dangle, however, is used more generally in open play to evade several players and can be seen as a display of technical prowess and confidence with the puck.
Deke often leads directly to a shot or a pass after misleading an opponent, making it a quick and efficient way to clear a path. Dangling, while more risky and flashy, can demoralize opponents and excite spectators by showcasing a player’s high skill level.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To quickly bypass a specific defender
To maintain control and navigate through multiple opponents
Execution
Sudden, quick movement
Complex, prolonged stickhandling
Scenario Usage
Often in breakaways and one-on-ones
Useful in open play and tight defense situations
Outcome
Direct approach to goal, leads to shots or passes
Maintains possession, creates space and opportunities
Skill Showcase
Strategic and deceptive
Technical prowess and puck control
Compare with Definitions
Deke
Often involves a quick change in direction or speed.
With a swift deke, she bypassed the defense and took a shot.
Dangle
Involves complex moves and puck control.
She showed off her skills with a series of quick dangles.
Deke
A hockey maneuver to mislead a defender about one's direction.
He executed a sharp deke to the left, fooling the goalie completely.
Dangle
Used to maintain possession in challenging scenarios.
He managed to dangle the puck away from multiple opponents.
Deke
Essential in one-on-one scenarios, especially against goalkeepers.
The forward deked the goalie out of his skates for a goal.
Dangle
Skillful stickhandling in hockey to evade defenders.
His dangle through the defense was mesmerizing to watch.
Deke
A tactical move to gain advantage in play.
His well-timed deke allowed him to break away from the defender.
Dangle
Showcases a player's skill and confidence.
With a flashy dangle, he kept the spectators on their feet.
Deke
Used to create shooting or passing opportunities.
His deke opened up space for a clear pass to his teammate.
Dangle
Can demoralize opponents and energize fans.
His continuous dangle through the defense demoralized the opposing team.
Deke
To deceive (an opponent) in ice hockey by a fake
Deked the goalie with a move from left to right.
Dangle
To hang loosely and swing or sway to and fro
Earrings dangled from her ears.
Deke
A fake, intended to deceive a member of an opposing team in ice hockey.
Dangle
To cause to hang loosely or swing
Dangled my feet in the water.
Deke
(ice hockey) A feint, fake, or other move made by the player with the puck to deceive a goaltender or defenceman.
Dangle
To offer as an inducement or an enticement
Dangled the prospect of a promotion in exchange for his testimony.
Deke
As in hockey, a fake or other move to confuse other players on a team.
Dangle
(intransitive) To hang loosely with the ability to swing.
His feet would dangle in the water.
Deke
A quick detour.
Dangle
The action of performing a move or deke with the puck in order to get past a defender or goalie; perhaps because of the resemblance to dangling the puck on a string.
He dangled around three players and the goalie to score.
Deke
(Canada) To avoid, go around, or dodge an object, person, or conversation topic; often by using trickery.
Dangle
(transitive) To hang or trail something loosely.
I like to sit on the edge and dangle my feet in the water.
Deke
(ice hockey) To execute a deke in ice hockey or other sports.
Dangle
To put forth as a possibility.
Dangle
To trail or follow around.
Dangle
Of a patient: to be positioned with the legs hanging over the edge of the bed.
Dangle
To position (a patient) in this way.
Dangle
An agent of one intelligence agency or group who pretends to be interested in defecting or turning to another intelligence agency or group.
Dangle
The action of dangling; a series of complex stick tricks and fakes in order to defeat the defender in style.
That was a sick dangle for a great goal!
Dangle
A dangling ornament or decoration.
Dangle
To hang loosely, or with a swinging or jerking motion.
He'd rather on a gibbet dangleThan miss his dear delight, to wrangle.
From her lifted handDangled a length of ribbon.
The Presbyterians, and other fanatics that dangle after them,are well inclined to pull down the present establishment.
Dangle
To cause to dangle; to swing, as something suspended loosely; as, to dangle the feet.
And the bridegroom stood dangling his bonnet and plume.
Dangle
Hang freely;
The ornaments dangled from the tree
The light dropped from the ceiling
Dangle
Cause to dangle or hang freely;
He dangled the ornaments from the Christmas tree
Common Curiosities
Is one more effective than the other?
Effectiveness depends on the situation; dekes are better for immediate evasion, while dangles are great for maintaining control against multiple defenders.
Can a player combine both techniques in a game?
Yes, skilled players often use both dekes and dangles as needed throughout a game.
Are these techniques only used in hockey?
While primarily hockey terms, similar concepts can apply in other sports involving evasion tactics.
Do professional players use dangles more than dekes?
Professional players use both techniques, with the choice depending on game situations.
Is a deke always a one-on-one move?
Primarily, yes, dekes are most effective in one-on-one situations like breakaways.
Can a deke result in a penalty?
A deke itself does not result in a penalty, though excessive physical contact while attempting one might.
Is there a famous hockey player known for their deking skills?
Pavel Datsyuk is renowned for his exceptional deking abilities.
Which technique requires more skill?
Dangling generally requires higher skill in stickhandling and puck control.
Can a dangle fail and lose possession?
Yes, a failed dangle can result in a turnover if the puck is lost to an opponent.
What is the main difference between a deke and a dangle?
A deke is a quick, misleading maneuver, while a dangle involves elaborate and skillful stickhandling.
Do dangles always lead to scoring opportunities?
Not always directly, but they often create space and opportunities for teammates.
Can a defender dangle successfully?
Yes, skilled defenders may dangle to clear the puck and start an offensive play.
Is one technique more entertaining than the other?
Dangling is often seen as more entertaining due to its flashy display of skill.
How does a player practice deking effectively?
By practicing agility, puck control, and the ability to read the opponent's positioning.
Are dangles more common in certain hockey positions?
Forwards, who often navigate through defenses, are more likely to use dangles.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
