Puck handling is a fundamental skill in hockey that every player needs to master, especially beginners. Effective puck handling allows players to control the game, evade defenders, and set up scoring opportunities. In this article, we will explore three practical examples of puck handling drills for beginners. These drills are easy to understand and can be practiced on and off the ice!
This drill is great for beginners who are just starting to get comfortable with the puck. It emphasizes the importance of controlling the puck while keeping your head up.
Start by standing in a comfortable position with your knees slightly bent. Place a puck in front of you on the ice. Using the blade of your stick, practice moving the puck back and forth from side to side. Focus on keeping the puck close to your stick while allowing your hands to move freely. Switch hands and practice with your backhand as well.
As you get more comfortable, try to increase your speed without losing control of the puck. This drill helps in developing hand-eye coordination and puck feel, which are crucial for future puck handling skills.
This drill introduces beginners to maneuvering around obstacles while handling the puck. It’s a fun way to practice agility and puck control simultaneously.
Set up a series of cones (or any small objects) in a straight line, spaced about two feet apart. Start at one end of the line with the puck. As you skate towards the cones, use your stick to control the puck and weave in and out of the cones. Focus on making short, quick movements to keep the puck close to your stick while maintaining your speed.
After reaching the last cone, turn around and weave back to the starting point. This drill helps players learn how to navigate around defenders while keeping control of the puck.
The Figure Eight Drill is an excellent way to improve puck handling skills while also working on skating. This drill teaches players to control the puck while changing directions, simulating game-like scenarios.
To set up, place two cones about six feet apart. Start at one cone with the puck. Skate toward the other cone while keeping the puck in front of you. When you reach the cone, perform a tight turn around it and skate back toward the first cone, maintaining control of the puck. As you turn, practice moving the puck from forehand to backhand and vice versa. Repeat this for several repetitions, focusing on smooth transitions.
By practicing these examples of puck handling drills for beginners, you will build a solid foundation of puck control skills that will benefit you as you progress in your hockey journey. Happy practicing!