If you want to skate harder, shoot sharper and make smarter plays, you need the right skills toolbox. Below are the core areas every player should work on, plus simple drills you can do on ice or off ice.
Stickhandling – Keep the Puck Close
Good stickhandling starts with confidence. Grab a low‑center‑of‑gravity stick and keep your knees bent. Practice the "figure‑eight" drill: move the puck in a continuous loop between your forehand and backhand while standing still. Do it for 30 seconds, rest, then repeat three times. As you improve, add movement – skate forward while doing the same pattern. The goal is to make the puck feel like an extension of your body.
Another quick drill is "puck protection". Set up two cones about three feet apart and weave through them while keeping the puck shielded from an imaginary defender. This builds awareness and teaches you how to use your body to block opponents.
Shooting – Power and Accuracy
Most players think shooting is just about hard wrists, but placement matters more than raw power. Start with the wrist‑shot: line up your skate, get a low centre of gravity, and snap the puck with a quick snap of the wrists. Aim for the five‑hole or the top corners. Do 20 shots from each spot on the rink. Track which spots you miss – that tells you where you need extra focus.
For power, work on the slap shot in a controlled environment. Place a bag or a frozen water bottle near the net and practice the wind‑up, making sure your weight shifts from back leg to front leg. The key is a fluid motion, not a heavy swing. Ten reps per side builds strength without sacrificing balance.
Off‑ice, use a rubber ball and a stick to mimic shooting motion. The lighter ball forces you to snap faster, which translates to quicker releases on ice.
Skating – Speed, Agility, Balance
Skating is the foundation of every skill. Spend at least half of each practice on edge work. The "one‑leg glide" drill – push off with one leg, lift the other, and glide for ten seconds – improves balance and edge control. Alternate legs and repeat.
For acceleration, do short sprints from the goal line to the blue line. Focus on explosive pushes and tight turns. Add a partner who acts as a defender; you’ll learn to change direction while keeping speed.
Game Sense – Read the Play
Skills aren’t just physical; they’re mental too. Watch a game and pause every ten seconds. Ask yourself what the player with the puck should do next. This trains you to anticipate plays and make quicker decisions on the ice.
Another tip: during practice, play “forced decision” scrimmages. The coach calls a specific scenario (e.g., power play, odd‑man rush) and you must execute the right move within five seconds. Repetition builds instinct.
Combine these drills into a weekly routine: two days stickhandling, two days shooting, two days skating, and one day game‑sense work. Consistency beats occasional overload. Keep a simple log of what you did and how you felt; over weeks you’ll see clear progress.
Improving hockey skills doesn’t require fancy equipment or endless hours. Focus on these core drills, stay disciplined, and watch your confidence rise on the ice.
At what age should kids start hockey? Hockey is a sport that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. Generally, it is recommended that children start playing hockey between 5 and 8 years of age. The earlier they start, the better they can develop the skills and coordination needed to be successful. This is because the earlier they start, the more they can learn and develop the basic skills needed to play the game. Hockey is a great way for young players to stay active, have fun, and build relationships with other players.
