hockey-coaching-guides

hockey-defense

hockey-goalie

hockey-passing

hockey-shooting

hockey-skating

hockey-stickhandling


<p>This hockey practice plan is loaded with tactics and hockey drills you can use to make your team better. Print out this template and use it to organize your next youth hockey practice.</p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Coaching%20Hockey%20Practice%20Plan%20Template.pdf">Download Document: Coaching Hockey Practice Plan Template.pdf</a>


Hockey Practice Plan


<p>Hockey coaches can use this coaching guide to help incorporate technical skills and individual tactics into to each practice.</p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Coach%20Practice%20Planner.pdf">Download Document: Coach Practice Planner.pdf</a>


Coach Practice Planner


<p>Coaches can use this hockey practice planner section 2 template to organize individual and group skills, while also focusing on speed and endurance on the ice.</p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Coach%20Practice%20Planner%20Pt%202.pdf">Download Document: Coach Practice Planner Pt 2.pdf</a>


Coach Practice Planner Part 2


<p>The <strong>USA Hockey Pee Wee Practice Plan Manual</strong> is a great manual for youth hockey coaches. It provides many <strong>hockey drills and skills</strong> that you can use in your next practice. Learn the rules, organize practices and help improve your youth <a href="https://www.teamsnap.com/teams/sports/ice-hockey">hockey management</a>&nbsp;today.</p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/US%20Hockey%20Practice%20Plan%20Manual.pdf">Download Document: US Hockey Practice Plan Manual.pdf</a>


USA Hockey 12U Practice Plan Manual


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/c0XplgHy3K0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>Defensive zone face-offs can present a dangerous situation for the defense. This youth hockey drill video looks at some of the hockey tactics involved when the face-off is deep in the defensive zone.</p>

<p>Transcription:</p>

<p>Defensive zone face-offs are very dangerous for hockey teams. You have to be sure that you know exactly where you&#39;re going, not only if you win the face-off, but if you lose the face-off. Again, there are three things to focus on.<br />
<br />
Number one, the center&#39;s in charge. The center needs to check with all the players to make sure they&#39;re in the correct position and also check to make sure the players know what their responsibilities are should the face-off be lost.<br />
<br />
The second most important thing is for the center to win the face-off into the corner. That will allow the puck to be in the safest place behind the goal line. After the puck gets into the corner, it&#39;s a defense job to start a breakout pass by switching sides with the puck to the winger who&#39;s moving off the face-off circle onto the other side.<br />
<br />
So to review, it&#39;s important to know where you&#39;re going should you not win the face-off. It&#39;s important for the center to be in charge and win the face-off and for the defense to get the puck out of the zone as quickly as possible.<br />
<br />
We&#39;re going to watch as these athletes walk through a defensive zone face-off. Okay, guys.<br />
<br />
The second most important thing is for the center to win the face-off into the corner. That will allow the puck to be in the safest place behind the goal line. After the puck gets into the corner, it&#39;s a defense job to start a breakout pass by switching sides with the puck to the winger who&#39;s moving off the face-off circle onto the other side.<br />
<br />
So to review, it&#39;s important to know where you&#39;re going should you not win the face-off. It&#39;s important for the center to be in charge and win the face-off and for the defense to get the puck out of the zone as quickly as possible.</p>

Defensive Zone Face-Offs


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6puta5pzvW0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This youth hockey drill is great for defensemen to work on their shots, passing, and pivoting.</p>

<p><strong>Description</strong></p>

<p>Each player will get three shots. To start, the defensemen receives a puck from the corner and gains the center of the ice as quickly as possible and shoots from the top of the slot. The player continues around the cones always facing the net. This forces them to pivot and receive the next pass going backwards. When they receive the next pass the player repeats as in the first rep. When the player receives the third pass, they quickly give a pass to their partner who gives a pass back for a one time shot near the top of the slot. The key is to encourage the players to keep the feet and puck moving.</p>

<p>And make sure to try TeamSnap as this season&#39;s&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teamsnap.com/teams/sports/ice-hockey">hockey team manager app</a>!</p>

Swedish Shooting Drills


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/KawdY0ZMuIY' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This youth hockey drill helps players improve their 1 on 1 techniques.</p>

<p><strong>Description</strong></p>

<p>The drill starts when the defensive player passes the forward in the corner. The forward cannot leave until they receive the pass. Once they receive the pass they are skating straight down the ice on a 1 on 1. The defensive player, once they make the pass, skates around the cone and pivots from forwards to backwards and plays the forward from the opposite corner. The goal for the defensmen not give up the blue line. The better the angle and gap established by the defensmen, the easier it is to not give up your blue line.</p>

1 on 1 from Center Ice


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2DN0Zdaxzcs' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This hockey drill focuses on defensive zone coverage and backchecking.</p>

<p><strong>Description</strong></p>

<p>The hockey drill starts with a 1 on 1 battle in front of the net ( F1 vs. D1). F1 is looking for a pass from D2 who has a puck behind the net. D2 makes as many passes as possible to F1 before the whistle blows. On the whistle, D2 caries a puck around the net and makes a breakout pass to F2. F2 and D1 then attack D3. F1 backchecks making it a 2 on 2 situation. Once the play is made, D3 becomes the player behind the net making passes to F2 in front of the net until the whistle blows. F2 then becomes the backchecking forward as D3 passes to F3. F3 and D3 then attack the other direction. The sequence continues back and forth during the hockey drill.</p>

Sabres Defense Drill


<p>The keys to this youth hockey drill our quick puck movement, 3 on 3 small area puck control, and aggressive forecheck.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="3 on 3 Time Bomb" src="https://cdn4.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_lc40ypx1/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/3%20on%203%20Time%20Bomb.pdf">Download Document: 3 on 3 Time Bomb.pdf</a>


3 on 3 Time Bomb


<p>The keys to this youth hockey drill our small area game, quick transition passing, using "lanes" on the ice, and competition.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="3 on 3 with cone pass" src="https://cdn1.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_n1ee72r7/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Cone%20Pass.pdf">Download Document: Cone Pass.pdf</a>


3 on 3 w/ Cone Pass


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are battling, defensive positioning, offense in a small area, and pinning the puck.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="alt text" src="https://cdn2.kaltura.com/p/300/sp/30000/raw/entry_id/0_t70xybam" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Corner%20Battles.pdf">Download Document: Corner Battles.pdf</a>


Corner Battles


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are to work on your backwards lateral skating, mobility, and backward quick starts.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Defense Lateral Movement" src="https://cdn1.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_8hy453ne/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Defense%20Lateral%20Movement.pdf">Download Document: Defense Lateral Movement.pdf</a>


Defense Lateral Movement


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MAPyDmbxSy8' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>Youth Hockey goalies will frequently need to freeze the puck to force a stoppage of play. This youth hockey video explains the technique and provides a quick introduction to why and when a hockey goalie should cover the puck and force a face-off.</p>

Freezing The Puck


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/n6I_sO4X88Y' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>In this youth hockey drill, players pass the puck as much as they want. They will try to score when they think the goalie is out of position. The forwards are allowed to shoot or come out from behind the net to try and score. The goalies need to work on their footwork and try to be in position to take on the shot at any time. The goalies should also try to use their stick to block passing lanes to their advantage.</p>

Square Passing


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/b4wRTYCtOI8' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This youth hockey drill focuses on the goalies ability to read the play as it develops from behind the net.</p>

<p><strong>Description</strong></p>

<p>The coach or player has the pucks behind the net. There are two lines of forwards on each side of the net on the goal line. The coach passes to either player. When the player receives the puck, they attack the net. The forward then has two options. If the forward from the opposite line joins the play, then the pass can go across to that player as well. If not the player keeps the puck and tries to score.</p>

Goal Line Stand


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/m3j01q1vliY' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This youth hockey video demonstrates three great youth hockey drills for developing puck skills and improving passing. The players must make and receive passes from a stationary position, under pressure and while skating forward and backward.</p>

<p>Transcription:</p>

<p>In order to be an effective hockey player, passer, and playmaker, you need to be able to pass the puck from the stationary position, under pressure, and while moving your feet in a forward and backward skating motion.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
These next three drills all build upon each other to practice all of these elements.&nbsp;<br />
We are going to run these drills quickly with one running into the other, a little faster than we normally would in practice, just to show you how all three elements can be practiced through one setup.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Okay guys move the puck.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Normally these drills would go on a little bit longer in between one or the other. You need to be able to pass the puck from the stationary position, under pressure, and while moving your feet in a forward and backward skating motion.</p>

Passing Progression Drills


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/5I_rSmzjNWE' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>An effective youth hockey shooting technique is to redirect a pass so it goes on net. This youth hockey video demonstrates a simple play where the defense pass the puck from the blue to a forward down low, who redirects the pass into a shot on goal.</p>

Redirecting Passes


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/_AsRk0Ls87U' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This youth hockey drill works on some important fundamentals for forwards.</p>

<p><strong>Description</strong></p>

<p>The first objective is to catch a pass in stride and attack the blue line with speed. In this hockey drill the coach can pass to either player so the players need to react to where the coach passes the puck. The player that receives the pass attacks the blue line and does an escape move just inside the blue line. The other player drives hard to the far post with their stick on the ice expecting a pass. The player with the puck fires a pass across to the far post and continues to the slot area. The player that received the pass on the far post continues into the corner, picks up a loose puck in the corner, and finds the first player in the slot. The idea behind the second puck is for players to follow up the play.</p>

2 on 0 Escape


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/cSMd-vlokV4' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This can be a good warm up youth hockey drill that will get the goalies lots of shots and forwards a chance to work on opening up and making themselves available in the neutral zone.</p>

<p><strong>Description</strong></p>

<p>F1 &amp; F4 start the drill by making a pass to the line across from them (F2 &amp; F3) they then skate out across center ice and open up so they are always facing the puck. They then receive a pass back from either F3 or F2 and go in for a shot. Once the shots are taken, F2 and F3 do the same thing.</p>

Open Up Double Pass


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/6tZirMeXZKk' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>Similar to the Flim Flom youth hockey drill except this hockey drill incorporates four one touch passes as the player circles the ice.</p>

<p>The keys to this hockey drill are: accurate passes, keep feet moving, and follow shots to the net.</p>

Flim Flom One touches


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/_UJIT0IPV8A' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This youth hockey drill could be used during warm ups.</p>

<p><strong>Description</strong></p>

<p>It is most important for players to pay attention so they know where to pass the puck to and where to receive a pass from. Players receiving the pass in neutral ice need to attack the blue line with speed and shoot with their feet moving.</p>

4 Lines Series #4


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/p-_TbK3kcps' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This ice hockey drill will add some variety to your warm up routine. The animation shows the basic variation of this hockey drill. One way to increase the demand on the players attention span is to have them read and react to the first pass. The coach will point to one side as the players approach and pass to that side. The players then have to react and still time the play correctly. This hockey drill will require extra pucks on both sides of the ice as well.</p>

Swing Low Warm Up


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/qexdeAj9J7Y' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>The goal of this hockey drill is to get players familiar with cycling down low in the offensive zone.</p>

<p><strong>Description</strong></p>

<p>In this hockey drill it is important that players keep their feet moving and always be aware of where their teammates are. At all times one forward should be in the high slot so they are in good position if there is a turnover. Once the coach blows the whistle, the next player who receives the puck is to pass to the player in the high slot. The other two player then crash the net for a rebound. The quicker your player can do this hockey drill the harder it will be for opposing teams to maintain their defensive coverage.</p>

Cycle Down Low with Shot


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/OWXyKJQkCK8' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This hockey drill requires 1 puck. Try to encourage players to one-time the passes, although they may need to develop their passing skills before they can do it. Timing is everything, because if they get too far ahead then the hockey drill starts to break down.</p>

Criss Cross Passes


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/UBkPsA_4WJA' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This youth hockey drill is a good quick warm up drill. Challenge your players to make all one-time passes and get the shot off just inside the blue line. As always make sure players drive to the net. Don&#39;t spend too much time on this hockey drill because it can get repetitious and boring fast.</p>

Double Pass Drill


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XQiIvmQwBwA' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This hockey drill simulates the path that wingers will often take in the neutral zone.</p>

<p><strong>Description</strong></p>

<p>In this hockey drill F1 starts with a puck and passes to a coach or defensive player at about the top of the circles. F1 skates at the coach and pivots backwards so they are always facing the puck as they swing to the boards. They will receive a pass just as they start to head up ice. Once they receive the pass, they perform a give and go with F2 (the next player in line) and go in for a long shot on net.</p>

<p>The focus of this hockey drill is to get forwards in the habit of always facing the puck in the neutral zone as they open up and make themselves available for a pass from the defense.</p>

Pivot Give &amp; Go


<p>The keys to this youth hockey drill are touch passing, keeping your feet moving while making the pass, and paying attention while in line.</p>

<p><strong>View the PDF for the full Hockey Drill</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Four Corner Passing" src="https://cdn1.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_qmrcsayi/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/4%20Corner%20Passing123.pdf">Download Document: 4 Corner Passing123.pdf</a>


4 Corner Passing


<p>The keys to this youth hockey drill are passing, receiving, agility, transitions, and being ready for a pass.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Agility Passing Drill" src="https://cdn1.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_pgs6j970/width/240/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Agility%20Passing.pdf">Download Document: Agility Passing.pdf</a>


Agility Passing


<p>The Keys to this hockey drill are timing, cutting low, passing, and driving to the net.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Calgary Timing and Low Swing Drill" src="https://cdn3.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_tv2hwr28/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Calgary%20Timing%20(Low%20Swing).pdf">Download Document: Calgary Timing (Low Swing).pdf</a>


Calgary Timing (Low Swing)


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are always face the puck, timing, gap control, 3 on 2, and escape turns.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Cross Lane Attack Drill" src="https://cdn1.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_yy1s33j5/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Cross%20Lane%20Attack.pdf">Download Document: Cross Lane Attack.pdf</a>


Cross Lane Attack


<p>The key points in this youth hockey drill are to work on a players passing, pass anticipation, driving the net, and rebounds.</p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="alt text" src="https://cdn2.kaltura.com/p/300/sp/30000/raw/entry_id/0_rkplnb9e" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Flowing%20Pass%20&%20Replace.pdf">Download Document: Flowing Pass & Replace.pdf</a>


Flowing Pass &amp; Replace


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are to focus on cycling, moving the puck, and timing.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Low Cycle Drill" src="https://cdn4.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_1n7r00vt/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Low%20Cycle.pdf">Download Document: Low Cycle.pdf</a>


Low Cycle


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are to focus on facing the puck, breakout passing, passing, and pivoting.</p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Wing%20Breakout%20Swing.pdf">Download Document:</a>


Wing Breakout Swing


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/-FAZhztDgsI' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>A very simple youth hockey drill, but it has some great habits that forwards need to work on.</p>

<p><strong>Description</strong></p>

<p>The first is to keep their feet moving throughout the entire drill. Catching the pass and getting off a shot in stride is a difficult thing to do but a great weapon for any forward. The drill should be run two or three at a time out of one corner and then switch corners. At first have players all shoot using their forehand. This way players will have to adjust if the receive the puck on their off hand. Then have the players use their back hand if they receive the pass on the off hand. Players should be encouraged to use wrist shots, snap shots, and backhand shots.</p>

Round The Dot Shot


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are to focus on breakouts, using the glass, and swinging low.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Get The Puck" src="https://cdn4.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_8dyq1ybp/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Get%20the%20Puck!%20(Seq.%201).pdf">Download Document: Get the Puck! (Seq. 1).pdf</a>


Get The Puck (Seq. 1)


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are to focus on driving the net, timing, and shot faking.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Net Drive" src="https://cdn1.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_b7bml0oc/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Net%20Drive.pdf">Download Document: Net Drive.pdf</a>


Net Drive


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are to focus on the give &amp; go, driving to the net, rebounds, and quick shot release.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Pepper Drive" src="https://cdn1.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_ed6ry8g0/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Pepper%20Drive.pdf">Download Document: Pepper Drive.pdf</a>


Pepper Drive


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are to focus on full speed, competition, and stops &amp; starts.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Quick Compete" src="https://cdn3.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_62hkohjm/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Quick%20Compete.pdf">Download Document: Quick Compete.pdf</a>


Quick Compete


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/u1--ABaQNMw' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>Are you having trouble shooting top shelf on your backhand? Watch this youth hockey video to learn a few simple tips that you can practice to easily put your backhand in the top corner.</p>

Score More Goals on Your Backhand!




<p><span style="line-height: 1.6;">By Max Tabachnick</span></p>

<p>Hockey is a physically demanding sport that requires the harnessing of a few fine skills&shy;&shy;&shy;&mdash;passing, skating, stick-handling, and shooting&mdash;to simply get out there and compete. All things considered, it&rsquo;s amazing how many of us have committed our time, energy, focus (and, of course, money) to playing the game. That&rsquo;s why hockey practice is essential.</p>

<p>It&rsquo;s hard enough for most of us to make it to our rec league games. They are either too early or too late, too far away or you&rsquo;re simply too darn tired. I play in one league a season (two when I can afford it), but, to be honest, it isn&rsquo;t nearly enough.</p>

<p>Like a lot of us, I&rsquo;ve fallen into the routine of only taking to the ice come game time. For me, that&rsquo;s somewhere between one-third and one-half of game minutes, one night a week. We&rsquo;re talking 15 to 30 minutes of intensive play here. Problem is, we&rsquo;re only holding the puck for about a fifth of that time: three to six minutes of passing, skating, stick-handling, and shooting. Like I said, it isn&rsquo;t nearly enough.</p>

<p>On the rare occasions when most of us actually step onto the ice outside of a league game, it&rsquo;s doubtful we get much practice in the areas we are lacking. If you are more comfortable doing crossovers to your left, for instance, chances are you are not spending your Sunday afternoon skating clockwise around the face-off circles. During games we tend to revert back to our go-to moves, so try your best to extend your comfort zone when you get the opportunity to hit the ice outside of a game setting. If there was ever a time to lean into a right crossover, stickhandle, pass, and shoot with your head up, this is it.</p>

<p>Try to suit up in full gear whenever you take to the ice to practice. Any skater will agree that sweatpants trump shin guards when you&rsquo;re out there messing around, but playing or even practicing while unprotected will almost always result in weariness or, worse, injury. That will certainly impede your development in the ice.</p>

<p>In practice, it&rsquo;s important to recreate game play scenarios. Make sure to keep moving while you practice passing and shooting. It&rsquo;s easy to get caught flatfooted playing catch, but in a game, you rarely pass or receive the puck while standing still. Practice making quick, strong passes while you skate parallel up-ice, using the boards to push the puck up. Work on cross-ice passes simulating the breakout. Because this is such a risky maneuver in a game setting, you should get comfortable putting some power and lift on long passes to avoid turnovers in the neutral zone during games.</p>

<p>Rather than lining up along the blue line to practice shooting on net, add the element of catching a pass first. This will not only work on two skills simultaneously for your shooters, but will also provide a more accurate exercise for the goalie you&rsquo;re shooting on, forcing him or her to track the movement of the puck before positioning for the save.</p>

<p>If you play defense, practice shooting from afar and keep your shots hard and close to the ice. Forwards should practice shooting from both close and afar, so alternate walking the puck in when warming up the goalie. If you are practicing in full gear, try deflecting pucks toward the net from a defenseman&rsquo;s shot which, if done correctly, can easily trick the net minder into allowing a goal.</p>

<p>Finally, both forwards and defensemen should concentrate on working the puck in and around the corners. This is an incredibly versatile move in both the offensive and defensive zones of play, as it allows your team to cycle the puck from one wing to the other without crossing the puck in front of the net. This move requires a familiarity with the geography of the ice that can only be gained through trial and error, so practice different shots and angles around the corners until you can accurately place the puck when firing passes around the boards.</p>

<p>Published by permission of <a href="https://www.crossicehockey.com">CrossIceHockey.com</a>&mdash;Where Rec Hockey Lives. &copy; 2014 Digital Media Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.</p>

Making the Most of Your Hockey Practice


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/_stPY15c48Y' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>In this youth hockey video, coach Guy Gadowsky demonstrates one of our favorite youth hockey drills for mite and squirt players. This hockey drill is great for working on stick handling while skating, and also for learning to keep the head up while skating.</p>

Stickhandling Chaos Drill


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/_HB3Fq6fiZU' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>The focus of this youth hockey drill is SPEED! This hockey drill allows players to move their feet much faster than going all the way around the circle. It is a good hockey drill for Warm-Ups, Skating Drills, or Conditioning Drills. If players are advanced enough, you can try incorporating pucks and going backwards.</p>

<p>And if you need a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.teamsnap.com/teams/sports/ice-hockey">hockey app</a>, don&#39;t forget to try TeamSnap!</p>


Russian Circles


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are to focus on turning, board passing, entering the zone, and NZ movement.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Tight Turn Give and Gos" src="https://cdn2.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_l42htzt2/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Tight%20Turn%20Give%20and%20Gos.pdf">Download Document: Tight Turn Give and Gos.pdf</a>


Tight Turn Give and Gos


<div class='img-vid img-thumbnail'><iframe width='560' height='315' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/4T6euPfiIl0' frameborder='0' allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

<p>This youth hockey video will give you an understanding of how to skate backwards. Jeremy from HowToHockey.com breaks down the best way for beginner hockey player to learn how to skate backwards in the youth hockey video.</p>

How to Skate Backwards


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are full speed puck control and shooting, backchecking, and conditioning.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Admiral Drill" src="https://cdn2.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_i46gelob/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Admiral%20Drill.pdf">Download Document: Admiral Drill.pdf</a>


Admiral Drill


<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are to focus on underhandling, net training, big moves, and driving the net.</p>

<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>

<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Underhandling VGT" src="https://cdn1.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_dvmthedf/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>

<a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Underhandling%20VGT.pdf">Download Document: Underhandling VGT.pdf</a>


Underhandling VGT




<p><span style="line-height: 1.6;">Most recreational hockey players don&rsquo;t have much spare time to work on technique. However, if you can get in just an hour a week of stick time, you are definitely on the right track to improving your game. Here are some quick hockey drills you can work on:</span></p>

<p><strong>Explosive starts and stops:</strong> Skate quickly to the blue line and stop. Then skate to the red line and stop again. Turn and work it the other way. Repeat at least five times.<br />
<br />
<strong>Crossovers:</strong> Keeping your stick on the inside, skate clockwise through the circles while working on your crossovers. Then do the same counterclockwise. Repeat each direction five times.<br />
<br />
<strong>Back skate:</strong> <a href="https://www.crossicehockey.com/hockey-skates-need-know/">Skate</a> backwards through the circles at least five times.<br />
<br />
<strong>Wrist shots:</strong> Starting out with the puck behind the net, skate to the blue line. Then accelerate to the net and take a wrist shot. Repeat five times.<br />
<br />
<strong>Shooting:</strong> Line up five pucks in the slot. Take quick slapshots, wrist shots, and snap shots.<br />
<br />
<strong>Technique:</strong> Spread five pucks out at least three feet apart. Stick handle through them with a puck, focusing on technique rather than speed. Repeat five times.<br />
<br />
<strong>Finishing touches:</strong> End your workout with at least three starts and stops.</p>

<p>Remember: if you can&rsquo;t get to the rink to practice, try these tips at a roller rink with a roller puck. Practice makes perfect!</p>

<p><em>Published by permission of <a href="https://www.crossicehockey.com">CrossIceHockey.com</a>&mdash;Where Rec Hockey Lives. &copy; 2014 Digital Media Publications, Inc. All rights reserved.</em></p>

7 Quick Hockey Drills for Rec Players

<p>The key points to this youth hockey drill are to focus on underhandling, net training, big moves, and driving the net.</p>
<p><strong>VIEW THE PDF FOR THE THE FULL HOCKEY DRILL</strong></p>
<p><img loading="lazy" alt="Underhandling VGT" src="https://cdn1.kaltura.com/p/300/thumbnail/entry_id/0_dvmthedf/width/500/type/1/quality/90" /></p>
<p><a href="https://youth-sports-drills-cdn.teamsnap.com/Underhandling%20VGT.pdf">Download Document: Underhandling VGT.pdf</a></p>


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