7 Tips on How to Be a Good Hockey Player

From the moment I learned how to skate, hockey haswill reflect on your shot. The last thing to consider is
been my life. I don't know if it was because mythe size. The rule of thumb is that your stick should go
parents were a fan of the game, or if the nature ofright up to about your lips when you are not on skates.
the game was just appealing to me, but I was instantly4. Take skating lessons
mesmerized by the athleticism it took to play theNow that the equipment is taken care of, let's focus on
game. While the game itself is an easy game tothe actual game. Skating is by far the most important
understand, it is not always easy to be successful at it.aspect of the game of hockey. A person who is a
Here are seven tips that I feel will help anyone be agood skater will have much more success on the ice.
good hockey player.You will be much more likely to be able to skate
1. Find equipment that best fit the type of player youaround other players and score more goals. I would
aresuggest taking skating lessons that will improve your
While this may seem like common sense, it is not fortechniques, speed, and agility.
many players. While hockey equipment can be very5. Take stick handling lessons
pricey, it is extremely important to buy equipment thatThe next most important aspect of hockey is the stick
best fits your style of play. If you are a player thathandling. If you cannot stick handle, hockey can be
uses your speed to your advantage, you do not wantvery difficult. Your stick handling ability affects how
to buy equipment that will restrict your stride. Buy padswell you move the puck up and down the ice. If you
that are small, yet protective, so that you can moveare a good stick handler, you are more likely to be able
freely on the ice. If you are a defensemen who usesto move around the ice at will without people taking
your size to your advantage, you might want tothe puck from you.
purchase big pads that will protect you from physical6. Lift weights
play.Another aspect that is important to hockey is your
2. Make sure your skates are sharpenedsize. It is important to establish a good center of
Nothing is worse than trying to play hockey with dullgravity. The stronger you are, the less likely it is that a
skate blades. It is easy to tell when your skates areperson will be able to knock you off of the puck. If you
dull because it is almost impossible to stay on yourare a scrawny player, you will probably be on the ice
feet while turning. If your skates are sharpened, you willthroughout most of the game. If you are a strong
be much more likely to skate around the ice with aplayer, you will be much more likely to play a physical
nice, smooth motion. You will be more likely to stay ingame and establish yourself as a dominant player on
the play, thus making you much more successful.the ice.
3. Make sure you buy a stick that best fits you7. Keep your head up
When choosing a stick, there are a few aspects toIt is very important to keep your head on a swivel
consider. The first thing to consider is the curve.while playing the sport of hockey. If you are a player
Hockey curves come in many shapes and sizes. Eachwho is always looking down at the ice, you will be
curve is designed to accommodate a player's shot.much more likely to getting hit hard. Defensemen are
You want to buy a curve that will give you the bestalways looking to hit players who keep their heads
shot possible. The next thing to consider is the flex. Ifdown. Another reason why it is important to keep your
you are a tall player, you will want to purchase a stickhead up is because it will allow you to see the ice
with less of a flex than if you are a small player. Thisbetter and make better plays.