| Having a good stick is something that you can always | | | | 2) Practice the back and forth motion |
| work on. Stickhandling is something that all kids need to | | | | As you know playing the puck is all about the back |
| know because there are so many uses in a game of | | | | and forth motion of your stick. When you do this back |
| hockey. You can pull dekes, protect the puck, and give | | | | and forth motion you are always ready to pass the |
| up fewer turn-overs on both sides of the rink. For a | | | | puck in any direction and the other team cannot figure |
| team, stickhandling is crucial because it gives the team | | | | out which side you are more comfortable with. |
| more puck control, less turn-overs, and allows the | | | | However, practicing this also gives you confidence in |
| team to make more attacks while limiting the chances | | | | your puck control ability. As you get better at making |
| the other team gets to score a goal. Here are some | | | | the back and forth motion go faster and make it |
| stickhandling drills that all hockey players can use during | | | | harder. |
| the off-season to get ready for next season. | | | | You always want to make sure that you are |
| 1) Stickhandle Around Objects | | | | increasing the speed that you do these drills. Also |
| This is the most well known stickhandling drill, and it can | | | | make sure that you are using the proper technique in |
| be done anywhere. This drill can be done on | | | | these drills. For example, do not get in the habit of |
| drive-ways, in living rooms, bed rooms, and even on | | | | watching the puck, always keep your head up and |
| the ice. To do this drill all you have to do is put objects | | | | watch out for the checks. As you get used to the idea |
| on the ground and run around them. Use your | | | | of keeping your head up you will get better at |
| backhand, forehand, and anything else that you may | | | | anticipating the challenges in front of you and dodging |
| want to work on. Practice kicking the puck on your | | | | hits. |
| stick, deking, and any other situation that you will see. | | | | |