Hockey Tips

Where to start with your hockey fundamentals Here are just a few hockey starters to get you on the way to improving your game and achieving your hockey goals. Skating Controlling the puck while maneuvering is one of the most important and difficult jobs as a puck carrier. Fail and you stand serious risk of being checked and losing possession. Always keep your knees bent Head up and upper body erect Start turning from the hip Shift your weight to the inside leg Don't drop your inside shoulder, keep them parallel to the ice Keep your stick with the puck outside of your circle in front of you When out of the turn, a quick crossover and a few strides will get you out of trouble

Passing tactics

1. Slow down during breakaways- put some distance between you and the defender when in a two-on-one. The impulse can be to race ahead and follow your teammate with the puck toward the goal. Often laying back and taking a pass results in a wide open position because the defender continues up the ice and out of line between you and your teammate.

2. The standard breakout- there are scores of tactics for passing the puck up the ice and out of your end. The standard play is for the defender to pass the puck from behind the net along the boards to the winger. Meanwhile, the center skates toward the net and loops back up the ice to receive the pass from the winger. The other option is for the winger to just chip it down the ice.

Shooting Tips

The Backhand- Possibly the most neglected shot in the game, a good one can turn you into a valuable asset and hero in no time. Because it's so underused, it's often unexpected, too. There isn't much to say apart from practicing it until you are confident. Hockey shooting targets are a useful tool for developing the accuracy of your backhand. The result will be a formidable offensive tool that makes for instant highlight reel material.

The Wrist Shot- Start with the puck behind you with your weight on your back foot. Starting with the puck at the heel of the blade, move the blade in a straight line toward the target and turn your leading wrist over as you shift weight to the front foot. End up pointing the stick in the direction of the hockey net.

Defense

Main rule- stick to your zone. It is always your job to confront the puck carrier when the action is in your zone. In all other cases, simply cover the open man.

Wingers should stick to covering the point without passing the hashmarks. Centers need to stay focused and not chase the puck.