Stickhandling Series - Basic Stickhandling

This is Drill #1 in the HockeyShot Stickhandling Series. Beginners to the game will appreciate this drill! It's easy to practice and to combine in your training routine. View the video and follow the techniques below.

Good Hockey Position

• Keep your knees bent, upper body tilted slightly forward, head up and feet shoulder width apart.
• Keep your arms and hands in a position that allows you to stick handle fluently and quickly execute a pass, shot or a deke.

Good Hand Position

• Hands shouldn't be positioned any wider that shoulder width on the shaft. Some players like their hands a bit closer it is up to your preference.
• Your top hand should have a light, but firm grip on the stick.
• Your lower hand should be gripped loosely so that you can freely move your hand up and down the shaft. Maintaining a loose grip also allows the shaft to rotate.
• Keep your wrists and arms relaxed to allow for quick and fluent manoeuvres.

Stick Handling Action

• Keep the blade of your stick square to the ice or floor.
• Cup the puck from forehand to backhand by lifting your stick over the puck and rolling your top wrists.
• Maintain controlled, fluent movement and feel the puck on the center of your blade.
• Start slowly and progress faster once you feel comfortable with the stick handling action.
• Keep your head up and use your peripheral vision to see the puck.