Whether you call it a Michigan, the Crosby move or simply picking the puck up off the ice, the incredible technique has intrigued hockey players across the globe for decades, and here we teach you how you can use it to literally elevate your game and score impressive goals.
Mid-1990s college player Mike Legg first brought the attention of the hockey world to the concept of scooping the puck off the ice and throwing it into the net — in particular, wrapping it around the post from behind the net during a tournament game for the University of Michigan. But modern NHL star Sidney Crosby has taken the technique to a new level, attaching his name to the move.
Whether you’re a 10-year-old, high school star, college recruit, or pro, learning this technique can be a fun and creative way to add an important skill to your game.
To start out, lay the front blade of your stick down flat on the puck close to the heel of the stick, leaving just a little blade hanging off the back of the puck so you can tilt the puck back and on its edge.
Once you have your stick in position, you’ll be using centrifugal force through a sweeping motion to pick up the puck. Press the puck backward into a half-circle, then rotate your stick’s blade (tilting the puck back on edge) and scoop your stick up to waist level, bringing the puck with it.
That’s it!
Of course, it’ll take some practice to be able to execute the move while in motion and even more practice to pull it off in a game situation. It can also be done with the toe of your stick, but that’s a bit trickier.
Curious about other neat hockey tricks and techniques? Check out our extensive library of how-to articles and videos that help you elevate every aspect of your game.
