Hockey drills for beginners focus on developing fundamental skills like skating, stickhandling, passing, and shooting[1]. Consistent practice builds confidence and prepares players for game situations. Below are key beginner-friendly drills:
- Basic Skating Drill: Set up two cones about five feet apart. Practice pushing off with one foot and gliding on the other for several seconds, then switch feet. As skill improves, increase speed or add tight turns and crossovers[1].
- Cone Drill for Agility: Arrange four cones in a square, 10–15 feet apart. Weave through the cones as quickly and as controlled as possible. Change direction after each set to work both sides evenly[1].
- Stickhandling Drills: Place a series of cones with about 30 cm between each. Dribble the puck through the cones using both sides of the stick to work on puck control while moving[6].
- Puck Control (Head Up): Guide the puck across the ice without looking directly at it, focusing on control and awareness of surroundings[5].
- Passing Drill: Pair up and pass the puck back and forth from about 20 feet apart. Concentrate on controlling the stick blade and making accurate passes to both forehand and backhand sides. Gradually increase distance and speed[3].
- Obstacle Course: Set up an obstacle course with cones or other markers. Combine skating, stickhandling, and passing, moving through the course while controlling the puck. This develops overall coordination[3].
- Forward-to-Backward Transition: Skate forward, then transition to skating backward and repeat. This improves skating versatility needed in game play[3].
- Shooting for Accuracy: Place several pucks at various points in front of the net. Practice aiming for different areas—left high, left low, five-hole, right high, right low. Move to different angles to vary practice[3].
- Skating and Shooting: Start in the corner, pick up a puck while skating, and make a shot on goal without stopping. Repeat from both sides of the rink to work on shooting while moving[3].