With the summer beginning and the regular season coming to a close, inevitably players are going to spend less time at the ice rink and more time pursuing other off-ice activities. While it is beneficial to remain active, whether with another sport or an abbreviated ice hockey schedule, it is important to remain both consistent and persistent with your ice hockey development. Those who are truly seeking to advance to higher levels understand the game never stops evolving, and therefore players should never stop learning regardless of season or ice availability.

Off-ice training and skill development is something that can be overlooked by young players and parents yet can prove to be a game changer in a hockey player’s career.  Most of the training that players will come across can be accomplished with nothing more than a ball and a stick. Within this series of off-ice skill development videos, we will present effective drills that will ensure that the progress of a players’ skill level does not go stagnant during the summer months. It is important to note, that when done correctly, even as little as 20 minutes a day utilizing these exercises can quickly yield positive results.

DRILL #1:  WIDE STICKHANDLING  

The first drill we’re going to discuss focuses on wide stickhandling and a player’s ability to avoid an opposing players reach and poke-check. In order for this move to work effectively you should focus on keeping a loose grip on the bottom hand of your stick.  While the top hand that holds the butt end of the stick controls most of the stick movement, the bottom hand allows you to achieve maximum range of motion with the puck.

1. To begin the move, you should stickhandle the ball (golf ball, tennis ball, stickhandling ball or even a puck will work) in front of your body while maintaining proper hockey position (feet slightly wider than shoulder width, knees bent, head and chest up & hands away from your body).  
2. Extend the ball and stick to your forehand side by sliding your bottom hand up the shaft bringing your hands closer together. After full extension, bring the ball back to the front of your body.
3. Repeat this move to the backhand making sure to shift your weight from side-to-side throughout the exercise. Your body weight should shift to the side the ball is on.
4. Try to keep your eyes up and feel the ball with your hands.  Remember that your top hand (the hand holding the butt end of the stick) controls the motion of the stick with wrist movement, while the bottom hand guides the stick with a loose grip.   
5. This move should be performed at least ten times on both the forehand and the backhand.