How to Improve Hockey Skills

Every athlete, including a professional, has an aspect of his game that he needs to improve. Playing hockey is no different. Whether you're a pee-wee player or a member of the National Hockey League, working on your skills is a necessity. You should start with the fundamentals, such as skating and puck handling, and then work your way up to tougher moves, such as any type of snap, slap or wrist shot.

Instructions

    • 1

      Practice as often as you can. Ask any professional athlete how they were able to perform as well as they do, and more often than not they say it's due to practice. Even if you're not on the ice, you can practice stick handling with a tennis ball and your stick in your driveway. Practice taking shots into a portable goal. Gather a few friends and you all can improve upon your passing and defending skills.

    • 2

      Devote plenty of time to perfecting your skating skills. You should pay attention to how your body is aligned when you skate--your knees should be bent, your head up and your legs shoulder-width apart. Once you have this down, add some cones to the ice, and pretend they are opponents. Weave in and out of the cones down the rink, and then add a stick and puck to the drill.

    • 3

      Work on holding the stick correctly. Keep one hand lower than the other, depending on which hand you're favoring. If you're right-handed, the right hand is lower than the left.

    • 4

      Put general fitness training to use in your training plan. Hockey is a physically demanding sport, and it's a good idea to be in the best shape you can be during the season. Aerobic exercise, weight lifting and resistance training are good ways to improve muscle strength.

    • 5

      Ask your coach if there's an area he thinks you need to improve. He might have a different idea than you do, especially if he sees you practice or play daily, so it's best to ask for his opinion.

    • 6

      Attend a hockey-based camp. Many of these camps are designed for younger players, but if you look around enough, you should find one that suits you.