How to Play Hockey for Kids

Kids wanting to play hockey simply have to gather the courage to lace up a pair of skates and hit the ice. The best way for a kid to play hockey is to join a team and attend practices regularly. Coaches will help children adapt and learn the skills needed to play the game, as well as help the team bond and support one another. There are many different skill levels on every little league team, and beginners should start at a lower level to learn the basic skills needed to play. Teammates, referees and coaches are usually very supportive of beginners and enjoy sharing their hockey skill sets with kids still learning to play.

Things You'll Need

  • Rule book Skates Hockey stick Gloves Helmet Should pads Elbow pads Knee and shin guards Chest protector Protective cup Hockey pants, sock and jersey Puck
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Instructions

    • 1

      Learn the rules of the game. Before kids steps on the ice to play hockey, they should have a basic knowledge of the rules. Reading the rules with kids helps to give a basic understanding of rules like icing, roughing, checking, interference, holding and offsides. However, it is best to let kids watch the game live and study professional players on television to visualize how each rule operates.

    • 2

      Choose a position. Once kids know the rules, they should decide what position they want to play. The position will also dictate what equipment is bought. For example, goalies have slightly different equipment needs than defensemen or forwards.

    • 3

      Lace up some skates and go out on the ice. Learning to skate is often the most difficult thing to do. Kids should practice skating before they sign up for league play. Once they get the basics down, they can always improve with the team as they play.

    • 4

      Put on the equipment. Kids should practice skating with all their equipment on. They should practice viewing and seeing the ice while wearing a helmet. Kids should practice how to move while holding a hockey stick and also adapt to playing while wearing elbow pads, shoulder pads and a full set of hockey equipment.

    • 5

      Practice stick handling. Kids need to learn how to stick-handle so they can move the puck up the ice in a game. Setting up pylons and performing weaving drills will help to teach kids how to handle a puck on the ice with their stick.

    • 6

      Practice shooting and passing. Accepting a pass can sometimes be challenging for kids. Performing passing drills will teach young players how to cradle a pass and gain control of the puck before moving it forward. There are a number of shots a player can choose from, as well. Wrist shots, slap-shots, backhand shots, one-timers and the shovel shot are just some kids can begin to practice.

    • 7

      Play the game. Young kids are rarely allowed to engage in physical play at beginner levels. Starting kids early is the best time to get involved in hockey because there is not a high chance of injury. Once kids have learned the basics, they can hit the ice and begin to master the sport.