Hockey Puck Handling Techniques

The ability to stickhandle the puck is a key component of ice hockey, no matter the position being played. Many people may think of forwards making jaw-dropping moves that lead to a goal, but stickhandling helps goaltenders become part of the defense and helps defensemen clear the puck from their zone and break it out to the forwards.

  1. Head up

    • A key component to moving the puck is keeping your head up and your eyes checking up ice. While it is tempting, especially when learning how to move the puck, to look down at it, this will inhibit a player's ability to see players to pass to and spots to shoot on net. It can also lead to getting checked hard by opponents since a skater looking at the puck won't see them coming. Practice stickhandling techniques with your head up and eyes looking forward.

    Don't Do Too Much

    • Whether the skater is a forward or defenseman, another key element is to not do too much with the puck. A skater can move faster by poking the puck ahead with the blade than with both hands on the stick moving the puck back and forth. The best players build up speed by keeping the puck in front of them, using the blade of the stick, and only shifting to two hands on the stick when in traffic or taking a shot or making a pass.

    Cup the Puck

    • Curved sticks make it easier to cup the puck when shooting and passing. Practice rolling the wrists and moving the puck back and forth, from forehand to backhand. The toe drag, where a player uses the toe or the stick blade to pull the puck back in and cup it, is an excellent technique for getting around an opponent. Keep the lower hand loose on the stick shaft to facilitate moving the puck back and forth and develop a better feel for the puck.