How to Handle the Puck in Ice Hockey

If skating is the most important skill in hockey, handling the puck is a close second. Everything you accomplish in a hockey game depends on handling the puck effectively.

Instructions

    • 1

      First try handling the puck while standing still on the ice. This will help you develop handling skills before you try to skate with the puck.

    • 2

      Put the puck flat on the ice. It is impossible to handle when on its end.

    • 3

      Hold your stick loosely in both hands - this will improve your touch on the puck.

    • 4

      Touch the puck with the front-hand side of the curve of stick blade. The curve should hold the puck for you a little.

    • 5

      Slide the puck across the ice toward your backhand, across your body.

    • 6

      Move your stick over the ice to the other side of the puck and place it so that the puck will hit your backhand side of the stick.

    • 7

      Make sure you provide some give when you catch the puck so that it doesn't bounce off your stick.

    • 8

      Push the puck back to your forehand using the same method. This is the basic stick handling of the puck.

    • 9

      Try skating with the puck, once you get the hang of it. Practice making turns and stopping.