How to Handle a Hockey Stick

While learning to play hockey, it is important to learn to handle the stick. Stick handling is a key element to playing hockey, and developing quick and accurate movements can make or break the success of a player. Use the tips below to develop good stick-handling skills from day one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Determine which hand to use. This is done in the first couple years of playing hockey. The dominant and strongest hand should be the hand at the top of the stick. If this is the right hand, then the player needs a left-handed stick. If this is the left hand, then the player needs a right-handed stick.
2. Use soft hands when holding the stick. If the stick is held too firmly or tightly, then the puck will simply bounce off. Hands need to be soft so that the stick will cradle the puck.
3. Always keep the top hand in place. The bottom hand is usually a wide distance from the top hand, but when far reaches are needed the bottom hand moves up the stick to the top hand.
4. Use the top hand for maneuvering the puck.
5. Use the bottom hand for shooting and passing.
6. Practice drills often off the ice with a small ball. There are many drills that can be practiced. One is the figure-8 drill, in which two objects are placed on the ground and the ball is moved around in a figure-8. Another is the box drill, in which a square is made on the floor with tape and the ball is moved around the edges.
7. Go to a stick-handling camp. Many hockey players with quick skills attribute them to going to camps when younger. Some reputable ones are Turcotte Stickhandling School, CCM Guts and Glory Tour and Team USA Camps.