Work on your Stickhandling!

Stickhandling is the foundation for all your puck skills.  If you improve your stickhandling, undoubtedly your passing and shooting will improve.  When you work on your stickhandling, remember the importance of rolling your wrists.  Let the wrists do the work for you and cup the stick over the puck.  Work on stickhandling in front of you body and on both sides.  At the IHC European Stickhandling and Moves School, we teach the five positions where you should handle the puck in relation to your body.  Keep your arms away from your body so you can front and back as well as side to side.  Utilize the entire blade when stickhandling.  When sliding the puck through the ”Defenseman’s Triangle”, use the heel to toe puck movement.  Use the toe of your stick to pull the puck back in towards your body with the “Toe Drag”.  Also, using the “Backhand Toe Drag” and the “Backhand Datsyuk Sweep” is a very effective move that can surprise a defender.  Always have your head up when handling the puck and keep your feet moving.  The International Hockey College offers the European Stickhandling and Moves School at many rinks.  The IHC’s Body Contact, Checking, and Defensive Concepts School is offered immediately after the Stickhandling School.