New Ice Hockey Players’ Top Ten Tips

What you should and shouldn’t do with your equipment

  • As with any new sport, when you first start, it’s a good idea to borrow or buy used (or at least inexpensive) equipment until you’re sure ice hockey is right for you.
  • When selecting an ice hockey stick, your height should be considered. If a bat is too long or too short, your body will be put under undue strain. A professional store should help you figure out which stick is ideal for you.
  • Be aware that getting into your hockey gear may feel unpleasant or restrict your mobility at first. If that’s the case, allow yourself some time to adjust – if you don’t, it’ll be simple to find alternatives. However, it would help if you never played without protective equipment for obvious safety concerns.
  • When buying skates, make sure they fit snugly but not so tightly that your toes are cramped. They must also be able to give adequate ankle support. Skate sizes are usually half to a full size smaller than the players’ normal shoe sizes.
  • When lacing up your skates, use the ‘criss-cross’ method to ensure even comfort and support. To allow blood circulation to your toes, the bottom three eyelets should be semi-loose, and then the eyelets should tighten as you move closer to the ankle.
  • Remember not to tie the laces of your skates around your ankles because this can limit your movement and ability to respond fast, causing you to lose crucial response time during play.

Improve your technique to become a better player.

  • Play street hockey, particularly on inline skates, to improve some of your fundamental skills. This way, you may practice stick handling and street skating, which simulate some of the movements needed to skate on ice.
  • Make a point of watching the pros play to understand positional play and strategy better. If you already have a position, pay close attention to the player that plays it.
  • Except when deflecting a puck, it’s critical to keep your stick on the ice at all times. You won’t be ready to receive a pass or shoot if you’re skating with your stick in the air. When players keep their sticks on the ice, they are also safer.
  • It is unnecessary to only practice to improve as a player. You may become a better ice hockey player by developing your overall strength, speed, balance, coordination, agility, and explosiveness — for example, by working out at the gym, running, or participating in another sport.