This video demonstrates a hand-eye coordination drill using a tennis ball to practice tips, deflections, and quick reactions, helping players improve their ability to handle pucks in tight spaces and create scoring opportunities.
Coaching Points:
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Hand Positioning:
- Keep your hands in a good position away from your body, ready to react to the ball or puck.
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Track the Ball:
- Focus on the ball as it approaches, using your stick to either knock it down or redirect it.
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Controlled Movements:
- Stay light and controlled with your stick movements to adjust quickly, whether the ball comes at the forehand or backhand side.
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Quick Reactions:
- Simulate game situations by reacting to rebounds or deflections, aiming to control or elevate the puck after initial contact.
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Choke Up for Close Control:
- When the ball is tight to your body, choke up on your stick for better precision and quicker movements.
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Repetition for Improvement:
- Regularly practice knocking down and deflecting balls off the wall to enhance your hand-eye coordination and reaction speed over time.
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Add Variety:
- Vary the angles and speed of your passes off the wall to challenge yourself and simulate real-game unpredictability.