2 Off-Ice Stickhandling Fundamentals
Fundamental # 1: Practice With Head Up
When you are practicing stickhandling at home, the most important thing you should work on is practicing with your head up. Practice using your peripheral vision so you can see what is around you and where the puck is.
If players learn to stickhandle with their head up, the WHOLE game changes for them. They will be one step ahead of the competition since they will easily be able to see where their teammates are, and where the open ice is.
Get creative and have fun with your off-ice practice. Blast music, use your imagination and stickhandle around objects, chairs, etc. If you need ideas on stickhandling drills & moves, you can view 24 off-ice stickhandling drills (but make sure to practice with your head up and move around the puck as you get more comfortable).
Fundamental # 2: Practice Moving Around & Protect The Puck
When practicing at home, it is very easy to get in the habit of stickhandling stationary. Coach Eaves suggests to practice moving around the puck and to protect the puck so it is a more game like environment.
Plus, if you learn how to protect the puck with your body, it will be harder for the competition to take the puck away from you! Learn the difference between exposing the puck and protecting the puck.