Welcome to our article on how to keep up with your hockey practice even when you can’t make it to the rink. Whether you live in an area where outdoor ice is hard to come by or you’re simply looking to get some extra practice in at home, we’ve got you covered. By following these tips and tricks, you can improve your hockey skills and maintain your performance all from the comfort of your own home.
The first step to practicing hockey indoors is to set up a practice space. This may seem daunting, but we’ll provide you with some simple tips and tricks to make the process as painless as possible. Once you’ve got your space set up, you can adapt your workouts to your indoor environment and start working on your stickhandling, shooting, and passing skills.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this article is packed full of valuable information to help you take your game to the next level. So, put on your favorite jersey and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Set up a Practice Space
If you’re an avid hockey player, you know how important it is to practice regularly. But what do you do when the weather outside isn’t suitable for outdoor ice time? Don’t worry, you can still improve your skills by setting up a practice space inside your home or garage.
Firstly, choose a space that’s big enough to practice your skills. A basement or garage works well, as long as there’s enough space to move around. Next, consider investing in some flooring tiles designed specifically for hockey training. They’ll give you the feel of real ice and help to protect your flooring.
Secondly, make sure you have the right equipment for your practice space. You’ll need a net, shooting pad, stickhandling trainer, and shooting targets. You can purchase these items from most sports retailers or online shops.
Thirdly, consider adding some lighting to your practice space. Proper lighting will help you to see the puck and improve your accuracy. You can use overhead lights or even invest in some specialized hockey lighting equipment.
Finally, make sure your practice space is organized and clutter-free. You’ll want to be able to move around easily and avoid tripping over equipment. Keep everything in its place and make sure you have a clear path from one end of the space to the other.
Set up a Practice Space
Clear the Space
Before you start practicing your hockey skills, it is important to clear out enough space. Move any furniture and breakable items out of the way, and make sure that the area is safe for you to move around in.
It’s also important to check the flooring in the area where you will be practicing. Make sure that the surface is suitable for practicing, and that there are no tripping hazards or uneven areas that could cause injury.
If you’re practicing on carpet, you may want to consider using a plastic tarp or synthetic ice to create a smoother surface. This will help you move more easily while practicing your skills.
- Clear the space: Move furniture and breakable items out of the way to create a safe area.
- Check the flooring: Ensure the surface is suitable for practicing and that there are no tripping hazards or uneven areas.
- Use a tarp or synthetic ice: Consider using a plastic tarp or synthetic ice to create a smoother surface if practicing on carpet.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority when setting up a practice space. Take the time to ensure that the area is safe and suitable for practicing, so that you can focus on improving your hockey skills with peace of mind.
Invest in a Shooting Pad
A shooting pad is a great investment for any hockey player looking to practice their stickhandling and shooting skills indoors. Shooting pads come in various sizes and materials, but most are made of durable, synthetic ice that simulates the feel of real ice. The synthetic material also reduces friction and helps protect your stick blade.
Using a shooting pad allows you to practice your stickhandling and shooting techniques at home without damaging your floors or walls. It also provides a surface that’s similar to the ice, so you can work on your stride and footwork.
Shooting pads are also versatile and can be used for other off-ice training exercises, such as resistance band training or plyometric exercises. Some shooting pads even come with additional features, like rebounder walls or built-in shooting targets, to help you improve your accuracy.
Adapt your Workouts to Indoor Spaces
Just because you are indoors doesn’t mean you can’t get in a great workout. Consider doing cardio exercises like jumping jacks, high knees, or burpees to get your heart rate up. If you have stairs, utilize them for a great lower body workout.
Another way to stay active inside is to try yoga or Pilates. Both exercises are low-impact and require minimal equipment. There are many online videos that can guide you through a yoga or Pilates routine in the comfort of your own home.
If you have access to a treadmill, stationary bike, or elliptical, use them to your advantage. Create a customized workout plan that includes interval training, hill climbs, or sprints to keep your workouts challenging and engaging.
Finally, if you have space, invest in some home gym equipment. A set of dumbbells or resistance bands can go a long way in creating a versatile workout routine. With a little creativity, you can adapt your favorite exercises to indoor spaces and continue to make progress towards your fitness goals.
Plyometric Exercises
Plyometric exercises are a great way to improve explosive power and quickness. These exercises usually involve jumping, hopping, or bounding and can be done with minimal equipment. Start with a low intensity and gradually increase as you get stronger.
Some examples of plyometric exercises you can do indoors include squat jumps, box jumps, and lateral bounds. Make sure to land softly to avoid any injuries.
Incorporating plyometric exercises into your training routine can improve your overall performance on the ice, especially in areas like acceleration, agility, and power.
Jump Rope
Jumping rope is a great way to improve your cardiovascular endurance and footwork, and it can be done indoors with just a small space and a jump rope. Start with a basic jump and progress to more advanced techniques like double unders and criss-crosses. Jump for 30 seconds to a minute, rest for 15 seconds, and repeat for several sets.
Variations like high knees, one-legged jumps, and side-to-side jumps can add variety to your routine and target different muscle groups. You can also use a weighted jump rope to increase the intensity of your workout.
Benefits of jump rope include improved coordination, balance, and agility. It also burns a lot of calories in a short amount of time, making it an efficient way to improve your fitness.
Focus on Stickhandling Skills
Improving your stickhandling skills is essential to becoming a better hockey player, and you can do it all from the comfort of your home. Here are some tips to help you focus on your stickhandling:
Get a training ball or puck: Practicing with a training ball or puck can help you improve your stickhandling by providing a different feel and bounce compared to a regular puck.
Utilize obstacles: Using obstacles such as cones, chairs, or even your furniture can help improve your stickhandling skills by forcing you to maneuver around them.
Practice with both hands: It’s important to practice stickhandling with both your dominant and non-dominant hand to improve your overall stickhandling ability.
Vary your stickhandling speed: Varying the speed of your stickhandling will help you develop better control and coordination when handling the puck on the ice.
By focusing on your stickhandling skills, you’ll be able to improve your control and confidence on the ice. Keep practicing and watch your game improve!Practice with a Golf Ball
If you don’t have access to a puck or a ball, a golf ball is a great alternative for practicing stickhandling skills. The small size and weight of the ball will improve your hand-eye coordination and reaction time.
Set up a course in your practice space with cones or other obstacles, and practice weaving in and out of them while stickhandling the golf ball. You can also set up targets or a makeshift net to practice shooting with the golf ball.
Just be sure to use a mat or other protective surface underneath the golf ball to prevent damage to your flooring or stick.
Use an Obstacle Course
Create an Obstacle Course: Use items around your home to create an obstacle course. Set up cones, pillows, and other objects to weave in and out of.
Challenge Yourself: Time yourself completing the course and try to beat your previous time. Increase the difficulty of the course by adding more obstacles or increasing the distance between them.
Improve Your Stickhandling: Incorporate stickhandling drills into the obstacle course. Set up cones or other objects to stickhandle around or through.
An obstacle course is a fun and effective way to improve your stickhandling skills while also working on your agility and speed. Get creative with the items you use to create the course and challenge yourself to improve your time and technique with each attempt.
Improve Your Shooting and Passing Accuracy
As a hockey player, being able to shoot and pass accurately is crucial for success on the ice. Here are some tips to improve your skills:
Practice with targets: Set up targets in different areas of the net to improve your accuracy when shooting. For passing, use cones to represent players and practice passing to them accurately.
Focus on your body position: Proper body position is important for accuracy. Keep your head up, eyes on the target, and use your whole body to generate power in your shot or pass.
Use a reaction ball: A reaction ball is a small, multi-sided ball that bounces unpredictably. This tool can help improve hand-eye coordination and reaction time, leading to better accuracy when shooting or passing.
Analyze game footage: Reviewing game footage can help identify areas where you can improve your shooting and passing accuracy. Pay attention to your body position, footwork, and the placement of your shots and passes.
Use Targets to Aim For
If you want to improve your shooting and passing accuracy, using targets can be an effective way to do so. By having specific targets to aim for, you can train your muscle memory to consistently hit those spots. Here are some ways to incorporate targets into your training:
- Paper Targets: Use paper targets with different shapes and sizes to work on accuracy. Place them in different locations around the net or on a wall to simulate different shooting scenarios.
- Chipping Targets: Use small chipping targets on the ice to work on precision passing and shooting. You can also use them to work on deking and stickhandling around obstacles.
- Shooting Tarps: Shooting tarps are great for practicing accuracy while also protecting your surroundings. They come in different sizes and shapes, and some even have targets printed on them.
By incorporating targets into your training, you can take your shooting and passing accuracy to the next level. Remember to always focus on proper technique and form, and gradually increase the difficulty as you improve.
Incorporate Passing Drills
Partner Passing: Find a partner and stand facing each other. Pass the ball back and forth, focusing on accuracy and speed.
Three-Person Weave: Set up three cones in a straight line. Pass the ball between players, weaving in and out of the cones.
Circle Passing: Have players stand in a circle and pass the ball around. Add a second ball to increase difficulty.
Incorporating passing drills into your hockey training routine can greatly improve your accuracy and speed on the ice. These drills can also help you work on your teamwork and communication with your teammates. Practice these drills regularly to see improvements in your passing game.
Practice One-Timers
One-timers are an important part of any hockey player’s offensive arsenal. They require quick reflexes, accuracy, and power. To practice your one-timers, you will need a partner to pass you the puck. Here are some tips:
Timing: It’s important to time your shot properly so that you make contact with the puck at the right moment. You should start your wind-up as soon as the puck is coming towards you, so that you can get your shot off quickly.
Accuracy: One-timers require a high degree of accuracy. Aim for specific spots on the net, such as the top corners or five-hole. Practice hitting those spots repeatedly until you can do it consistently.
Power: One-timers require a lot of power. Practice shooting the puck with as much force as you can muster, while maintaining accuracy. This will help you generate more power and make your shots harder to stop.
| Tips for practicing one-timers | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Timing drills | Set up drills where you have to time your shot to hit a moving puck | Have your partner pass you the puck while you’re moving, and time your shot to hit the puck at the right moment |
| Target practice | Set up targets in the net to aim for | Aim for specific spots on the net, such as the top corners or five-hole, to improve your accuracy |
| Strength training | Incorporate strength training exercises into your routine to help you generate more power | Do exercises like squats and lunges to build leg and core strength, which will help you generate more power in your shots |
Try off-ice Training Equipment
Resistance Bands: Resistance bands are a great way to work on your shooting and stickhandling skills. They provide resistance to your movements, which helps to build strength and muscle memory.
Slide Board: A slide board is a training tool used for building lateral movement and core strength. It is especially useful for hockey players looking to improve their agility and balance on the ice.
Stickhandling Balls: Stickhandling balls are designed to simulate the weight and feel of a hockey puck, but with a smaller size. They are great for practicing stickhandling drills off the ice, which can help to improve your on-ice skills.
Agility Ladder: An agility ladder is a great way to improve your footwork and coordination. It can be used for a variety of different drills and exercises, such as ladder drills and speed training.
Use a Slide Board
If you’re looking to improve your skating technique and leg strength, try using a slide board. This off-ice training equipment simulates the side-to-side motion of skating and helps you to develop the muscles needed for quick and powerful movements.
With a slide board, you can practice a variety of skating techniques, including crossovers, lateral shuffles, and backward skating. It also helps to improve your balance and agility, which are essential skills for any hockey player.
When using a slide board, focus on maintaining proper form and technique. Keep your knees bent, your core engaged, and your weight evenly distributed. Start with short sessions and gradually increase your time and intensity to avoid injury.
Invest in Resistance Bands
Resistance bands are a great way to add variety to your off-ice training routine. They can help you develop strength, power, and explosiveness in your lower body, as well as improve your balance and stability.
You can use resistance bands to simulate on-ice movements like skating and shooting. For example, you can attach a band to a sturdy anchor point and practice your skating stride by pulling against the resistance of the band. Or you can use a band to work on your shooting technique by pulling against the resistance of the band as you shoot the puck.
Resistance bands come in a variety of strengths, so you can choose the one that’s right for you based on your fitness level and training goals. They are also portable and easy to store, making them a convenient option for off-ice training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why practice hockey inside?
There are many reasons to practice hockey inside, such as inclement weather, lack of outdoor facilities, or simply wanting to improve your game in the comfort of your own home.
What are some off-ice training exercises for hockey?
Off-ice training exercises for hockey include using resistance bands, practicing stickhandling and passing with a slide board, and using an agility ladder to improve footwork and speed.
How can I practice shooting and passing accuracy?
You can practice shooting and passing accuracy by using targets, incorporating passing drills, practicing one-timers, and investing in off-ice training equipment like a shooting pad or a rebounder.
What are some ways to improve stickhandling skills?
You can improve stickhandling skills by practicing with a golf ball, using a stickhandling ball or puck, and incorporating stickhandling drills into your off-ice training routine.
Can I practice hockey without a rink or ice surface?
Yes, you can practice hockey without a rink or ice surface by using off-ice training equipment like a shooting pad, rebounder, slide board, and agility ladder, or by practicing stickhandling and passing exercises with a ball or puck in a space large enough to move around in.