Teach Your Kids Hockey: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents

Are you a parent interested in introducing your child to hockey? Look no further than our step-by-step guide for teaching kids hockey. This exciting sport offers a multitude of benefits for young children, including physical activity, teamwork, and learning new skills. Our guide provides parents with all the necessary information and tools to get their child started on the ice. Whether your child is a complete beginner or has some experience, our guide offers valuable insights and advice for teaching hockey to children aged 7 to 12.

From the benefits of starting young to choosing the right equipment and teaching fundamental skills such as skating, shooting, and passing, our guide covers it all. We also provide tips for creating engaging drills and keeping your child safe on the ice. With our step-by-step guide, you can feel confident in teaching your child the exciting sport of hockey.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to teach your child a new skill and provide them with the many benefits that come with playing hockey. Keep reading to learn more about how you can get started on this exciting journey with your child!

Why Hockey is Great for Kids

Are you looking for a fun and challenging sport for your kids to play? Look no further than hockey. Hockey is a fantastic way for kids to stay active, learn new skills, and develop teamwork and sportsmanship. Physical fitness is just one of the many benefits of playing hockey.

Not only does hockey promote physical health, but it also helps kids develop important mental skills. Playing hockey requires focus, quick thinking, and problem-solving. These skills will help your child in all aspects of life, from school to future careers.

Another great thing about hockey is that it’s a sport for everyone. Kids of all ages and skill levels can enjoy playing hockey. It’s a great way to make new friends and build social skills, too.

Lastly, hockey is just plain fun. It’s an exciting sport that will keep your kids engaged and entertained. With the adrenaline rush of scoring a goal or making a big save, your kids will be hooked on hockey in no time.

Physical and Mental Benefits

1. Improved Physical Fitness: Hockey is an excellent cardiovascular workout that can improve endurance, strength, and agility. The constant movement on the ice and the need for quick bursts of speed make hockey a great way to burn calories and build muscle.

2. Development of Teamwork Skills: Playing on a hockey team requires strong communication and cooperation between players. This helps children develop social skills, such as communication, leadership, and teamwork. Hockey also provides opportunities for children to make friends and build relationships with their teammates.

3. Improved Cognitive Skills: Hockey requires quick decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic thinking. These skills are not only important on the ice but also in everyday life. Children who play hockey can improve their cognitive abilities, including concentration, memory, and attention span.

Overall, hockey is a great sport for children to participate in. It provides a range of physical and mental benefits, from improved physical fitness and teamwork skills to enhanced cognitive abilities. Whether your child is just starting out or has been playing for years, hockey is an excellent choice for both fun and development.

The Benefits of Starting Young

Developing Skills: Starting young allows children to develop strong foundational skills that they can build on as they grow. This not only benefits them in hockey, but also in other areas of life.

Socialization: Playing hockey at a young age is a great way for kids to make friends and learn how to work in a team. This helps to develop their social skills and build confidence.

Physical Development: Hockey is a physically demanding sport that helps children build strength, coordination, and agility. Starting young can help kids develop these skills at an early age.

Starting your child in hockey at a young age can provide a foundation for lifelong healthy habits. Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, and hockey is an excellent way for kids to get moving.

Playing hockey also teaches children discipline and teamwork. As they learn the rules of the game, kids must also learn to work together to achieve a common goal. This can be an invaluable lesson that they can carry with them throughout their lives.

Developing good habits early on can set kids up for success both on and off the ice. In hockey, children must learn to balance schoolwork, practice, and games, which can help teach them time management skills. Additionally, they will learn the importance of dedication, commitment, and hard work.

Starting young in hockey not only helps develop good habits but it also improves motor skills, which are essential for success in the sport. Children who play hockey at a young age develop better hand-eye coordination, balance, and agility. These skills are transferable to other areas of life such as school and other sports.

Research has shown that playing sports like hockey can improve overall cognitive function, such as attention span and concentration, which is important for children who are developing their academic abilities. Improved motor skills also help children build their confidence, which can be beneficial in all aspects of life.

Moreover, playing hockey at a young age helps children develop discipline and self-control. The rules and structure of the game teach children to follow instructions, respect their teammates and opponents, and develop a strong work ethic. These traits are important for personal growth and success in any future endeavors.

Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem

Playing hockey can have a positive impact on a child’s confidence and self-esteem. As children learn new skills and progress in the sport, they gain a sense of achievement and pride in their accomplishments. This can help them feel more confident in other areas of their lives as well.

Additionally, hockey is a team sport that requires cooperation and communication. When children work together successfully on the ice, it can boost their sense of self-worth and help them feel more connected to their teammates.

Finally, participating in physical activity can have a significant impact on mental health, and hockey is no exception. Regular exercise has been linked to improved mood and decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression. By playing hockey, children can build a positive self-image and learn healthy coping mechanisms that can benefit them throughout their lives.

How to Choose the Right Equipment

Consider your child’s age and size. Younger kids may need smaller equipment and skates, while older kids will need larger sizes.

Think about your budget. Hockey equipment can be expensive, so it’s important to set a budget before you start shopping.

Ask for recommendations. Talk to other parents, coaches, or equipment specialists for advice on what brands and models are best for your child’s skill level and budget.

Try before you buy. Make sure your child tries on the equipment before purchasing to ensure a proper fit and maximum comfort on the ice.

Understanding the Basics

Before buying any equipment, it is important to understand the basics of the game. Know the different positions, how the game is played, and the different types of shots. This will help you determine which equipment you will need to purchase and what size is appropriate for your child.

When it comes to sticks, you need to know the difference between a left-handed and right-handed stick. For younger kids, a shorter stick is recommended to help with control. For older kids, a longer stick is better for reach.

The most important piece of protective equipment is a helmet. Make sure the helmet fits properly and has a cage or visor to protect the face. Shin guards, elbow pads, and gloves are also essential for protection. Make sure to choose equipment that fits well to ensure maximum protection.

Lastly, consider investing in skates. A good pair of skates will not only help your child perform better but will also provide comfort and support for their feet. Make sure to get the right size and consider getting them sharpened before your child hits the ice.

Fitting Your Child for Equipment

Consult a professional: When it comes to fitting your child for equipment, it’s best to seek help from a professional. They can ensure that everything fits properly and safely.

Consider your child’s age and size: As your child grows, they’ll need different sizes of equipment. Be sure to choose equipment that is appropriate for their age and size.

Check for proper fit: Make sure that equipment such as helmets, shoulder pads, and skates fit snugly but comfortably. Equipment that is too loose or too tight can be dangerous and uncomfortable for your child.

Don’t forget about maintenance: Properly maintaining your child’s equipment is important for their safety and longevity of the equipment. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for maintenance and replacement.

The Fundamentals of Hockey: Skating, Shooting, and Passing

Skating is the foundation of ice hockey. Proper skating technique will enable players to move quickly and efficiently on the ice. The most important skating skill is the ability to skate forward with power and speed. Skaters should focus on maintaining a low center of gravity, using their edges to turn, and keeping their knees bent and weight balanced.

Shooting is one of the most exciting parts of hockey. To be an effective shooter, players need to have a quick release, good accuracy, and the ability to shoot from different angles. The most important shooting technique is the wrist shot, which involves transferring weight from the back foot to the front foot while shooting.

Passing is an essential skill for all hockey players. Good passing skills enable players to move the puck quickly and efficiently around the ice. The most important passing technique is the saucer pass, which involves lifting the puck off the ice and over an opponent’s stick. Players should focus on passing with both forehand and backhand, and using a variety of passing techniques to keep opponents guessing.

Mastering these fundamentals takes time and practice. Coaches should break down each skill into smaller components and focus on developing proper technique. Drills should be designed to challenge players and encourage them to work on their weaknesses. Most importantly, players should be encouraged to have fun and enjoy the game.

Finally, it’s important to note that while these skills are fundamental to hockey, they are not the only skills needed to be a successful player. Hockey also requires physical fitness, teamwork, mental toughness, and good sportsmanship.

Skating Techniques and Drills

Crossover: The crossover is a fundamental skating technique that allows players to turn while maintaining their speed. To practice crossovers, players should start by skating in a straight line, then shift their weight to one foot and cross their other foot over it. Repeat on the other side.

Edges: Skating on the edges of the blades allows players to make sharp turns and sudden stops. To improve edge work, players can practice leaning to one side and digging into the ice with the corresponding edge, then repeating on the other side.

Speed: Speed is an essential part of hockey, and improving skating technique is key to increasing it. Players can practice by working on their stride, making sure to use their entire leg to push off the ice and maintaining a low center of gravity.

Shooting Fundamentals

Hand Position: A proper hand position is critical when shooting. Your dominant hand should be on the back of the stick, and your other hand should be placed about halfway up the stick. Make sure your top hand is in control of the stick.

Weight Transfer: As you begin to shoot, shift your weight from your back foot to your front foot. This helps generate power and accuracy in your shot.

Follow Through: A good follow-through is essential for a successful shot. After you release the puck, continue your shot motion and point your stick at your target.

Types of Shots: There are several types of shots, including wrist shots, snap shots, slap shots, and backhand shots. Each shot requires a different technique and can be used in various game situations.

Practice: Practicing your shots regularly is the key to improving your shooting skills. Work on your hand position, weight transfer, and follow-through until they become second nature.

Passing Drills and Exercises

Short Passing: The most fundamental skill in hockey is passing. One of the most common passes is the short pass. To perform a short pass, players should keep the blade of their stick close to the puck and transfer weight from their back foot to their front foot while pushing the puck towards their target.

Long Passing: Long passes are useful for advancing the puck up the ice quickly. To make a long pass, players should lean back slightly and shift their weight from their back foot to their front foot while using their top hand to push the puck forward. It’s important to follow through with the pass and aim for the target.

One-Timers: One-timers are passes that are shot directly on goal without stopping the puck first. Players should be able to receive a pass and shoot it in one motion. To practice one-timers, players should set up in front of the net and have a partner pass the puck to them from the side.

Give-and-Go: The give-and-go is a passing play that involves two players. One player passes the puck to their teammate and then quickly moves into a new position to receive a return pass. This is an effective way to create scoring opportunities and keep the defense guessing.

Puck Control: Good passing requires good puck control. Players should practice stickhandling to improve their ability to control the puck while passing. They should also work on maintaining good body position and keeping their head up to see the ice and find open teammates.

Creating Fun and Engaging Drills for Kids

As a coach or parent, it is important to make sure that the drills you create for kids are not only beneficial, but also fun and engaging. By making the drills enjoyable, you can help keep the kids motivated and interested in the sport. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when creating drills:

Variety: Incorporate a variety of different drills to keep things interesting. Include both individual and team-based drills.

Competition: Kids love competition, so incorporate drills that have a competitive aspect to them. This can be as simple as keeping score or timing the drills.

Age-Appropriate: Make sure that the drills you create are appropriate for the age and skill level of the kids. If the drills are too difficult, the kids may become frustrated and lose interest.

Creativity: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your drills. Use different equipment or modify traditional drills to make them more exciting and engaging.

By incorporating these tips into your drill creation process, you can help ensure that the kids are not only improving their skills, but also having fun and staying engaged in the sport.

Incorporating Games into Practice

Engage Your Players: Games are a great way to keep kids engaged and having fun during practice. Make sure the games you choose are age-appropriate and relevant to the skills you want to work on.

Competition: Incorporating games with a competitive element can motivate players to work harder and improve their skills. However, it’s important to strike a balance between competition and collaboration to ensure that all players feel included and supported.

Teach Through Play: Games can be used as a tool to teach and reinforce skills. Incorporate specific skills or techniques into game rules, so players can practice them in a fun and engaging way.

Variety: Varying the games you use in practice can keep things fresh and exciting for players. Try to mix up the types of games you use and incorporate different equipment to challenge your players in new ways.

Keeping Your Kids Safe on the Ice

Hockey helmet: A properly fitted hockey helmet is essential to protect your child from head injuries. Make sure it is certified by an authorized safety standard organization.

Mouthguard: A mouthguard helps protect teeth and prevent mouth injuries. Look for a custom-fit mouthguard that is comfortable for your child to wear and does not restrict breathing.

Neck guard: A neck guard can help prevent serious neck and throat injuries. It should fit snugly around your child’s neck, with no gaps or looseness.

Proper equipment: Make sure your child wears all required equipment, including shin guards, elbow pads, gloves, and a protective cup for boys.

Safe playing environment: Check the rink for any hazards or obstacles that could cause injury, such as uneven ice or boards that are not properly secured.

Proper Protective Gear and Clothing

Safety is a top priority when playing ice hockey. Every player must wear protective gear to minimize the risk of injury. The gear includes a helmet, mouthguard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, protective cup, shin guards, and skates.

When choosing protective gear, make sure it fits properly and comfortably. Check the fit of the helmet by placing it on your child’s head and adjusting the chinstrap. The helmet should fit snugly and not move around.

Players should also wear appropriate clothing on the ice. Clothing should be warm and flexible to allow for movement. Base layers should be moisture-wicking to keep the body dry and comfortable during play. Avoid clothing with drawstrings or loose parts that could get caught in equipment.

Importance of Hydration and Nutrition

Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for any physical activity, especially on the ice. It is important for kids to drink plenty of water before, during, and after a game or practice to maintain their energy levels and prevent dehydration.

Nutrition: A well-balanced diet is crucial for kids to perform their best on the ice. Encourage them to eat a variety of foods, including lean protein, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid sugary and processed foods, which can lead to energy crashes during games and practices.

Pre-game meals: A pre-game meal should be eaten 2-3 hours before the game and include a balance of carbohydrates and protein. Good options include grilled chicken with brown rice and vegetables or a turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread with a piece of fruit.

Guidelines for Safe Play and Injury Prevention

• Warm-up: It is essential to warm up before playing to reduce the risk of injury. Begin with light aerobic exercise to increase blood flow to the muscles and gradually increase intensity to prepare the body for physical activity.

• Proper technique: Teaching and practicing proper technique is crucial to prevent injuries. This includes correct form when skating, stopping, turning, and checking.

• Stay aware: Be aware of other players, surroundings, and ice conditions. Always look before passing or shooting and stay alert for potential hazards, such as cracks or holes in the ice.

It is important to also know the signs of injury and how to treat them. Encourage players to speak up if they experience pain or discomfort and seek medical attention if necessary. By following these guidelines and prioritizing safety, players can reduce their risk of injury and enjoy a fun and healthy game of hockey.

Frequently Asked Questions