If you’re a hockey fan, you know that the ability to handle the puck is crucial. But just how long can you legally carry the puck on the ice? The answer may surprise you.
In the NHL, a player can carry the puck for a maximum of three seconds. But in lower levels of play, such as high school or college, this rule may not be enforced, so players may have more time to control the puck.
While it’s important to stay within the rules, honing your puck-handling skills can help you take advantage of the time you do have. Stickhandling and skating techniques are key to maintaining control of the puck for as long as possible.
Want to learn more about mastering puck control and taking your hockey game to the next level? Keep reading for tips and tricks from the pros.
Table of Contents
Mastering Puck Control
If you want to become a top-notch hockey player, one of the most important skills you’ll need to master is puck control. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Practice Stickhandling Drills
Stickhandling is the art of controlling the puck with your stick. To improve your stickhandling skills, try incorporating drills into your practice routine. Some effective stickhandling drills include:
- Figure 8s: weave the puck in and out of cones or obstacles, making figure 8 patterns with your stick.
- One-handed stickhandling: practice controlling the puck with one hand while skating or changing directions.
- Stickhandling in tight spaces: use a small space or obstacle course to practice quick, precise stickhandling movements.
Master Skating Techniques
Skating is an essential component of puck control. The better you are at skating, the more control you’ll have over the puck. Here are some skating techniques to focus on:
- Crossovers: use crossovers to quickly change direction and avoid defenders.
- Mohawks: use mohawks to pivot and change directions without losing speed.
- Backward skating: practice skating backwards to improve your mobility and defensive skills.
Improve Your Vision and Awareness
Vision and awareness are crucial for effective puck control. To improve your vision and awareness on the ice, try these tips:
- Keep your head up: always keep your head up and your eyes on the ice so you can anticipate your next move.
- Scan the ice: scan the ice to be aware of where your teammates and opponents are on the ice.
- Communicate with your teammates: use verbal and non-verbal cues to communicate with your teammates and make quick decisions on the ice.
Mastering puck control takes time and practice, but with these tips, you’ll be on your way to becoming a top-notch hockey player in no time.
What the Pros Know About Puck Carrying
One of the most important skills for any hockey player is puck control. Mastering the ability to carry the puck effectively can give a player a significant advantage on the ice. But what are the techniques that the pros use to keep the puck on their stick and evade defenders? Let’s take a closer look.
Firstly, it’s important to have a strong base. Keeping a low center of gravity and using your body to shield the puck from opponents can help you maintain possession. Additionally, having quick feet and good acceleration can allow you to change directions quickly and avoid defenders.
Stickhandling
Stickhandling is a crucial aspect of puck control. It’s important to be able to manipulate the puck with your stick while keeping your head up and aware of your surroundings. Using quick and precise movements can help you avoid defenders and create scoring opportunities.
- Focus on keeping your hands in front of your body
- Use your wrist to make quick and subtle movements
- Practice with a ball or other small object to improve your hand-eye coordination
Deception
Deception is an effective technique used by many pros to create space and evade defenders. Using fake shots, passes, or other movements can cause the opposing team to react and give you an opening to make a play.
- Use your body to “sell” the fake movement
- Practice different types of fakes to keep defenders guessing
- Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate the reactions of opposing players
Creativity
The best players in the game are often the most creative. Being able to think outside the box and make unexpected moves can catch defenders off guard and create scoring opportunities.
- Experiment with different types of shots and passes
- Try new moves in practice and incorporate them into your game
- Be confident and trust your instincts
Mastering puck control takes time and practice, but with dedication and the right techniques, anyone can improve their ability to carry the puck like a pro. Keep these tips in mind and start working on your puck control today.
Skating Techniques for Better Puck Handling
Skating is an essential skill for any ice hockey player, and mastering the right techniques can significantly improve your puck handling abilities. One key technique to focus on is the crossover. Crossing your feet over one another as you skate can help you maintain control of the puck while making quick turns and changes in direction.
Another technique to consider is the power slide. This involves quickly shifting your weight from one foot to the other while gliding on the ice, allowing you to change direction or stop abruptly while keeping the puck close to your body.
The T-Stop
The T-stop is a fundamental technique for stopping on the ice while maintaining control of the puck. To perform the T-stop, shift your weight onto one foot and drag the other foot perpendicular to your body, forming a “T” shape with your skates. This will cause you to come to a quick stop while still holding onto the puck.
The Mohawk Turn
The Mohawk turn is a more advanced skating technique that can help you navigate around defenders while keeping the puck under control. To perform the Mohawk turn, shift your weight onto one foot and cross your other foot behind it. Then, shift your weight to your back foot and quickly bring your front foot around to the other side of your body, allowing you to change direction while keeping the puck close to your body.
The C-Cut
The C-Cut is a technique that can help you quickly change direction and evade defenders while maintaining control of the puck. To perform the C-Cut, start by shifting your weight onto one foot and making a quick, sharp turn in the opposite direction with your other foot, forming a “C” shape on the ice. This will allow you to change direction quickly while keeping the puck under control.
Maximizing Your Time on the Ice
As a hockey player, you know how valuable time on the ice can be. Every second counts, and it’s essential to make the most of your practice sessions and games. Here are some tips on how to maximize your time on the ice:
First and foremost, make sure you arrive at the rink early. Arriving early gives you time to get dressed, stretch, and mentally prepare for the upcoming practice or game. This time also allows you to get in a few extra warm-up drills or stickhandling exercises to get your body ready for the intensity of the ice.
Plan Ahead
- Before you even step onto the ice, make sure you have a game plan for what you want to accomplish.
- Identify areas of your game that need improvement and focus on those during your practice sessions.
- Set specific goals for each practice or game and work towards achieving them.
Stay Focused
- During practice or games, it’s essential to stay focused and engaged.
- Avoid distractions and stay in the moment.
- Listen to your coaches and teammates and take their feedback to heart.
Take Care of Your Body
- Your body is your most important asset on the ice, so it’s crucial to take care of it.
- Stay hydrated and eat a healthy diet to give your body the fuel it needs to perform at its best.
- Get plenty of rest and recovery time between games and practices to prevent injuries and ensure you’re at your best on the ice.
Remember, time on the ice is precious, and it’s up to you to make the most of it. By planning ahead, staying focused, and taking care of your body, you’ll be able to maximize your time on the ice and take your game to the next level.
Beyond Basic Stickhandling: Advanced Techniques to Try
If you’ve been playing hockey for a while, you’re probably familiar with the basics of stickhandling. But if you want to take your game to the next level, it’s time to start practicing some advanced techniques.
One key to successful advanced stickhandling is keeping your eyes up and your head on a swivel. This allows you to see the entire ice and make smart decisions with the puck. Additionally, practicing your footwork can help you stay light on your skates and make quick, efficient moves.
Toe Drag
The toe drag is a classic stickhandling move that involves pulling the puck in towards your body with the toe of your stick blade. This allows you to protect the puck while you change direction or make a move on a defender. To practice the toe drag, start by slowly skating in a straight line and pulling the puck in towards your body with the toe of your stick. Once you’ve got the hang of it, try incorporating the move into your game play.
The Datsyuk Move
The Datsyuk move is named after legendary player Pavel Datsyuk, who was known for his incredible stickhandling skills. To execute the move, start by skating towards a defender. As you approach, fake a shot or pass, then quickly pull the puck behind your back and skate the other way. This move requires excellent hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes, but can be a game-changer if executed correctly.
The Lacrosse Move
The lacrosse move, also known as the “Michigan,” involves picking up the puck on the blade of your stick and tucking it into the top corner of the net. This move is not for the faint of heart, but can be a showstopper if executed successfully. To practice the lacrosse move, start by getting comfortable picking up the puck on the blade of your stick. Once you’ve got that down, try lifting the puck up towards the top corner of the net and tucking it in.
- Stickhandling – Improving your stickhandling skills can help you maintain possession of the puck and make quick, efficient moves on the ice.
- Advanced Techniques – Practicing advanced stickhandling techniques can help you take your game to the next level.
- Eye Contact – Keeping your eyes up and your head on a swivel is key to successful stickhandling and decision-making on the ice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is carrying the puck in hockey?
Carrying the puck is when a player uses their stick to move the puck across the ice while skating. This is one of the basic skills in hockey and is used to advance the puck towards the opponent’s goal.
How many seconds can you carry the puck in hockey?
There is no set amount of time a player can carry the puck in hockey. The rule is that the player must maintain control of the puck and not allow it to come to a complete stop on the ice. This means that a player can carry the puck for as long as they can maintain control while moving it forward.
What happens if you carry the puck for too long in hockey?
If a player carries the puck for too long without passing it or shooting it towards the goal, the play will be stopped and a face-off will occur at the spot where the player last had control of the puck. This is called a “delay of game” penalty.
Is there a difference between carrying the puck and stickhandling in hockey?
Carrying the puck and stickhandling are similar skills but they are not exactly the same. Carrying the puck is moving the puck while skating while stickhandling is moving the puck in place with your stick. Both skills are important in hockey and can be used in different situations on the ice.
Can you carry the puck with your skates in hockey?
No, in hockey, players are not allowed to use their skates to move the puck. This is called “kicking the puck” and is illegal. Players must use their stick to move the puck while skating on the ice.
Can you carry the puck backwards in hockey?
Yes, players are allowed to carry the puck backwards in hockey as long as they are moving towards the opponent’s goal. However, it is important to note that carrying the puck backwards can be risky and can lead to turnovers, so it should only be done in certain situations.