Stickhandling in a box

Setup

1. Cones mark boxes about three or four stick lengths square across one third of the ice; one skater and one puck per box.
2. Leave a gap between boxes so sticks and pucks don't cross into a neighbour's space.
3. Coach stands in the middle where every skater can see them.
4. Full equipment, full face cage and neck guard for everyone. Pucks that leave a box are fetched only once the neighbour's puck is still.

How it runs

1. Grip check: top hand on the knob of the stick, bottom hand a glove-width or two down, both hands relaxed.
2. Stationary, 20–30 seconds each: wide side to side in front of the body, then front to back on the forehand side, then front to back on the backhand side.
3. Moving: carry the puck slowly round the inside edge of the box, then turn and go the other way.
4. Eyes up: the coach holds up fingers and skaters shout the number without losing the puck.
5. Rest and shake out the hands for 20 seconds between each pattern; sets of four or five patterns.

Coaching points

• Soft hands: roll the wrists to cup the puck, don't slap at it.
• Puck out in front of the body, not tight against the skates.
• Knees bent, so the stick blade lies flat on the ice.
• Use the middle of the blade and feel the puck rather than watching it.
• Peek down, look up: the eyes spend more time up than down.

Common mistakes

• Gripping the stick tightly with straight arms, so the movement comes from the shoulders.
• Bottom hand too far down the shaft, which makes the skater stand up.
• Heads down the whole time.
• Hitting the puck too far and chasing it out of the box.