How to choose the right stick flex and curve for street hockey. What is the proper stance and skating technique for Mylec hockey. How to master stick handling and dekes in street hockey. How to improve passing accuracy and shot power in Mylec hockey.
Selecting the Ideal Stick: Flex and Curve Considerations
Choosing the right street hockey stick is crucial for maximizing your performance. The flex rating and curve of your stick significantly impact your playing style and effectiveness on the street.
Understanding Stick Flex
Stick flex refers to the amount of bend in the shaft during shots and stickhandling. A lower flex rating (e.g., 65-75) provides more whip and power, ideal for players who rely on powerful shots. Higher flex ratings (85+) offer increased control and are better suited for finesse players who prioritize precise puck handling and quick releases.
The Impact of Blade Curve
The curve of your stick’s blade affects how the puck releases during shots, passes, and lifts. A deeper curve can help with puck control and lifting the puck, while a flatter curve may improve accuracy on quick releases and backhand shots.
To find your ideal stick, consider the following:
- Test different sticks from friends or teammates
- Visit a local hockey shop to try various options
- Consider your playing style and position
- Factor in your height and strength when choosing flex
Remember, the right stick can enhance your natural abilities and complement your playing style, so take the time to find the perfect match.
Mastering Proper Stance and Skating Technique
Even with the best equipment, your performance on the street will be limited without proper skating technique. Focusing on fundamental stance and movement is essential for excelling in Mylec hockey.
The Importance of a Strong Stance
A solid hockey stance forms the foundation for all your movements on the street. Key elements of a proper stance include:
- Knees bent at approximately 90 degrees
- Head up, looking forward
- Feet shoulder-width apart
- Weight on the balls of your feet
- Stick on the ground, blade flat
Maintaining this athletic position allows for quick starts, stops, and direction changes – all crucial in the fast-paced environment of street hockey.
Perfecting Your Stride
Efficient skating in street hockey requires a powerful and smooth stride. Focus on these key aspects:
- Push off with the inside edge of your foot
- Fully extend your leg with each stride
- Keep your upper body stable and centered
- Use your arms for balance and momentum
- Recover quickly, bringing your foot back under your body
Practice these elements individually before combining them into a fluid skating motion. Regular drills and repetition will help ingrain proper technique into your muscle memory.
Elevating Your Stick Handling and Deking Skills
Exceptional puck control and the ability to execute deceptive moves are hallmarks of skilled street hockey players. Developing these abilities can give you a significant advantage on the street.
Fundamental Stick Handling Drills
To improve your basic puck control, incorporate these drills into your practice routine:
- Stationary stickhandling: Move the puck side to side in front of you
- Figure-eight drill: Guide the puck in a figure-eight pattern around your feet
- One-handed stickhandling: Control the puck using only your top hand
- Obstacle course: Set up cones or other objects to maneuver around
Practice these drills regularly to build muscle memory and increase your comfort with the puck.
Advanced Deking Techniques
Once you’ve mastered basic stick handling, it’s time to add some flair to your game with advanced dekes:
- Toe drag: Pull the puck towards you with the toe of your blade
- Between-the-legs move: Pass the puck between your legs to change direction
- Spin-o-rama: Perform a 360-degree spin while maintaining puck control
- Backhand-forehand deke: Quickly switch the puck from backhand to forehand
Remember, the key to effective deking is selling your moves with convincing body language and eye movement. Practice these techniques until they become second nature.
Enhancing Passing Accuracy and Reception
Precise passing and reliable reception are fundamental skills that can elevate your team’s performance in street hockey. Mastering these techniques will improve your ability to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities.
Perfecting Your Passing Technique
To improve your passing accuracy, focus on the following elements:
- Proper body positioning: Face your target and align your shoulders
- Weight transfer: Shift your weight from back foot to front during the pass
- Follow-through: Continue your stick motion towards the target
- Eye contact: Look at your teammate, not just the puck
Practice these techniques with both forehand and backhand passes to become a well-rounded passer.
Mastering Different Pass Types
Diversify your passing arsenal by practicing various types of passes:
- Saucer pass: Lift the puck slightly off the ground to clear obstacles
- Snap pass: Use a quick wrist snap for a fast, accurate pass
- Indirect pass: Bank the puck off boards or obstacles to reach teammates
- No-look pass: Deceive defenders by passing without looking at the target
Incorporate these passes into your practice routine to become unpredictable and effective in game situations.
Developing a Deadly Accurate Shot
A powerful and accurate shot can be the difference-maker in tight street hockey games. By focusing on proper technique and consistent practice, you can significantly improve your scoring potential.
Mastering the Wrist Shot
The wrist shot is a versatile and quick release shot that every street hockey player should master. Key elements of an effective wrist shot include:
- Proper puck positioning: Start with the puck behind your front foot
- Weight transfer: Shift your weight from back foot to front
- Wrist snap: Rapidly rotate your wrists as you release the puck
- Follow-through: Point your stick blade at the target after release
Practice wrist shots from various distances and angles to improve your accuracy and power.
Perfecting the Slap Shot
While less common in street hockey due to the harder surface, a well-executed slap shot can still be a valuable weapon. Focus on these aspects to improve your slap shot:
- Proper stance: Position yourself sideways to the target
- Backswing: Bring the stick back to about waist height
- Downswing: Strike the surface just behind the puck
- Follow-through: Continue your motion towards the target
- Body rotation: Use your core to generate additional power
Remember to adjust your technique for the harder surface of street hockey, focusing more on accuracy than raw power.
Improving Defensive Positioning and Awareness
Strong defensive play is crucial in street hockey, where quick transitions and limited space can lead to frequent scoring opportunities. By focusing on positioning and awareness, you can become a formidable defender.
Mastering Defensive Stance
A proper defensive stance allows you to react quickly to offensive threats. Key elements include:
- Knees bent, weight on the balls of your feet
- Stick on the ground, angled towards the opponent
- Head up, constantly scanning the play
- Body positioned between the opponent and your goal
Practice maintaining this stance while moving laterally and backwards to improve your defensive mobility.
Developing On-Court Awareness
Awareness of your surroundings is crucial for effective defense. Improve your on-court awareness by:
- Constantly checking your shoulder to track opponent movements
- Communicating with teammates about potential threats
- Anticipating passes and intercepting when possible
- Recognizing offensive patterns and tendencies
Engage in small-sided games and situational drills to hone your defensive instincts and decision-making skills.
Enhancing Teamwork and On-Court Communication
Street hockey is a team sport, and effective communication can significantly improve your team’s performance. Developing strong teamwork skills and clear on-court communication is essential for success.
Establishing Effective Communication
Clear and concise communication helps coordinate team efforts and prevents confusion. Focus on these aspects:
- Use short, clear phrases to convey information quickly
- Call for passes when you’re open
- Alert teammates to incoming opponents or potential threats
- Confirm received messages with acknowledgments
Practice these communication skills during scrimmages and incorporate them into your game-day strategy.
Developing Team Chemistry
Strong team chemistry leads to better on-court performance. Improve your team’s cohesion by:
- Practicing set plays and formations regularly
- Encouraging positive reinforcement among teammates
- Discussing strategies and individual roles off the court
- Participating in team-building activities outside of hockey
Remember, a well-coordinated team often outperforms a group of skilled individuals who lack chemistry.
By focusing on these key areas – stick selection, skating technique, puck control, passing, shooting, defense, and teamwork – you can significantly improve your Mylec street hockey skills. Consistent practice and dedication to refining these techniques will help you become a more complete and effective player on the street. Remember to always prioritize safety and good sportsmanship as you work to elevate your game.
Gearing up for street hockey is an exciting time. As you look to upgrade your wrap around and improve your game, there are key considerations when choosing equipment that will maximize your performance. Selecting the right stick flex and curve, fine-tuning fundamental techniques, and practicing advanced moves are essential.
Choosing the Right Stick Flex and Curve
Whether you’re a finesse player or power forward, your street hockey stick is one of the most important pieces of equipment. The flex rating affects the amount of bend and whip in the shaft while shooting and stickhandling. A lower flex helps load up power on shots and passes, while a higher flex offers more control. The curve impacts how the puck releases off the blade for shots, sauces, and lifts. Test out friends’ sticks and shop smart to find the ideal flex and curve for your playing style.
When you cut your new Mylec wrap around to size, factor in both your height and style of play. If you generate power from your lower body, opt for a shorter stick length. For danglers who rely on hands and reach, go longer. Practice shooting, passing and handling to get a feel for your new kick point and blade. Small adjustments like adding tape or switching hands on the shaft can also optimize performance.
Proper Stance and Skating Technique
Even the best hockey wrap around will only take you so far if you haven’t mastered fundamental stance, stride, stops, and starts. Keeping your knees bent and head up, drive off the balls of your feet to maximize speed and power. Focus on full leg extension and driving down and out with each stride. Quick feet and lateral agility are especially crucial for locking down opponents in street hockey games.
Refine your ability to start and stop on a dime by practicing tight turns and hockey stops until they become instinctive. The key is transferring weight to your inside edges while keeping your upper body quiet and centered. Crisp stops and explosive starts from a dynamic athletic stance give you an edge all game long.
Fine-tune your technique by watching NHLers. Their flawless form comes from muscle memory developed through hours of dedicated practice and skill drills. Set up cones, do ladder footwork, and focus on form over speed as you engrain the proper mechanics into your muscle memory. The results will be evident in your play.
Mastering Stick Handling and Dekes
All the speed in the world won’t help if you can’t confidently control the puck. Work on stickhandling daily to keep the puck glued to your blade. Move it side to side, shift your weight, and change speeds as you weave through obstacles. Experiment with different hand positions on the shaft to open up new moves.
Once you’ve built a solid foundation, it’s time to break ankles with nasty dekes. Practice toe drags, shoulder fakes, no-look passes and behind-the-back moves until they’re second nature. Vary body and eye positions to sell moves and keep defenders guessing. Disguise passing lanes with body rotation and foot positioning to hit teammates with tape-to-tape feeds.
Challenge yourself by stickhandling and dodging through agility ladders or complex obstacle courses. Work on selling dekes by facial expressions and body language. Keep iterating by watching the pros’ best moves in slow motion. Replicate their subtle weight shifts and stick angles as you take your dangles to the next level.
Accurate Passing and Receiving
Crisp passing allows teams to retain possession and set up quality chances. Start by squaring up and following through to the target on basic forehand passes. Transfer weight and use your core to put zip on the puck.
To saucer passes over sticks and skates, slide your lower hand down the shaft and pull the puck towards your body. Aim top hand up to lift on the follow through. For touch passes, keep the blade perpendicular and use gentle wrist flicks.
Dial in accuracy with passing drills. Hit targets on walls or boards, bank pucks off pads, and develop one-touch chemistry with linemates. Focus on hitting teammates in stride and placing pucks in optimal scoring positions.
On the receiving end, present an open blade to the puck and absorb it using your hands to cushion impact. Keep your stick on the ice ready to catch difficult bounces and redirects.
Powerful Wrist Shot and Slap Shot
Unleashing a blistering shot keeps defenders honest and goalies on their toes. For wrist shots, sweep your bottom hand towards the target while snapping your top wrist. Transfer weight from your back foot and get full hip rotation for maximum velocity.
Wind up big on the backswing by rotating your core and dropping into your knees and hip on slap shots. Explode upwards through the shot, transferring energy through the flex of the stick as you make contact. Follow through towards your target.
Practice loading up your shot and picking corners. Work on accuracy, power, and quick release by peppering targets from different angles and distances. Position pucks all around the slot and blast one-timers to refine hand-eye coordination.
With a properly flexed Mylec wrap around and refined mechanics, your shots will rival the pros. Defenders will back off, opening up space for you to dangle!
Winning Faceoffs Consistently
Gaining possession off the draw can make or break a game. To gain leverage, approach at an angle with knees bent. Grip low on your stick and drive with your legs to power through. Lift their stick on the way through to pop the puck back.
For stick lifts, get under your opponent’s shaft and move your hands up forcefully in one motion. Perfect timing and technique are crucial to steal it cleanly. You can also tie up their stick with the shaft or blade to gain a territorial edge.
Practice draws against different opponents and techniques. Work on your quick downward chop to win pucks back. Have a plan ready for tying up or stick lifting to counter their approach.
Winning faceoffs gets every shift started on the right foot. Use those extra seconds to create a chance off the hop.
Continuing to Refine Your Skills
From dialing in proper technique and equipment to mastering advanced puck skills, street hockey is a journey. Set goals, practice deliberately, analyze the pros, and refine weaknesses in your game. Creativity, confidence, conditioning and resilience will set you apart. Competition is fierce, so keep pushing yourself outside your comfort zone.
Invest time each day towards achieving your hockey dreams. Be the first on the court and last off. Sweat the small stuff. Stay motivated by your love of the game, and the results will come. With the right wrap around and attitude, who knows how far your street hockey skills will take you!
Looking to step up your street hockey game? Dialing in the right equipment is just the beginning. Refining fundamental skating techniques and mastering advanced puck skills will help unlock next-level performance. Let’s dig into key areas to upgrade your wrap around game.
Proper Stance and Skating Technique
Before you hit the court, focus on honing proper form and skating mechanics. Sound technique starts from the ground up, so keep knees bent with weight balanced on the balls of your feet. Maintain good posture and keep your head up to see the play unfold.
Drive down and out with each stride, fully extending your legs for maximum power. Quick feet and lateral agility are crucial for controlling space during intense street hockey shifts. Work on tight turns using inside edges and dynamic hockey stops to shed defenders.
Practice starts and stops until they become second nature. Explosive acceleration from athletic stances gives you an instant edge. Mimic NHLers’ flawless techniques through dedicated drills. Engrain the proper motions into your muscles until they come instinctively.
Small adjustments like lowering your center of gravity can also boost agility. Record yourself skating and analyze areas needing refinement. Patiently polish form over speed as you build solid technical skills.
Mastering Stick Handling and Dekes
All the wheels in the world won’t help if you can’t stickhandle under pressure. Keep the puck glued to your blade through tight traffic by gently shifting weight side to side. Change speeds and hand positions to open up moves.
Once fundamental control improves, get creative with slippery dekes. Practice toe drags, no-look passes, and behind-the-back moves until they’re natural reactions. Vary body position, eye fakes, and subtle weight shifts to disguise intent and leave defenders puzzled.
Work mirrors into your training to self-analyze technique. Observe high-level players up close, taking mental notes on their form and mechanics. Isolate tricky moves in slow motion to replicate their subtle techniques.
Weave through complex dribbling drills using cones or agility ladders. Challenge yourself with new exercises to keep improving. Silky hands give you the confidence to dangle anyone, anytime.
Accurate Passing and Receiving
Crisp passing keeps possession while generating chances. Start by squaring up and following through on targets for basic forehand passes. Engage your core and transfer weight for velocity and accuracy.
Saucer passes drift beautifully over sticks and blades when you slide your lower hand down the shaft and lift from the wrist. Work on soft touch for precision drop passes to teammates.
Dial in placement through passing drills using boards or pads as targets. Develop sharp give-and-goes with linemates, hitting them in stride to retain rhythm. Present an open blade and absorb passes softly to gain control.
Passing unlocks exciting opportunities through creativity and chemistry. Make every pass with purpose to boost possession and potency.
Continuing Your Street Hockey Journey
From refining foundational techniques to mastering advanced skills, street hockey mastery is a lifelong pursuit. Set goals, fix flaws, and keep pushing limits through passion for the game. Stay hungry to elevate your play.
Invest time daily towards achieving your full potential. Perfecting proper mechanics and skills takes repetition through challenging, deliberate practice. With the right techniques and equipment, there’s no limit to how far your wrap around game can go!
Looking to take your street hockey skills up a notch? Beyond having the right gear, mastering core techniques and advanced moves is essential. Let’s explore some key areas to refine as you upgrade your wrap around game.
Mastering Stick Handling and Dekes
Smooth hands separate the pros from novice players. Stickhandling drills build the foundation, with gentle weight shifts and varied hand placements to keep the puck glued to your blade. Maintain control slaloming through obstacles at different speeds.
Once fundamental handling improves, it’s time to break ankles with slick dekes. Work on selling moves by incorporating toe drags, shoulder fakes, no-look passes and behind-the-back transitions. Vary body position and eye focus to disguise intent from defenders.
Practice tricky techniques like slap passes and kick passes until they feel natural. Observe high-level players up close, taking mental notes on their form and mechanics. Isolate complex maneuvers in slow motion to fully understand blade angles and weight transfers.
Weave dekes together into dynamic combinations with give-and-go’s and lateral steps incorporated. Use cones or agility ladders to practice dangles at game speed. Silky hands give you the confidence to embarrass anyone.
Accurate Passing and Receiving
Quick, crisp passing allows teams to dictate play. Start by squaring shoulders to the target and following through on basic forehand passes. Engage your core and transfer weight from your back foot for speed and precision.
Elevate passes over sticks by sliding your bottom hand down and lifting from the wrist. Work on disguising the puck’s release by opening up your body on touch passes.
Dial in accuracy through repetitive drills using boards, glass or pads as targets. Develop sharp give-and-go chemistry with linemates, placing pucks in optimal scoring positions.
On receptions, present an open blade and gently absorb passes to gain control. Keep your stick on the ice ready for redirects and bounces.
Powerful Wrist Shot and Slap Shot
Heavy shots keep goalies honest while creating chaos in the offensive zone. For wristers, sweep the bottom hand and snap your top wrist through the motion. Transfer weight and engage your core for velocity.
Wind up big on slap shots before exploding upwards through the puck. Allow the stick flex to amplify your power. Follow through towards your target for accuracy.
Blast pucks from all over the zone – top circles, slot, goal line – to refine coordination. Quick releases or one-timers off passes catch goalies by surprise.
With proper mechanics and practice, your shot can make a dramatic difference. Defenders will back off, opening space to utilize your dangles and speed.
Continuing Your Hockey Journey
Elevating all aspects of your street hockey game takes dedication and repetition. Set goals, identify weaknesses, and craft drills to target improvement areas. Stay passionate and keep raising the bar as you strive for excellence.
Refine skills daily through challenging exercises focused on proper form and technique. With the right gear and training mindset, there’s no limit to how far your wrap around prowess can take you!
Looking to upgrade your street hockey game? Dialing in the right gear is just the start. Refining core techniques and mastering advanced puck skills will help take your wrap around play to the next level.
Accurate Passing and Receiving
Quick, accurate passing allows teams to maintain possession and dictate the pace of play. Start by squaring your shoulders to the target and following through completely on basic forehand passes. Engage your core and transfer weight from your back foot to put zip on the puck.
Elevate saucer passes over sticks and blades by sliding your bottom hand down the shaft and flicking your wrist on release. Vary passing speed and placement for deception – soft touch drops can be just as effective as hard feeds.
Dial in accuracy through repetitive drills using glass, boards or pads as targets. Develop sharp give-and-go chemistry with linemates, hitting them in stride to retain rhythm.
As a receiver, present an open blade to absorb passes smoothly. Cushion the impact with gentle hands to gain control. Keep your stick low and ready for difficult bounces or redirects.
Powerful Wrist Shot and Slap Shot
Heavy shots force defenders to play honestly while creating chaos around the net. For wristers, sweep your bottom hand towards the target while violently snapping your top wrist on release. Shift weight from your back foot and engage your core for maximum velocity.
Wind up big on slap shots before exploding up through the puck. Allow your stick flex to amplify power. Follow through towards your target for improved accuracy.
Refine accuracy, speed and coordination through repetitive shooting drills. Move to different spots and walk the puck across the slot, snapping off wristers. Set up one-timers off passes to refine hand-eye coordination.
With proper mechanics and practice, your shot can become a difference-maker. Defenders will back off, opening space to utilize your speed and slick hands.
Winning Faceoffs Consistently
Winning draws is crucial for dictating the pace off the opening puck drop. Gain inside leverage by approaching at an angle with knees bent. Drive up through the puck using your legs for power while lifting their stick.
Perfect quick stick lifts by getting under the shaft and ripping upwards forcefully in one motion. Timing is everything for a clean steal.
Drill different techniques – from chops to ties – against various opponents. Come prepared with a counter for their faceoff approach.
Owning the dot gets every shift started right. Use those extra seconds after wins to attack quickly.
Continuing Your Hockey Journey
Elevating your street hockey skills is a continuous process of setting goals, fixing flaws and repeating quality drills. Stay passionate while actively working outside your comfort zone.
Invest time daily towards achieving excellence through proper mechanics and techniques. With the right gear and training regimen, the possibilities are endless for improving your wrap around prowess!
Looking to upgrade your street hockey prowess? The right gear provides an edge, but honing skills and techniques is crucial for next-level performance. Let’s explore key areas to work on as you take your wrap around game to new heights.
Powerful Wrist Shot and Slap Shot
Developing a blistering shot forces defenders to play honest while creating chaos around the net. For wrist shots, sweep the puck towards your target while violently snapping your top wrist on release. Shift weight from your back foot and engage your core for maximum velocity.
Maximize slap shots by winding up big on the backswing. Drop down and rotate your hips and core before exploding up through the puck. Allow your stick flex to amplify power. Follow through towards your target for accuracy.
Dial in your shot via repetitive shooting drills. Move into different spots around the slot and walk the puck across, snapping off wrists shots. Set up one-timers off passes to refine hand-eye coordination.
With proper mechanics and practice, your shot can become a difference-maker, backing defenders off to open up space for your dangles and speed.
Winning Faceoffs Consistently
Winning draws is crucial for dictating the pace off opening puck drops. Gain inside leverage by approaching at an angle with knees bent. Drive up through the puck using your legs for power while lifting their stick.
Perfect quick stick lifts by getting under the shaft and ripping forcefully upwards in one smooth motion. Timing is everything for a clean steal.
Drill different techniques – from chops to ties – against various opponents. Come prepared with a counter for their faceoff approach.
Owning the dot gets each shift started right. Use those extra seconds after wins to attack aggressively.
Agility and Edge Control
Elite agility and edge work help you win foot races and shed checkers. Perform footwork and ladder drills to improve lateral skating and explosiveness. Work on crossovers, pivots and shuffling to cover ice efficiently.
Sharpen inside and outside edges through repetitive drills. Focus on balancing your weight while making tight turns. Quick feet provide a critical advantage in street hockey scrambles.
Analyze NHLers with flawless edges and agility. Their precise form comes from focused repetition. Patiently engrain proper techniques until they become second nature.
Continuing Your Hockey Journey
Elevating your street hockey prowess requires dedication across all skill facets. Set goals, identify flaws, and craft drills targeting improvement areas. Stay passionate while actively working outside your comfort zone.
Refine abilities daily through quality reps focused on proper form and mechanics. With the right training mindset, your wrap around skills can reach new heights!
Looking to upgrade your street hockey prowess? Proper equipment provides a foundation, but honing fundamental skills and techniques is key for taking your wrap around game to the next level.
Winning Faceoffs Consistently
Winning opening draws is crucial for dictating the pace off puck drops. Gain inside leverage by approaching at an angle with knees bent. Drive up through the puck using your legs for power while lifting their stick.
Perfect quick stick lifts by getting under the shaft and ripping forcefully upwards in one smooth motion. Timing is everything for a clean steal.
Drill various techniques – from chops to ties – against different opponents. Come prepared with a counter for their faceoff approach.
Owning the dot gets each shift started off on the right foot. Use those valuable extra seconds to attack aggressively.
Backchecking and Playing Defense
Defense wins games at any level. Hustle back hard after turnovers and get between the puck carrier and your net. Keep your stick in passing lanes and use an athletic stance to react quickly.
When closing in, sweep check precisely with your lower hand to dislodge the puck cleanly. Time hits for maximum impact by driving through the man after poking it free.
Work on angling opponents to the outside by trusting your goalie to cover short-side shots. Funnel play to the boards while avoiding penalties.
Mastering defensive fundamentals takes repetition through game-speed drills. Mimic how NHLers smother rushes with smart positioning and active sticks.
Increasing Speed and Acceleration
Blazing speed provides a huge advantage in street hockey’s run-and-gun style. Perform plyometric and ladder drills to boost explosive acceleration and lateral agility.
Skate endless laps focusing on full leg extension and powerful edge pushes. Drive down and out with each stride. Develop a low athletic stance for rapid multi-directional movements.
Analyze NHLers with elite quickness – their flawless technique comes from dedicated practice. Be patient and focus on mastering proper form over maximizing speed in training.
With wheels and edges, you dictate the terms of engagement on your very next shift.
Continuing Your Hockey Journey
Raising your street hockey abilities requires diligent, repetitive practice across all skill facets. Set goals, identify weaknesses in your game, and design drills to target those improvement areas. Stay hungry as you work to elevate your play to the highest levels.
Looking to upgrade your street hockey game? The right gear provides a strong foundation, but honing core skills and techniques is key for taking your wrap around play to the next level.
Backchecking and Playing Defense
Defense wins games at any level. Hustle back hard after turnovers and establish position between the puck carrier and your net. Keep an active stick in passing lanes and use an athletic stance to react quickly.
When closing in, sweep check precisely with your lower hand to dislodge the puck cleanly. Time hits for maximum impact by exploding through the man after poking it free.
Angle attackers to the outside by trusting your goalie on short-side shots. Use the boards to your advantage and avoid careless penalties.
Drill defensive fundamentals at game speed to engrain proper habits. Watch how top players smother rushes with smart positioning and active sticks.
Agility and Edge Control
Elite agility and edges help you win races and evade checkers. Perform footwork and ladder drills to boost explosiveness. Master tight turns through countless repetitions.
Sharpen inside and outside edges by balancing your weight and initiating cuts from your core. Quick feet provide a critical advantage during frantic street hockey shifts.
Study NHLers with flawless edges and agility. Their precise form comes from focused repetition. Patiently ingrain proper techniques until they are instinctive.
With cat-like quickness, you dictate the terms of engagement and leave defenders spinning.
Developing Hockey Sense and Awareness
The best players anticipate plays before they unfold. Work on reading cues such as stick positioning, body language and passing options to jump routes.
Gain inside position on receptions and get your head up before receiving passes. Scan the rink and recognize passing lanes as they develop.
Make smart safety plays under pressure. Flip pucks deep rather than forcing passes through traffic. Follow your shots and be ready for rebounds.
High hockey IQ allows you to control the game. Think two steps ahead of the competition through awareness and experience.
Continuing Your Hockey Journey
Raising your street hockey skills requires diligent, deliberate practice across all facets. Set goals, identify weaknesses, and design drills to target improvement areas. Stay passionate as you work to reach new heights.
Agility and Edge Control Exercises for Improving Your Street Hockey Wrap Around
If you’re looking to step up your street hockey game, agility and edge control exercises can help take your skills to the next level. Sharpening your agility on the pavement or sport court surface allows you to change direction on a dime to juke defenders. Honing your edge control gives you the ability to maneuver seamlessly while maintaining puck control.
Here are 15 drills and exercises you can incorporate into your training to upgrade your street hockey wrap around and overall game:
1. Ladder Drills
Ladder drills are a great way to improve foot speed and agility. Set up a ladder flat on the ground and run through it focusing on quick feet and rapid changes of direction. Try lateral shuffles, high knees, one-foot hops, and crossovers. Explode out of each rung of the ladder practicing acceleration and control.
2. Cone Weaves
Set up a series of cones in a zig-zag pattern and weave back and forth through them. Concentrate on pushing off the outside edges of your skates as you turn from cone to cone. Increase speed while maintaining control as you get comfortable with the drill.
3. Dot Jumps
Use tape or chalk to make 10-15 dots about 18-24 inches apart on the pavement in front of you. Jump from dot to dot on one foot or alternate feet. Focus on landing softly and holding your edge while pivoting to the next dot. Work on both inside and outside edge jumps.
4. Suicides
Line up behind a starting cone and place two more cones 10-15 yards in front of you. Sprint to the farther cone and touch it, sprint back and touch the middle cone, then sprint once more and touch the starting cone. Do 2-3 sets of 5-10 reps focusing on acceleration, changing direction, and deceleration.
5. Circle Skates
Draw a 10 yard circle with chalk or tape. Skate around the circle clockwise for 30-60 seconds focusing on crossovers and outside edge pushes. Reverse and go counter-clockwise concentrating on the inside edges. Increase speed while maintaining body control as you get comfortable.
6. Zig-Zag Stops
Set up a zig-zag pattern with cones. Skate through weaving quickly from side to side. When you reach the final cone, perform a hockey stop. Focus on transferring your weight and digging in your edges to stop suddenly under control. Build up speed through the weave before stopping as you progress.
7. Edge Push-Pulls
Find a wall or sturdy object to hold onto. Standing sideways, grip the wall and practice pulling and pushing yourself along the wall with just your skate edges. Put all your weight on your outside edges and pull yourself sideways down the wall, then switch to inside edges to push yourself back. Build leg strength!
8. Crossover Build-Ups
Start standing still. Perform 2-3 forward crossovers slowly gaining speed. After your last crossover, skate forward for 10 feet. Repeat the sequence 10-15 times continuously building more and more speed on the crossovers before skating forward.
9. Backward Crossovers
Practice your backward skating. Start with your feet shoulder width apart facing forward. Push off with one foot, turning your body 180 degrees and start gliding backwards. Use backward crossovers to gain speed and stickhandle a ball back and forth to work on control.
10. Pylons Slalom
Set up 8-10 pylons or cones in a straight line about 3-4 feet apart. Skate through slaloming left and right around each pylon. Concentrate on angling your skates and using edges to swiftly maneuver back and forth with control.
11. Coordination Obstacle Course
Construct an obstacle course using cones, dots to jump between, pylons to slalom, and ladder drills. Go through hitting each element one after another to combine skills. Focus on acceleration, changes of direction, edge control, and deceleration.
12. Reaction Ball Drills
Have a partner roll or toss a ball towards you from different directions. React by stopping the ball however you can – catching, blocking, kicking. Focus on reacting quickly and transitioning your momentum from skating to stopping the ball.
13. Partner Mirror Drills
Face a partner and mirror their skating movements as they shift edges and weight from side to side. Follow them forwards, backwards, and on turns. Communicate and make adjustments to stay in sync. This improves edge awareness and control.
14. Puck Protection Circles
Have a partner stand in the middle of a 10 yard circle holding their stick up like a gate. Skate around the circle concentrically while maintaining puck control and protecting it from their stick checks. Focus on using your edges and body position.
15. Dangling Obstacle Course
Construct an obstacle course and dangle a puck through it. Try incorporating pylons to stickhandle around, cones to zig-zag through, and dots to jump over and tap between. Keep your head up and work on coordination while maintaining puck control.
Mastering these agility and edge control drills will give you the quickness, maneuverability, and puck skills needed to pull off sharp cuts and fancy wrap arounds during your street hockey games. Perform these exercises regularly and you’ll notice yourself blowing by checkers and slamming top shelf goals in no time!
Increasing Speed and Acceleration for Upgrading Your Street Hockey Wrap Around
If your street hockey game is feeling a little slow, working on increasing your acceleration and top speed can help take your wrap around skills to the next level. Improving your quickness and explosiveness off the mark makes it easier to beat defenders wide and drive hard to the net. Here are 15 speed and acceleration drills to incorporate into your training:
1. Resisted Sprints
Use resistance bands, a parachute, or weighted sled to perform sprint intervals. The added resistance overloads your muscles, so when you shed the resistance you’ll feel even faster. Do 40-60 yard sprints focusing on powerful acceleration.
2. Ankle Hops
Tie exercise bands around your ankles and hop side-to-side over a line for 30-60 seconds. The band resistance trains explosive lateral push-off strength for quicker first steps and cuts side-to-side.
3. Wall Drives
Assume a sprinter’s stance facing a wall about 18 inches away. Explode forward driving your knees high and smacking them against the wall. Focus on driving powerfully and quickly with each rep.
4. Broad Jumps
From a standing start, jump forward as far as you can, landing softly and holding your balance. Immediately jump forward again continuously. Drive powerfully off each foot and reach triple extension in the air.
5. Skater Hops
Hop to your right bringing your left foot behind you, briefly touching on the step. Explode back left, hopping and bringing your right foot behind you. Continue alternating for 30-60 seconds. Work on lateral explosion strength.
6. Forward Sled Drags
Attach a rope to a weighted sled. Face away from the sled holding the rope and walk forward explosively driving from your hips. Force yourself to continually accelerate with each step, working on maximum speed.
7. Lateral Shuffle Touches
Set up two cones 10-15 yards apart. Shuffle back and forth touching each cone. Keep your body square and eyes forward, using lateral hip drive to shuffle quickly. Do 2-3 sets of 6-10 reps.
8. Backward Sprints
Sprint aggressively in a backwards direction for 10-15 yards focusing on powerful acceleration. Keep your head up and work on pushing off the balls of your feet. Build top backwards speed.
9. Downhill Sprints
Find a moderate downhill slope and sprint down it repeatedly. The decline lets you build speed faster, teaching your neuromuscular system to handle high velocities and stride turnover.
10. Quick Feet Lateral Drill
Place two cones 2-3 yards apart. Keeping your feet chopping quickly, work your way laterally back and forth between the cones. Concentrate on keeping your hips and eyes facing forward.
11. Ice Skater Circuit
Perform slide lateral shuffles, crossovers, and backward skating together in a circuit routine. Mimic ice skating motions while pushing your speed around the circuit.
12. Forward/Backward Stair Sprints
Sprint up a flight of 10-15 stairs, jog back down, then burst speed up once more. Run the stairs forward then backward. Focus on explosiveness up each step.
13. Hip Flexor Marching
March in place driving your knees high and fully extending your leg on each step. Work towards having one foot always contacting the ground. Build stride turnover for 6-10 seconds.
14. Ankling
Jog forward while rapidly pointing your toe up with each step. Work towards having one foot always in contact with the ground as you build stride rate.
15. Mountain Climbers
Assume a push-up position. Bring one knee up to your chest then quickly switch legs, mimicking climbing a mountain. Move your legs rapidly to develop hip turnover capability.
Incorporating these speed and acceleration drills into your street hockey training will help develop the explosive power and foot quickness needed to burn defenders on your way to executing jaw-dropping wrap arounds. Do them regularly before games and you’ll be blazing past the opposition in no time!
Developing Hockey Sense and Awareness for Upgrading Your Street Hockey Wrap Around
Having strong hockey sense and awareness is crucial for executing slick wrap arounds and impacting the game. Improving your ability to read and react to the play as it unfolds allows you to exploit openings and capitalize on opportunities.
Here are 15 drills to help build your hockey IQ and awareness on the street hockey court:
1. Reactive Passing
Partner up and stand 10-15 feet apart. Call out a random number 1-4 and pass after your partner repeats it back, working on reacting quickly. Switch who calls numbers every minute.
2. Peripheral Vision Tracking
Have a partner stand to your side holding up fingers. Keep your eyes forward but track and call out how many fingers they are holding up using your peripheral vision.
3. Heads Up Dangles
Dangle a ball through a simple obstacle course while keeping your head and eyes up, scanning for openings. Don’t stare at the puck – focus on reading the play.
4. Blind Passing
Partner up back-to-back. Pass the ball back and forth behind your back without looking. Anticipate timing and direction based on verbal and audio cues.
5. Randomized Defense
Have a defender pressure you randomly changing intensities and angles. Recognize openings and beat them 1-on-1 working on reading and reacting.
6. Hidden Passing Lanes
Set up cones or obstacles forcing you to find hidden passing lanes at sharp angles to complete passes to a partner.
7. Visual Tracking
Partner juggles a ball. Visual track it with your eyes as long as possible after they kick it high. This improves tracking ability.
8. Rebound Chaos
Take shots that partner redirects randomly with their stick. React and pounce on loose pucks quickly reading trajectories.
9. Multi-Directional Passing
Position four partners around you. Call their numbers randomly and pass quickly to each, spinning and turning to find them.
10. Rapid Fire Questioning
Have coaches rapidly ask situational questions during drills, forcing you to make quick strategic decisions.
11. Spatial Awareness Marking
Defend 1-on-1 but face the sideline. Use your spatial awareness to track and mark opponents within your peripheral vision.
12. Red Light, Green Light
Coach randomly yells “red light” or “green light”. Freeze or burst on command reacting appropriately.
13. Limited Vision Stickhandling
Stickhandle through obstacles with your head up but vision restricted by a assistant waving in front of you.
14. Auditory Reaction Drill
Close your eyes. Coach yells left, right, forward, or backward – react and sprint appropriately eyes still closed.
15. Goalie Distraction
Have players yell and wave arms wildly while shooting on goalies. Goalies improve focus while dealing with distractions.
Regularly performing drills like these builds your intuition, awareness, responsiveness, and ability to anticipate how plays will unfold – skills paramount to capitalizing on wrap around opportunities. Develop your hockey sense to its fullest potential and you’ll be able to execute highlight reel goals off the rush with consistency.
Making Tape Jobs for Optimal Grip When Executing Street Hockey Wrap Arounds
Having the right tape job for optimal grip on your stick is an important part of consistently executing slick wrap arounds. The tape provides friction to help control the puck, especially during quick maneuvers around defenders.
Follow these tips when taping your street hockey stick for crossover and wrap around mastery:
1. Use Thinner Tape
Thinner tapes like vinyl or cloth hockey tape offer more grip and control than thicker cotton tapes. The texture grabs the puck better during maneuvers.
2. Don’t Wrap Too High
Only tape from about mid-shaft up, leaving the bottom half untaped. This lets you easily choke up for close control when dangling.
3. Pre-Wrap With Grip Tape
Wrap the stick shaft with grip or friction tape before using hockey tape on top. The grip tape texture under the hockey tape improves overall friction.
4. Use New Tape
Old tape loses tackiness. Use fresh tape each time for optimal grip. Tape right before games or practice.
5. Overlap Less Than Half
Slightly overlapping each wrap helps prevent ridges while still minimizing thickness. Overlapping less than half the width is ideal.
6. Angle Off For Spirals
Angle the tape slightly off perpendicular to the shaft so it spirals slightly downwards as you wrap. The spiral pattern helps with grip.
7. Wrap Tight
Wrap the tape tightly around the shaft while taping to maximize friction surface area contact. Don’t leave gaps.
8. Finish With Knob Tape
Finish the tape job by wrapping tape thickly around the top of the stick a few times to create a knob. This improves grip security.
9. Seal Edges With A Strip
Run a strip of tape along both edges the length of the shaft to seal the tape job. This prevents early peeling.
10. Re-Tape As Needed
Watch for worn out tape and re-tape mid-session if needed to keep grip optimal, especially in wet conditions.
11. Use Stick Wax For Rain
Waxing tape in rainy weather helps repel water and maintains friction. Reapply wax after getting wet to restore tackiness.
12. Chalk Up For Extra Grip
Use gymnastics chalk on tape in hot humid weather to absorb sweat and boost grip. Reapply after wiping hands.
13. Watch The Angles
Tape diagonally or perpendicularly to the blade to maximize grip depending on if you predominantly stickhandle forehand or backhand.
14. Don’t Wrap Too Thick
Too thick of a tape job muffles puck feel. 4-6 thin total wraps is ideal. More isn’t necessarily better for control.
15. Replace Often
Don’t be afraid to re-tape every few sessions as tape loses effectiveness over time. Fresh tape equals better grip.
Dialing in the right tape, pattern, and technique will allow you to stickhandle the puck on a string around defenders before sliding perfect wrap around goals top shelf. Tape like the pros and your hands will shine!
Perfecting Saucer and Bank Passes for Executing Slick Street Hockey Wrap Arounds
Crisp saucer passes and bank passes off the boards are key to setting up jaw-dropping wrap around goals in street hockey. Dialing in these puck skills allows you to connect with teammates through seams and tight spaces.
Here are some tips for mastering saucer and bank passes:
Saucer Passes
– Grip down low on the stick for maximum puck control
– Angle the blade perpendicular to the ice so the puck sits flat on it
– Weight forward on front foot during pass
– Flick wrists and extend follow through towards target
– Put lift under the puck by angling blade slightly upward
– Lead teammates by landing puck in front of their momentum
– Practice saucers both forehand and backhand
– Vary heights depending on distance – higher on long passes
– Slightly angle stick to correct lateral inaccuracy
Bank Passes
– Approach boards at a straight or slight angle
– Head up looking for bouncing puck angles
– Soft hands to cushion and redirect passes
– Angle blade to bank puck tightly off boards
– Use change of pace to time bounces and ricochets
– Creative with physics – play with speed, spin, angles
– Practice banking to all areas of court
– Develop forehand and backhand banking
– Use lively boards and walls – know their bounce
– Master banking from various distances
Drills
– Sauce passes through obstacles like cones and over pylons
– Bank pass targets set up off boards – aim small
– Rapid fire banking 1-touch passes with partner
– Alternate saucer, regular, and bank passes
– Pass and follow your pass for quick give-and-go’s
– Set up angled passing through tight spaces
– Pass into coach’s stick angled against boards – accurate bounce
– Pass targets on boards at different heights and distances
– Bank off lively plexiglass for true game feel
– Incorporate passing into complex drills with skating, dangles
– Use bank and saucer passes in 2-on-1 and 2-on-2 situations
Mastering saucer passes and bank passes off the boards will give you the puck skills necessary to creatively set up teammates and execute jaw-dropping wrap arounds during street hockey games. Put in the practice and your hands will shine!
Blocking Shots and Rebounds to Improve Your Street Hockey Wrap Around
Strong defensive skills like blocking shots and controlling rebounds are important foundations for executing slick wrap arounds. Stopping chances at one end allows you to transition up ice and finish at the other end.
Here are some tips for improving your shot blocking and rebound control during street hockey games:
Shot Blocking
– Stay square and central to cut off angles
– Quick footwork to close gaps and take space
– Lower crouch stance for balance and mobility
– Read stick blade to anticipate shot placement
– Quick reflexes to react to release
– Use correct lead block angle – forward or reverse
– Get shin pads down and paddle flush to ice
– Block puck with middle to outside edge of blade
– Deflect pucks wide rather than right back into the slot
– Be willing to slide, kneel, or lie down for low blocks
Rebound Control
– Ready athletic stance between puck and net
– Stick active on ice for deflections and pokes
– Watch for tips and redirects off skates
– Box out attackers crashing for rebounds
– First save stays controlled in your end
– Kick pucks into corners rather than leaving loose change
– Strong core and shoulders to maintain balance through contact
– Seal posts on wraparounds and pad recoveries
– Handle kick saves and rebounds from all angles
– Cover and freeze pucks when possible
Drills
– React to coach’s point and block shots
– Block rapid one-timers off cross-ice pass
– Close holes and force outside shots to block
– Block shot/rebound sequences with partner
– Defend 2-on-1’s focusing on blocking pass and shot
– Battle for loose pucks after initial save
– Block shot then handle uncontrolled rebound kick
– Recover and control rebounds off pads and body
– Scramble situations with partner screen and tips
Putting in the work on blocking shots and controlling rebounds will give you the defensive foundation to spark transition rushes and execute highlight reel wrap arounds at the other end of the court.
Executing Breakouts and Breakaways to Set Up Wrap Arounds
Pouncing on transition opportunities allows you to use your speed and puck skills to slice through the defense and set up highlight reel wrap arounds. Executing quick breakouts and converting breakaways takes timing, awareness, and technique.
Here are some tips for capitalizing on the rush:
Breakouts
– Be ready before gaining possession – anticipate
– Head on a swivel scanning for outlets
– Move puck quickly – don’t allow defense to swarm
– Use crispy direct passes or bank off lively boards
– Give target and go – make yourself passing option
– Use decoy skater to draw coverage away
– Wheel back through middle if boards cut off
– Fill lanes and provide passing targets all zones
– Catch defense flat footed after line change
– Chip pucks deep if neutral zone defended
Breakaways
– Burst of acceleration once behind defense
– Head up reading goalie and net position
– Angles – cut wide or drive middle depending
– Change speeds – slow down or quicken unexpectedly
– Use body fakes – shoulder jukes, head fakes, toe drags
– Get goalie moving laterally – open holes
– Quick release shots – snap and wristers
– Deke to open net if goalie commits early
– Elevate puck – no muffins into pads
– Go forehand-backhand-forehand if time allows
– Have go-to move – perfect your best deke
Practice quick ups and proper breakout technique. Hone your one-on-one skills. Read, react, and finish with confidence. Do this and you’ll be feasting on breakaway opportunities!
Practicing One-timers and Deflections to Set Up Wrap Arounds
Being able to quickly one-time shots or deflect pucks on net expands your scoring opportunities, often catching goalies off guard. Dialing in your one-timer and deflection proficiency will lead to more goals off give-and-go’s, rebounds, and inadvertent passes.
Here are some tips for honing these key skills:
One-Timers
– Staggered stance facing passer, feet shoulder-width apart
– Load weight on back foot, rotate hips opened up
– Quick hands shift to forehand for optimal control
– Extend arms out to make larger hitting surface
– Keep blade perpendicular to ice, don’t close it
– Sweep puck with hands ahead of body
– Follow through low towards the net
– Practice both stationary and in motion
– One-touch shots off angled banks and rims
– Quick release snap and wrist shots
Deflections
– Active stick on ice ready to redirect
– Hand-eye coordination to adjust angles
– Subtle stick angles to tip pucks
– Slice under puck slightly to lift it
– Use legs and skates to redirect pucks too
– Create screens, traffic in front of goalies
– Get paddle low for bouncing deflections
– Deflect passes on goal not just shots
– Punch rebounds out of mid-air
– Redirect point shots scanning for openings
Dialing in your one-timer and deflection abilities will make you a constant threat to score, especially on the wrap around where rebounds and quick passes are common. Practice them regularly to become a human backdoor pinball machine!