Side-to-side tempo: soft hands in a steady rhythm

Every move in hockey is built on a simple side-to-side stickhandle. Doing it with a steady tempo, so every touch is the same speed and the same width, gives you control at any speed.

How to do it

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, puck in front of you.
2. Move the puck side to side about one blade-width each way, cupping it with the blade on each touch.
3. Count a steady beat out loud (“one, two, one, two”) and touch the puck on every beat. Hold that tempo for 30 seconds.
4. Speed the beat up a little for 30 seconds, then slow it down for 30. The width of each touch stays the same.

Coaching points

• Roll your wrists so the blade closes over the puck on each side.
• The bottom hand stays loose. The top hand does most of the work.
• Quiet touches are a sign of soft hands; loud slapping means you’re hitting the puck, not handling it.

Common mistakes

• Touches getting wider as you speed up. Keep them narrow and quick.
• Standing up tall. Stay low so your arms have room to move.

Make it harder

Play Flappy Puck. Your stickhandling tempo is the flap, so a steady rhythm keeps you level, a faster one climbs and a slower one drops. Practise changing tempo smoothly to fly through the gaps.