3 Offensive Skill Drills
This post is an example of what can be gained from one of our Exclusive Hockey Apps. To be honest, these are drills I haven’t even considered before, yet ones that I’d surely use today.
~ Dennis C
Peripheral Vision Passing Drill
This drill is designed to improve spatial awareness and passing accuracy. Set up three players in a triangle formation, each standing about 10 feet apart, with cones marking a perimeter around them. The player with the puck must pass to one of the others without looking directly at them, relying instead on their peripheral vision. This exercise helps young players become more aware of their surroundings on the ice and strengthens the brain’s dorsal visual stream, which is responsible for detecting movement and managing spatial awareness.
Delayed Reaction Shooting Drill
The goal of this drill is to sharpen quick decision-making and shooting accuracy under pressure. Begin by placing a line of cones that leads toward the net, and position two assistant coaches behind the net, each with colored flags or cards. As the player skates toward the goal, one of the coaches will hold up a colored signal. The player must recognize the color and respond with the appropriate shot, such as shooting top shelf for red or aiming low for blue. This teaches the brain to quickly process visual cues and make split-second decisions.
Mirror and Mimic Agility Drill
This engaging drill boosts agility, stickhandling, and creative thinking. Pair two players together — one with a puck and the other without. The puck carrier performs a series of quick moves, such as dekes, turns, and fakes, while the second player follows closely and mimics every movement. This drill activates mirror neurons in the brain, which are involved in learning through imitation. It helps players improve coordination, anticipation, and the ability to read other players’ actions on the ice.
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