Staying calm with the puck under pressure is one of the biggest differences between players who simply work hard and players who consistently make smart plays. Many high school hockey players have solid skating and stickhandling skills, yet those skills seem to disappear when the game speeds up or defenders close in. This is not…
Most hockey players are taught from a young age that the neutral zone is simply the space between the blue lines, a place to skate fast, get the puck deep, or rush through as quickly as possible. Because of that mindset, the neutral zone often becomes the most chaotic and misunderstood area of the ice. Players feel like they are working hard, yet turnovers keep happening, rush chances disappear, and teams struggle to gain clean entries.
Balance is one of the most important skills in hockey, yet it is often misunderstood and overcomplicated. Many players believe they need expensive training tools or fancy equipment to improve their balance, but the truth is that great hockey balance is built through simple, consistent habits. Balance in hockey is not about standing still on one foot. It is about staying strong, controlled, and confident while skating, turning, battling, and reacting at game speed.
While many players focus on top speed, the truth is that explosive first strides matter far more than how fast someone can skate once they are already moving. The ability to accelerate quickly from a near standstill is a hidden skill that separates confident, effective players from those who always feel a step behind.
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Using a mini-band and a single 41″ Quantum band, follow along with Dave as he shows you how to use these two bands to train your lower body strength endurance. You are going to be surprised at how challenging this workout will be. Complete 50-reps per exercise before moving on to the next exercise. Scale Total Reps and Quantum Band Resistance to fit your fitness level.
Better puck support is one of the most important team habits young hockey players can learn, yet it is often one of the most misunderstood. Many young players focus almost entirely on the puck carrier, thinking the job is done once someone has control of the puck. In reality, hockey is a game of constant movement, spacing, and decision-making. Strong puck support gives teammates options, reduces turnovers, and helps young players feel more confident when they have the puck on their stick.
The blue line is where offense and defense collide, and decisions made in this small area can quickly lead to scoring chances or costly turnovers. Players who learn to recognize pressure early gain more time, make smarter plays, and stay confident with the puck. Understanding how to read pressure helps players at every position, especially defensemen and forwards entering the offensive zone.
When breakouts are rushed, sloppy, or unorganized, teams spend too much time defending and chasing the puck. When breakouts are smart and consistent, players gain confidence, create offense, and control the pace of the game.
Tempo is the speed and rhythm of the game, and learning how to change it at the right moments can separate smart players from players who only rely on speed. Hockey is not played at one constant pace. The best teams know when to attack fast, when to slow things down, and how to control momentum during a shift, a period, or an entire game.