The first hockey skill is balance. A kid who can glide on two feet is ready for everything else. Without that, every drill falls apart.
What you need: Full hockey gear (helmet, gloves, pads, skates), an ice rink, optionally a milk crate or “skate aid” for support.
Setup: Kid on the ice in a crouch position. Coach 10 feet away.
How to run it:
- Show the position: feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands on knees or holding a milk crate.
- Kid pushes off from the boards or with one foot, then glides on two feet.
- Hold the position until the glide stops.
- Push again. Glide again.
- Do 10 glides. Each one a little longer.
What to watch: Are the knees bent? Standing tall on skates is unstable. Knees bent is balance.
If they’re struggling: Use a milk crate or skate aid. Stay close to the boards.
If they’ve got it: Glide on one foot for a beat. Or glide and turn in a slight curve.
Gear for this drill (affiliate)
Hockey pucks (6-pack) → — regulation pucks for drills and scrimmage.
Youth hockey helmet → — Bauer Lil Sport with cage.
Full hockey gear guide → — all picks by age, sport, and level.
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