Hockey Drills For 11 Year Olds
Teaching hockey drills to 11 year olds can be challenging, but it is a critical stage in their development as hockey players. This age group is still developing their skating, passing, and shooting skills. Here are some hockey drills that can help your 11 year olds develop their hockey skills both on and off the ice.
1. Skating Drills
Skating drills are essential for any hockey player, and 11 year olds are no exception. The following skating drills can help your players improve their speed, agility, and overall skating ability.
Drill #1 - Tight Turns
Have your players skate in a straight line and then make a tight turn around a cone. Repeat this drill several times, switching which side of the cone they turn on. This drill will help improve their balance and agility while also helping them learn to make tight turns on the ice.
Drill #2 - Stop and Go
Have your players skate forward for a few strides, then stop and pivot to face the opposite direction. Then, have them skate backward for a few strides before stopping and pivoting to face forward again. Repeat this drill several times to improve their ability to stop and change directions quickly.
2. Passing Drills
Good passing is essential in hockey, and these drills can help improve your players' passing accuracy, speed, and timing.
Drill #1 - Passing and Receiving
Have your players pass the puck to a partner and then follow their pass to receive a return pass. Have them alternate between passing and receiving with both their forehand and backhand. This drill will help improve their passing accuracy and their ability to receive a pass on the move.
Drill #2 - Circle Passing
Have your players skate in a circle while passing the puck to each other. This drill will help improve their passing speed, timing, and the ability to pass and receive while on the move.
3. Shooting Drills
Shooting is a crucial skill for any hockey player, and these drills can help improve your players' shooting accuracy, power, and technique.
Drill #1 - Stationary Shooting
Have your players stand in front of the net and take shots on goal. Encourage them to focus on their technique, aiming for specific areas of the net, and following through on their shots. This drill will help improve their shooting accuracy and technique.
Drill #2 - One-Timers
Have your players practice one-timers by passing the puck to them, and they must then shoot the puck immediately without stopping it first. This drill will help improve their shooting accuracy and timing.
Conclusion
Teaching hockey drills to 11 year olds can be both challenging and rewarding. By focusing on improving their skating, passing, and shooting skills, you can help set them up for success both on and off the ice. These drills are just a few examples of the many drills coaches can use to help young players develop their hockey skills.
