Hockey Drills For 13 Year Olds
Hockey is a thrilling sport that requires a lot of fitness, skill, and teamwork. Whether your child is just learning the basics or already has some experience, there are a number of drills that can help them improve their agility, stick handling, passing, and shooting. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the best hockey drills for 13 year olds.
Agility Drills
Agility is a key skill in hockey, enabling players to maneuver around opponents, get into position, and make quick, sharp turns. Here are a few agility drills that can help your child improve:
Cone Drills
Set up a series of cones in a zig-zag pattern and have your child skate through them as quickly as possible, making tight turns around each cone.
Circle Drills
Have your child skate in a tight circle around a central point, switching direction every few rotations.
Hop-Over Drills
Place objects such as sticks or pucks on the ice and have your child jump over them while skating forward or backward.
Stick Handling Drills
Stick handling is a crucial skill in hockey, allowing players to control the puck while moving and maneuvering around opponents. Here are a few stick handling drills that can help your child improve:
Figure Eights
Have your child skate in tight figure eights around two cones, keeping the puck under control as they go.
Cross-Overs
Have your child skate in a zig-zag pattern, crossing their stick over the puck in front of them with each turn.
One-Touch Passes
Set up two cones and have your child pass the puck back and forth between them, using only one touch of their stick each time.
Passing Drills
Passing is a critical skill in hockey, allowing players to move the puck quickly and efficiently around the ice. Here are a few passing drills that can help your child improve:
Two-Person Passes
Have your child stand across from a partner and pass the puck back and forth, focusing on accuracy and speed.
Three-Person Weave
Set up three cones in a line and have three players pass the puck in a zig-zag pattern around the cones, following each other in a line.
Give-and-Go
Have your child pass the puck to a teammate and then immediately skate toward the goal to receive a return pass, allowing them to take a shot on net.
Shooting Drills
Shooting is the ultimate goal in hockey, allowing players to score points and win games. Here are a few shooting drills that can help your child improve:
Wrist Shots
Have your child practice wrist shots from various angles and distances, focusing on accuracy and power.
Slap Shots
Teach your child the proper technique for a slap shot and have them practice from various positions on the ice.
Breakaway Drills
Create scenarios where your child is one-on-one with the goalie and have them practice different types of shots to score a goal.
Conclusion
By practicing these drills on a regular basis, your child will be well on their way to becoming a skilled and confident hockey player. Remember to always emphasize safety first and make sure your child is properly equipped with the appropriate gear. With dedication and hard work, your child can achieve their hockey goals and enjoy the thrill of this exciting sport.
