Hockey Drills For 6 Year Olds
Hockey is a team sport that requires speed, athleticism, and a lot of skill. It’s a great activity for kids to get involved in, but like any sport, it takes practice to develop the necessary skills. It’s important to start teaching children the basics of the game at an early age, which is why this article will focus on hockey drills for 6-year-olds.
1. Skating Drills
Skating is the foundation of hockey, and it’s essential for players to develop strong skating skills to be successful on the ice. Here are a few skating drills that are perfect for 6-year-olds:
i. Skating in a Circle
Have the players skate in a circle around the rink while staying close to the boards. Encourage them to use their edges as they skate and to keep their knees bent. This drill helps them get comfortable with their edges and improves their balance.
ii. Skating Backwards
Teach the players how to skate backwards by having them start at one end of the rink and skate backwards to the other end. Encourage them to keep their knees bent and to use their edges to control their speed. This drill helps them develop backwards skating skills.
2. Stickhandling Drills
Stickhandling is another important skill that hockey players need to develop. It involves controlling the puck with your stick while skating. Here are a few stickhandling drills that are perfect for 6-year-olds:
i. Cone Stickhandling
Set up a few cones on the ice and have the players stickhandle through them. Encourage them to keep their eyes up and to use their peripheral vision to see the cones. This drill helps them develop stickhandling skills while also improving their agility.
ii. Figure Eight Stickhandling
Set up two cones in the shape of a figure eight and have the players stickhandle through them. Encourage them to use both sides of their stick and to keep their eyes up. This drill helps them develop stickhandling skills while also improving their footwork.
3. Shooting Drills
Shooting is a critical skill in hockey. Players need to be able to shoot accurately and with power. Here are a few shooting drills that are perfect for 6-year-olds:
i. Shooting on a Target
Set up a target on the net and have the players shoot at it from various angles. Encourage them to aim for the target and to follow through with their shot. This drill helps them develop shooting accuracy.
ii. One-Timers
Have the players pass the puck to each other and take one-timers. Encourage them to follow through with their shot and to aim for the net. This drill helps them develop quick shooting skills.
Conclusion
These hockey drills are perfect for 6-year-olds and will help them develop the necessary skills to become successful hockey players. By focusing on skating, stickhandling, and shooting, kids will develop the fundamentals they need to enjoy the game and to compete at a higher level. With practice, patience, and perseverance, they can become skilled and confident players.
