Hockey Drills For 7 8 Year Olds
Hockey is a fantastic sport and is beloved by many people in the United States. It is a great way to keep fit, have fun, and develop important social skills, such as teamwork and communication. For children aged 7-8 years old, hockey can be an excellent way to keep active and learn new skills. In this article, we will explore some of the best hockey drills for 7-8 year olds, which will help improve their game, build confidence, and, most importantly, have fun!
1. Skating Drills
Skating is one of the most important skills in hockey, and it is essential that players develop good skating techniques at a young age. Some useful skating drills for 7-8 year olds include:
- Skating around cones
- Skating in a straight line
- Skating backwards
- Stopping and turning
By practicing these drills regularly, young players can develop their skating skills, build speed and agility, and improve their balance and control on the ice.
2. Puck Control Drills
Effective puck control is another crucial aspect of hockey, and young players should start to develop these skills as early as possible. Some useful puck control drills for 7-8 year olds include:
- Stickhandling through cones
- Shooting at targets
- Passing to teammates
- Playing small-sided games to develop game awareness and decision-making
These drills will enable young players to practice their puck control skills in a fun and engaging way, helping them to become more confident and skillful on the ice.
3. Defensive Drills
While scoring goals is an essential part of hockey, it is also important for young players to develop their defensive skills. Some useful defensive drills for 7-8 year olds include:
- Positioning drills to teach players where to be in different situations
- Stick checking drills to teach players how to effectively steal the puck from opponents
- Small-sided games with an emphasis on defensive play, such as 1-on-1 or 2-on-2 games
By practicing these drills, young players can improve their defensive skills, learn to work as a team, and become more confident in their ability to play both offense and defense.
4. Goalie Drills
For children who are interested in becoming goalies, there are many drills that can help them improve their skills in this position. Some useful goalie drills for 7-8 year olds include:
- Reaction time drills to improve reflexes and quick reaction times
- Positioning drills to teach goalies where to be in different situations
- Tracking drills to help goalies follow the puck more effectively
- Playing in small-sided games with an emphasis on goaltending skills
By practicing these drills, young goalies can improve their skills and gain confidence in their ability to protect the net.
Conclusion
Hockey is a great sport for children aged 7-8 years old to learn and develop new skills. By practicing these hockey drills regularly, young players can improve their skating, puck control, defensive, and goalie skills, while also having lots of fun. Whether your child is interested in becoming a forward, defenseman, or goalie, there are plenty of drills and activities that can help them become more confident and skillful on the ice.
