Hockey Drills For 9 Year Olds
Playing hockey is a challenging and thrilling experience for any kid, and 9-year-olds are no exceptions. At this age, young hockey players are eager to develop their skills and build confidence, making it essential to incorporate appropriate drills into practices.
However, not all drills are suitable for 9-year-olds. The drills should be age-appropriate and designed to enhance their abilities while keeping them engaged and stimulated. Here are some fantastic drills that coaches and parents can use to help their young players build skills, confidence, and teamwork.
The Basics: Skating and Puck Control
Skating and puck control are the foundations of hockey, and it's crucial to drill these skills in 9-year-olds. At this age, players are still developing their skating abilities and acquiring greater control over the puck.
One excellent drill for improving skating is the "Skate and Shoot" drill. In this drill, players start by skating towards the coach, who will pass the puck towards the player. The player then continues to skate and shoot the puck at the net. This drill is great for improving skating, shooting, and puck handling skills, and can be done in groups or as individuals.
Puck control drills are equally important, and one such drill that is perfect for 9-year-olds is the "Bull in the Ring" drill. In this drill, players form a circle with one player in the center. The player in the center moves in and out of the circle while the other players pass the puck around. The player in the center attempts to steal the puck from the other players. This drill improves the player's puck control and defensive skills.
Teamwork and Communication Drills
Playing hockey requires excellent teamwork and communication among team members. Developing these skills is essential for 9-year-olds as they move up to more competitive levels of play.
The "Back-to-Back" drill is an excellent teamwork drill that can be done in pairs. In this drill, two players stand back-to-back and try to pass the puck back and forth while rotating around each other. This encourages players to communicate effectively and work on their passing skills.
Another drill that helps improve communication is the "Four Corner" drill. In this drill, players are divided into four groups, with each group stationed at a different corner of the rink. The coach or another player calls out a specific corner, and the players in that corner must pass the puck to the other corner without losing possession. This drill helps develop teamwork, communication, and body positioning skills.
Defensive Drills
Playing defense in hockey is just as important as playing offense. Encouraging 9-year-olds to develop their defensive skills will make them well-rounded players and give them an advantage in future games.
The "Breakout" drill is an excellent drill for developing defensive skills. In this drill, a coach or another player dumps the puck into the corner, and two defensive players go after it. The two players then work together to get the puck out of the corner and pass it up to the forwards. This drill helps develop defensive skating, passing, and shooting skills.
Conclusion
Playing hockey can be a challenging and rewarding experience for young players, but it's crucial to incorporate appropriate drills into practices to help them develop their skills and build confidence. The drills mentioned above are excellent options for 9-year-olds, but coaches and parents should always tailor drills to the specific needs of their players.
