Hockey Drills To Keep Head Up
Hockey is a fast-paced, action-packed sport that requires players to be quick on their feet and make split-second decisions. One of the most important skills that a hockey player can develop is to keep their head up while playing. This skill is vital for a number of reasons, including maintaining situational awareness, avoiding injury, and making better passes and shots. In this article, we will discuss some effective hockey drills that can help players develop this important skill.
What Does It Mean To Keep Your Head Up In Hockey?
Keeping your head up in hockey means keeping your head raised and your eyes focused on the ice and other players around you, rather than staring down at the puck. This allows you to see what is happening around you and make better decisions in real-time. When a player keeps their head up, they can anticipate where their teammates and opponents are, make better passes, avoid collisions and injuries, and ultimately play better hockey.
Why Is It Important to Keep Your Head Up In Hockey?
Keeping your head up in hockey is important for several reasons:
- Increased situational awareness: Players who keep their head up can see more of the ice and anticipate what will happen next, giving them a competitive advantage over players who stare at the puck.
- Better passing and shooting: When a player keeps their head up, they can see where their teammates and opponents are and make better passes and shots.
- Avoiding collisions and injuries: Players who keep their head up are less likely to collide with other players or catch a stick or puck to the face, reducing the risk of injury.
Hockey Drills To Practice Keeping Your Head Up
Practicing these hockey drills can help players improve their ability to keep their head up during games:
1. Puck Control Figure 8 Drill
This drill helps players improve their puck control while keeping their head up. Set up two cones about 5-10 feet apart and practice weaving through the cones while keeping your head up and your eyes focused on the cones. As you get better, increase the speed and complexity of the drill.
2. Zig-Zag Drill
The Zig-Zag Drill is a great way to practice keeping your head up while changing direction quickly. Set up a series of cones in a zig-zag pattern and practice moving through the cones while keeping your head up and your eyes focused on the cones. As with the Puck Control Figure 8 Drill, increase the speed and complexity of the drill as you get better.
3. One-on-One Drill
This drill helps players improve their situational awareness and ability to keep their head up while in a one-on-one situation. Divide the team into pairs and have them do a one-on-one drill where the offensive player must keep their head up and make a pass or shot while the defensive player tries to steal the puck. Rotate players so everyone gets a chance to play both offense and defense.
Conclusion
Keeping your head up in hockey is a vital skill that can help players improve their situational awareness, passing, shooting, and overall performance on the ice. By practicing the drills outlined in this article, players can develop this important skill and become more effective and confident on the ice.
