These videos are so great. I just moved from the rural midwest in the U.S. to a bigger city and finally able to play hockey for the first time in my mid twenties. I've watched the game since I was a kid, but it's quite different being on the ice yourself. I play in a beer league and have been improving greatly, but I never had a coach or anything like that to really show me the proper technique. I'm seeing some of the bad habits I've been developing, but these videos are doing a great job of digging deeper into the game and how to play correctly and effectively. You're such a great resource and I have been getting a lot out of your videos. Thank you for all of your help!
Thank you for sharing. I understood from the photo reference of the torn glove that the hand should slightly wrap over the end of the stick. Firstly, is this what you meant? What in your opinion is the purpose of taping a knob at the end of the stick?
7:07 Should a beginner with a longer stick focus on getting a better top hand before cutting the stick down, or go ahead and cut it so they have an easier time learning? The stick I have goes over my head so I'm going to have to cut it down a little bit at least, but should I try and keep it long (between nose and eyes *or* nose and lips) to improve? I have to put my hand all the way at the top to control it better.
Can you do a video about when to step up when the opponent is coming into your zone. I’m always told to step up but when I watch the pros they never seem to do it.
Tj Reynolds that’s a really good idea, have some good data on it you will find helpful. It generally depends on how many attackers vs how many defenders. With more defenders than attacker’s the “stand” happens earlier but if you think of a 2 on 1 the D usually ends up on top of the goalie. The trend of surfing by D really changes the traditional teaching, too many coaches still regurgitate “stand them up at the blue line” ...It’s a really interesting subject!
Is there a good starting point of stick length for someone who is beginning in the sport. Such as a body landmark while standing on flat ground. I like your explanation of not blaming your bad stick handling on the length of the stick, its more your hand placement but there is a tipping point that your stick will just get in the way if its to long or short. You hear and see the push for really short sticks but they just feel really odd and feel like im playing with my kids stick. Any help is appreciated thanks for the great video.
Hello Reuben, I work full time for Hockey Alberta and do all of my player programming under that umbrella. Where are you located, I may have a colleague to recommend?
Growing up I heard a stick should come to between your lips and nose without skates or chin and lips with skates. Lately I've heard that is too long. Specifically I've heard that the blade should lie flat on the ice while standing straight up and holding the stick with just your top hand relaxed at your side. (Could depend on the lie of the stick though?) Obviously personal preference plays a part and maybe whether you play offense or defense. And like you said, holding and handling the stick properly can compensate for a lot. Have you seen a trend of shorter sticks than in years past? (I'm an intermediate beer leaguer)
Your stick length rule of thumb (lips-nose) holds true in most cases. As for measuring from stick hanging at your side, this has too may variables for me personally (arm length, standing straight up vs in hockey stance, top and bottom hand grip habits, wrist position etc)The real trend I see is coaches demanding shorter sticks and parents fighting to keep longer sticks (for $ reasons) haha. Seeing slight trending to longer sticks at the higher levels due to the evolution of the shot (toes forward-inside foot shots are more dominant than outside foot traditional shots) The toes forward shot relies more on stick flex than power from the body/muscles/core...so longer whippier sticks are trending.
I have heard the same exact explanation and probably watched the same video you did. I tried using a stick that met those exact measurement parameters in a game and it felt like i was using a toddlers stick! When im in a low squat position, yeah it felt fine because i was focusing on being really low. But your not in the position when playing your up, down, reaching, on one leg, etc. thats where i started to feel like I was having an issue with the length, plus you have zero leverage on your shot. Have you had any success with finding a good length?
