What is important to know before starting playing ice hockey?
Before you start playing ice hockey, it's important to understand the basics of the sport and do training that builds up gradually. Here are some basic exercises:
What is important to know before starting to play ice hockey?
Before starting to play ice hockey, it is important to understand the basics of the sport and perform training that is built up gradually. Here are some basic exercises:
Stability exercises
It is important to start learning how to skate on the ice stably. Learn how to turn, accelerate and brake correctly.
Maintain stability in the body at all times, especially during fast movement.
The purpose of the exercise: to improve physical stability on the ice, accustom the body to a low center of gravity and control balance while moving and stopping.
Exercise sequence – "Stability stance and slow gliding":
Starting position:
Feet shoulder-width apart.
Knees bent at an angle of about 45 degrees.
Back slightly tilted forward, but remains straight.
Head up – looking forward, not down.
Hands slightly forward and raised – as if holding a hockey stick.
Step One – Standing Still:
Skate on the ice in this stance without moving.
Try lifting one leg (e.g. right) in the air for 3 seconds and then return, then the left leg.
The goal is to maintain stability without swaying or falling.
Step Two – Slow Forward Movement:
Push off lightly with one leg to begin sliding forward.
Maintain stability throughout the movement – continue with a straight back, bent knees and hands forward.
This exercise helps to understand how to maintain balance even in movement.
Step Three – Changing direction while maintaining stability:
Make a slight turn to the right and then to the left, each time gently.
Keep your center of gravity low and look in the direction of the turn.
Important tips:
Don’t lock your legs – they should be flexible and mobile.
Focus on calm breathing – this helps to maintain mental calm and stability.
The exercise can also be performed with small cones scattered on the ice to navigate between them.
Exercise to improve skate control – “8 steps to safety and maneuverability on the ice”
Critical for ice hockey players of all levels, and especially for beginners who want to improve their safety and control on the ice.
Objective of the exercise:
To smoothly and safely control movement on the ice – including stopping, changing direction, and improving the ability to navigate and maintain rhythm.
Recommended equipment:
Full body protectors
Small cones or markers (optional)
Hockey stick – optional in the first stage
Exercise stages
Light warm-up – basic push-ups
Starting position: knees bent, back slightly forward, hands in front of the body.
Perform gentle push-ups with one leg at a time.
With each push – the glide is done on one leg until you lose momentum, then switch to the other leg.
Do this back and forth along the ice.
Goal: Understand how the body responds to movement, without losing stability.
Basic braking (Snowplow Stop)
Start by gliding forward at low speed.
Press the inner edges of the skates outward and down – like plowing snow (just like skiing).
The goal is to stop smoothly, not abruptly.
Goal: Know how to stop in control, without falling or accidentally spinning.
Backward Skating
Start standing, feet slightly apart.
Push your feet outward, in a small “half moon” shape – like drawing an upside-down H.
The step requires confidence – it is important to keep your eyes forward, not looking at your feet.
Goal: Improve balance and develop a sense of space behind.
Slalom between cones
Place 6–8 cones about two meters apart.
Zigzag between them, with slight body turns.
Maintain a constant pace, without stopping.
Goal: Improve lateral control and precise navigation.
Crossovers
Perform a turn while crossing one foot over the other.
Start with a slow left turn: the right foot crosses over the left (and vice versa for a right turn).
This is a relatively advanced move – requires balance, coordination and control.
Goal: Make sharp turns while maintaining speed.
Hockey Stop
This is the classic stop for hockey players.
Performed at a higher speed – skate forward, then turn your body sharply to one side while pressing your skates at 90 degrees to the ice.
There is a lot of ice splashing – and that’s part of the point 😎
Goal: Stop immediately while maintaining control and stability.
Important Tips
Always keep your knees bent – this gives more control and balance.
Hands should be loose, not tight to the body – this improves balance.
Practicing with friends or an instructor helps to give immediate feedback and improve performance quickly.
Direction change practice: Start with simple exercises of turning left and right on the ice while maintaining stability.
Direction change practice – “sharp turns and body control”
Direction change practice is one of the key exercises in ice hockey – it improves the player’s agility, balance and tactical response. This is an essential ability to deal with an opponent, retrieve a puck, or change course quickly.
Goal:
Improve the ability to change direction while moving on the ice, in a controlled, fast and safe way – without losing balance or speed.
Required Equipment (Optional):
Small cones to mark the track
Hockey stick (for advanced practice stages)
Body protectors
Steps to perform:
Preparation for practice – correct starting position
Stand with:
Feet shoulder-width apart
Knees bent
Back straight and leaning slightly forward
Hands in front of the body
Start moving forward, easy to moderate speed.
Important: Always keep your center of gravity low and your hands balanced on both sides.
Basic Turning Drill
Slide in a straight line, then make a wide turn to the left or right.
The body leans in the direction of the turn – like on a bicycle.
The inside knee bends more than the outside.
The body weight is transferred to the outside leg (important!).
Tip: Use your hands to maintain balance – do not direct them too strongly to the side.
Quick Turns
Place a row of cones 1–2 meters apart.
Zigzag between them while making sharp turns.
Turns are made by tilting the body – not by suddenly turning the legs.
Tip: As you get better, move the cones closer together and increase your speed.
Practice