From the moment I learned how to skate, hockey has been my life.
I don't know if it was because my parents were a fan of the game, or if the nature of the game was just appealing to me, but I was instantly mesmerized by the athleticism it took to play the game.
While the game itself is an easy game to understand, it is not always easy to be successful at it.
Here are seven tips that I feel will help anyone be a good hockey player.
1.
Find equipment that best fit the type of player you are While this may seem like common sense, it is not for many players.
While hockey equipment can be very pricey, it is extremely important to buy equipment that best fits your style of play.
If you are a player that uses your speed to your advantage, you do not want to buy equipment that will restrict your stride.
Buy pads that are small, yet protective, so that you can move freely on the ice.
If you are a defensemen who uses your size to your advantage, you might want to purchase big pads that will protect you from physical play.
2.
Make sure your skates are sharpened Nothing is worse than trying to play hockey with dull skate blades.
It is easy to tell when your skates are dull because it is almost impossible to stay on your feet while turning.
If your skates are sharpened, you will be much more likely to skate around the ice with a nice, smooth motion.
You will be more likely to stay in the play, thus making you much more successful.
3.
Make sure you buy a stick that best fits you When choosing a stick, there are a few aspects to consider.
The first thing to consider is the curve.
Hockey curves come in many shapes and sizes.
Each curve is designed to accommodate a player's shot.
You want to buy a curve that will give you the best shot possible.
The next thing to consider is the flex.
If you are a tall player, you will want to purchase a stick with less of a flex than if you are a small player.
This will reflect on your shot.
The last thing to consider is the size.
The rule of thumb is that your stick should go right up to about your lips when you are not on skates.
4.
Take skating lessons Now that the equipment is taken care of, let's focus on the actual game.
Skating is by far the most important aspect of the game of hockey.
A person who is a good skater will have much more success on the ice.
You will be much more likely to be able to skate around other players and score more goals.
I would suggest taking skating lessons that will improve your techniques, speed, and agility.
5.
Take stick handling lessons The next most important aspect of hockey is the stick handling.
If you cannot stick handle, hockey can be very difficult.
Your stick handling ability affects how well you move the puck up and down the ice.
If you are a good stick handler, you are more likely to be able to move around the ice at will without people taking the puck from you.
6.
Lift weights Another aspect that is important to hockey is your size.
It is important to establish a good center of gravity.
The stronger you are, the less likely it is that a person will be able to knock you off of the puck.
If you are a scrawny player, you will probably be on the ice throughout most of the game.
If you are a strong player, you will be much more likely to play a physical game and establish yourself as a dominant player on the ice.
7.
Keep your head up It is very important to keep your head on a swivel while playing the sport of hockey.
If you are a player who is always looking down at the ice, you will be much more likely to getting hit hard.
Defensemen are always looking to hit players who keep their heads down.
Another reason why it is important to keep your head up is because it will allow you to see the ice better and make better plays.