Top hockey players are willing to dedicate hours to develop the characteristics of good hockey players. Without the ability to work both on and off the ice, even the most gifted natural athlete will not develop the skills necessary to become a first class hockey player. Not all of the work takes place with teammates, players that wish to be successful will work on their own, before and after practice, to strengthen skills that are lacking.
Checking
A good hockey player must be able to check the opponent, both to gain possession of the puck and to prevent the other team from scoring. When checking your opponent, keep your knees bent to absorb the impact of the check. This will help you maintain your balance.
Stick Handling
The ability to comfortably handle the hockey stick is a key to successful steals and scoring. Stick handling is a skill that you can practice off the ice. Spend time hitting the puck on a concrete floor to refine your stick handling skills. Practice a variety of techniques, such working the stick in both a forehand and backhand position, and maneuvering the puck in figure eights and other shapes.
Skating
Good hockey players are able to keep track of where they are on the ice at all times. Keep your knees bent at a 90 degree angle and your head up. The majority of your skating should be a two-footed glide, at a moderate intensity, according to the Institute for Hockey Research. They found that lower-scoring hockey players typically spend more time performing backward and forward skating and bursts of high speed skating.
Shooting
Strong shooting skills are a key characteristic of a good hockey player. Repeated shots on goal, taken before or after regular practice, is one way to improve your shooting skill. To generate more energy in your shot, lift weights, emphasizing your upper body and in particular your wrists. This will allow you to maintain accuracy as you fatigue and hit the puck harder without sacrificing accuracy.
Passing
A good hockey player will be comfortable passing the puck with his teammates. The ability to make a good pass and to catch a pass from your teammate are equally important. It is important to pass the puck down the ice, rather than across it. Practice looking down the ice while skating, looking for an open teammate.
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