Hockey can be a dynamic game that brings in new players all the time. You don't need to play organized hockey to enjoy the sport. Sometimes a parent may want to build a backyard rink so children can play hockey for the sheer joy of it. There are several backyard hockey games that can be played in a build-it-yourself rink.
Shinny
This is hockey in its most basic form. After the rink is built and the surface is flooded, the ice surface freezes and it's time to play. Have each player throw her stick into the middle of the ice and divide those sticks into two groups. Then each player retrieves her stick and the teams are formed. Drop the puck and off you go. Neither team has a goalie. You skate, stickhandle, pass and shoot. The first team that gets to 10 wins the game. You can play with four or more players.
Shootout
Similar to the way the NHL conducts its shootout, you can play shootout in the backyard rink. Place the puck at center ice. The goalie is in his crease in front of the net. The shooter goes in alone on the goalie and either shoots the puck or attempts to fake the goalie out of position before depositing the puck in the net. Each shooter takes five shots at the goalie and the shooter who puts the most pucks in the net wins.
Skate and Score
This game encourages the development of skating. In this game -- which should be played with five skaters or less and a goalie -- the skater starts out with the puck behind the net in the defensive zone and has to maintain possession of the puck and skate up ice before shooting on the goalie. The other skaters will attempt to take the puck away or block the shot before he can score. There is nobody checking, but players can poke-check the puck carrier by attempting to take the puck off of his stick. After each shot, one of the other players gains possession of the puck and brings it back to the defensive zone before he skates up ice and attempts to score.
Shooting Accuracy Game
This game can be practiced when you are skating alone or with just a few skaters. Place a hockey goalie cutout in front of the net. This cutout leaves openings in the upper right and upper left corners as well as the lower left and lower right corners. It should also have a small opening between the goalie's legs. Stand about 15 to 20 feet in front of the net and take five shots at each of the five spots. This helps shooters build accuracy while playing a competitive and enjoyable game.
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