Becoming a powerful skater will provide significant benefits in the game of ice hockey. Confidence on your skates will allow you to accelerate quickly and break into the open. When you get the puck in an area that allows you to fire a shot at the goaltender without fear of being checked (hit) by your opponent, you have the time and space to score a goal. Time and space are the factors that will turn an average player into a good one, and a good player into a great one. Developing a dominant shot will help a hockey player become a consistent scorer.
Skating Drill
Set up a series of six traffic cones every eight feet on the ice. Skate to the right of the first one and to the left of the second one, and keep going in that pattern until you are by the last cone. Then sprint back to the starting line and repeat the drill three more times. This will improve your balance, acceleration and ability to change directions.
Shooting Accuracy
Stand in the slot area midway between the two faceoff circles, about 20 feet in front of the goal. Have teammates in either corner pass the puck to you, then try to beat the goalie with a quick shot. Since you are in the prime scoring area, you need to be able to consistently score these shots. This will develop your ability to shoot quickly and accurately.
Rebound Drill
Work on your skating and ability to react the puck with the rebound drill. Start off at the top of the blue line with a teammate. Your teammate skates to the top of the right faceoff circle in the offensive zone and fires a slap shot or a wrist shot at the goalie. As soon as you see your teammate wind up for the shot, race toward the goalie from the left side. Your job is to get the rebound and fire a shot as quickly as possible. Many goals are scored by players who can get to the rebound and then get off an effective shot. This drill will help you learn how to do that. Do this 10 times per practice session.
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