The Art of the Deke: A Complete Guide to Elite Stickhandling 🥅

By Coach Lance Pitlick | Former NHL Defenseman

Hockey is a game of chaos. But if you can slow the game down with the puck on your stick, you become the most dangerous player on the ice.

Stickhandling is often called "The Art of the Deke." It’s like a magic trick: you make the puck disappear from where the defender thinks it is, and reappear in the back of the net.

In this guide, we are moving past the basics. Whether you are a squirt player or a Bantam looking to refine your toe drag, this is your roadmap to elite puck control.

What makes a great stickhandler?

Great stickhandling is defined by control, deception, and the ability to protect the puck under pressure.

It is not just "chopping onions" (moving the puck back and forth quickly). Effective stickhandling gives you the agility to freeze a goalie and the confidence to hold onto the puck when a 200lb defenseman is chasing you.

The 4 Pillars of Puck Control

• Hand-Eye Coordination: This is the engine. You need to synchronize your brain and hands to react instantly to a bouncing puck.
• Puck Feel ("Soft Hands"): Think of catching an egg—you don't grab it hard; you cushion it. Soft hands allow you to receive hard passes without the puck exploding off your stick.
• The "Invisible" Puck: You have to know where the puck is without looking at it. This allows you to scan the ice for teammates.
• Body Positioning: You can't dangle with straight legs. You need a wide, athletic stance with knees bent to protect the puck with your hips.

What are the fundamental stickhandling moves?

The three most important moves for any player to master are the Dribble, the Wide Pull, and the Punch Turn.

Before you try "The Michigan," you have to master these. These are the moves you will use 90% of the time in a game situation.

How do I perform advanced dekes?

Advanced dekes rely on "baiting" the defender to make a move, then exploiting their position.

Once you have the fundamentals, these moves are designed to embarrass defenders and create highlight-reel moments.

1. The Toe Drag

This is the classic deke. You bait the defender into poking at the puck, then pull it back to safety.

• How to do it: Turn your top wrist over so the toe of your blade is on the ice. Hook the puck and pull it in towards your feet, then push it forward past the defender.

2. The Puck Flip (The Sauce)

Sometimes you can't go around a stick—you have to go over it.

• How to do it: Get the puck near the toe of your blade. In one quick motion, open the blade face and "shovel" the puck upwards. It only needs to go 6 inches high to clear a stick!

What mistakes should I avoid when stickhandling?

The most common mistakes are over-handling the puck ("dusting"), standing with straight legs, and staring at the puck ("tunnel vision").

Even AAA players make these mistakes. Fix them now, and you'll be ahead of the pack.

• 🚫 Mistake 1: "Dusting" the Puck
  The Fix: Less is more. Don't stickhandle rapidly if you don't have to. Keep the puck quiet on your blade so you are ready to shoot instantly.
• 🚫 Mistake 2: The "Statue" Stance
  The Fix: Get low! If your legs are straight, you have no balance. If you get hit, you fall. Wide base = strong player.
• 🚫 Mistake 3: Tunnel Vision
  The Fix: Practice at home while watching TV. You must train your hands to work while your eyes are looking up at the screen (or the ice).

How can I practice stickhandling at home?

You can improve your stickhandling significantly with just 20 minutes of off-ice practice using everyday items.

You don't need expensive ice time. Here are my favorite garage drills:

• The Obstacle Course: Throw random items (shoes, gloves, cones) on the floor. Stickhandle through them without touching them. This builds creativity and range.
• The One-Handed Drill: Stickhandle using only your top hand. This builds the forearm strength required to protect the puck from stick checks.
• The Rebounder: Pass the puck against a wall or rebounder. Practice catching the pass softly ("cushioning") and transitioning immediately into a move.

Need a Visual Training Plan?

Reading about stickhandling is great, but watching it is better.

For players who want the full package, check out our complete Accelerator Course. With over 1,000 videos covering shooting, skating, and hockey IQ, it is the ultimate resource for serious players.