Pre-Game Hockey Warm-Up Drills to Boost Confidence & Performance 🥅
Feb 24, 2024
Quick Summary: Pre-Game Warm-Up Drills That Get You Game Ready
These fast, effective warm-up drills help players activate their hands, sharpen puck control, dial in passing touch, and build early shooting confidence before stepping on the ice.
- Ball taps to activate hand speed
- Puck flips & fakes to sharpen control
- Straight & saucer passes for touch & accuracy
- In-tight shots & long-range shooting warm-up
Perfect for youth players looking for a simple pre-game routine that boosts confidence and sets the tone for better on-ice performance.
Pre-Game Warm-Up Drills to Boost Your Game
A great game starts long before the opening face-off. These quick warm-up drills get your hands activated, your touch dialed in, and your confidence high before you step onto the ice.
Whether you’re a new player or years into your hockey journey, a solid warm-up routine does more than “get loose.” It preps your hands, sharpens puck feel, and builds momentum before your blades even touch the ice.
I’m Coach Lance from Online Hockey Training, and here are my go-to pre-game off-ice drills you can do in just a few minutes. Simple, effective, and designed to help you feel confident from your first shift.
Warm-Up Drill: Ball Taps (Forehand & Backhand)
Ball taps are one of the fastest ways to activate your hands. They help you develop quick reactions, better blade awareness, and smoother puck control.
How to do it:
- Use a stickhandling ball
- Taps on the forehand for 10–15 seconds
- Taps on the backhand for another 10–15 seconds
- Keep your hands loose and your shoulders relaxed
Puck Handling: Flips, Fakes & Blade Control
Next, you want to engage your blade control. Puck flips and quick fakes help activate your wrists and set up better stickhandling rhythm.
Try this:
- Flip the puck from forehand to backhand and back
- Mix in wrist-loaded fakes to improve deception
- Keep your head up whenever possible
Passing Warm-Up: Straight Passes & Saucer Passes
Before you hit the ice, it’s important to activate your passing touch. This helps you build early confidence for breakout plays or offensive transitions.
Warm-up options:
- Short straight passes off a wall or barrier
- Soft saucer passes over an object
- Focus on consistent release and blade angle
Shooting Warm-Up: In-Tight Shots & Long-Range Snipes
A few quick reps on your shot helps kickstart your confidence before game time. Players who feel good about their shot early often play looser and more assertive.
Try these:
- Quick in-tight shots to work on release
- Long-range shots to warm up power and weight transfer
- Mix wrist shots, snaps, and your natural release
Remember: the goal isn’t to go full power — just to find your touch and rhythm.
How Much Should You Do Before a Game?
You don’t need to complete every drill. Pick the ones that help you feel the most confident depending on the day.
Recommended routine:
- 1–2 minutes of ball taps
- 1 minute of blade flips & fakes
- 1–2 minutes of passing activation
- 1–2 minutes of shooting touch
That’s it — 5 to 7 minutes and you’re mentally and physically ready.
Huge thanks to Lenny and Ryan from Rochester, New York, for inspiring this warm-up video that sparked this blog!
Want More Off-Ice Drills Before You Hit the Ice?
Browse 1,000+ step-by-step stickhandling and shooting drills inside Online Hockey Training. Build confidence, improve puck control, and get more out of every game.