Hand Speed 101: Your Path to Hockey Stardom Starts Here 🏒

By Coach Lance Pitlick | Former NHL Defenseman

Hey future hockey star! If you are aiming for the big leagues, there is one crucial skill you need to ace: Puck Handling.

This isn't just about not losing the puck; it's your key to making highlight-reel plays, scoring goals, and embarrassing defensemen. But how do you actually get "Silky Mitts"?

Most young players think playing more games is the answer. They are wrong. Here is the breakdown of the three ways you train, and why you need all of them.

1. Can I get better hands just by playing games?

The Answer: Sort of, but it's slow.

In a real game, everything is moving super fast. You are making decisions on the fly and reacting to pressure. This is where you learn Hockey IQ.

However, think about how long you actually have the puck on your stick during a game. Maybe 45 seconds total? That isn't enough time to build muscle memory. Games are for testing your skills, not building them.

2. What about team practice?

Practice sessions on the ice are your golden ticket for combining Skating with Stickhandling.

Here, things are calmer. You can zoom in on your skills, and your coach can correct your form. But again, ice time is expensive and limited. You might only get 2 or 3 practices a week. If that is the only time you touch a puck, you will fall behind the kids who are training daily.

3. The Secret Weapon: Off-Ice Practice

This is where the best players are made.

Did you know you can get better at hockey without even putting on skates? By using a golf ball, a Green Biscuit, or a specialized training ball in your garage, you can get 1,000 touches in 20 minutes.

That is more puck touches than you would get in 10 games combined! This builds the "Muscle Memory" so that when you do get on the ice, your hands move automatically.

4 Quick Tips for Puck Pros

Every player faces challenges—time crunches, nervousness, and bad habits. Here is how to handle them:

• Technique Over Speed: Make sure you are holding your stick correctly (top hand does the work!). Don't go fast until your form is perfect.
• Oops Moments are Okay: If you mess up, good! That means you are pushing your limits. If you never lose the puck in practice, you are playing it too safe.
• Stay Cool: Rome wasn't built in a day. You won't have Patrick Kane's hands overnight. Enjoy the journey.
• Feedback is Gold: If a coach gives you advice, listen. They have been there before.

Ready to Dazzle?

So, future hockey champ, with some hard work, smart training, and a whole lot of passion, you'll be dazzling the crowd in no time.

If you want a structured plan for that "Secret Weapon" off-ice training, check out our Elite-Weekly Online Hockey Training Drills. We give you the exact drills to do at home to master your puck handling.