A pass is a controlled push of the puck to a target. The blade stays low, the puck slides flat, the follow-through points at the receiver. Most kids slap at the puck. This drill teaches them to push.
What you need: Sticks, pucks, two players, ice or off-ice space.
Setup: Two players 15 feet apart facing each other.
How to run it:
- Player A puts the puck on the forehand side.
- Push the puck along the ice toward Player B’s stick. Follow through with the blade pointing at the target.
- Player B receives with a soft stick (gives a little so the puck doesn’t bounce off).
- Player B passes back. Same motion.
- Do 20 passes total.
What to watch: The follow-through. The blade should finish pointing at the partner’s stick. If the blade scoops up, the puck flips off the ice.
If they’re struggling: Move closer to 8 feet. Or use a street hockey ball off-ice.
If they’ve got it: Move back to 25 feet. Add a tape target on the partner’s stick. They have to hit the tape.