General Tips
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Hockey Tips
Hockey Tips provided by
Wrist Shot
Unlike a slap shot, a wrist shot can be released quickly, accurately, and in tight situations. Leaf great Wendel Clark used this shot, which requires no wind-up, very effectively. When taking a wrist shot, widen your grip slightly by sliding your lower hand down the stick. Keep your eyes on the target, snap your bottom wrist through the puck and be sure to follow through.
Making a Tight Turn
Learning to enter and exit all turns at top speed will help you in every aspect of the game. Turning your stick in front of you and following it is a good practice technique, as is leaning your body forward and into the turn. Also be sure to always turn facing the puck.
Body Checking
Body checks should only be used to gain possession of the puck. The most effective body checks come from the shoulder and the hip, and are delivered while you are balanced on your skates. Never lead with your head, check an opponent from behind, or hold your stick illegally while body checking.
Slap Shot
Slap shots involve a wind-up, and can generate plenty of power and speed. Slap shots are best used when a quick release isn't required. As with a wrist shot, slide your lower hand down the stick to slightly widen your grip. The puck should be centred between your legs in front of your body, and struck as your weight transfers onto the foot closest to the target. Try to generate stick speed as you follow through.
Fore Checking
Fore checking, or attempting to disturb an opponent's breakout, is an effective way to wear down your opposition and force errors. Remain between the puck carrier and the pass receiver as you close in on the puck carrier, and never allow the puck carrier to turn inside of you and reverse direction. Approaching on an angle (allowing for only one escape route) is an effective fore checking technique.
Acceleration
Successful hockey players are able to reach top speed quickly, from a standstill or from gliding, enabling them to win races for the puck. Besides quick feet, a key to accelerating on skates is a fully extended stridefrom hip to knee to ankle. Both legs should be moving, with quick foot recovery, to prevent gliding.
Passing
Passing the puck is one of hockey's most fundamental skills, for both forwards and defencemen. It enables you and your teammates to use the entire ice surface most effectively. The key to making effective passes is knowing where your teammates are on the ice. Keeping your head up, leading a moving target and following through in the direction of the pass will help you excel at this important part of the game.
Accepting a Pass
Since very few passes are "perfect", it is important to learn how to take all sorts of passes cleanly, on both your forehand and backhand. Keeping your stick on the ice, using it as a target for the passer, and "cushioning" your stick as the puck arrives will help you accept passes. Be prepared to work hard at receiving stray passes without breaking stride.
Soccer Tips
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