Level 3 · Lesson 6

Puck Handling

Stop dump-ins, set them up for your defense, and use your hips to fool the forechecker. Stop it first, then play it.

What it is. Using your stick to stop pucks dumped in behind the net, set them up for your defense, and sometimes move them up the ice yourself. At Level 3, puck handling becomes part of your team's breakout.

When to start: NOW. Coaches agree that the earlier a goalie learns to handle the puck, the better. Firstly though, control comes before passing. If a full goalie stick feels too heavy, practice with an intermediate goalie stick (most 9- to 14-year-olds use a 23" or 24" paddle). Playing as a skater is helpful too (whether on a team or just for fun): every shift builds stick-handling, passing and skating skills.

In this breakdown

Before you touch the puck: look and talk
The play: stop it, set it, get back
Use your hips for deception
Leave it, or move it?
The rules

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