A True Beginners Guide To Starting Adult Ice Hockey
Ice hockey is a ton of fun to play and you are never too old to start. Recreational Ice Hockey isn't anything close to the hard core play of the NHL. In most recreational leagues checking isn't allowed (not body on body contact) and teams are usually balanced to make sure the games are competitive even if you are a total beginner.
The most fundamental part of playing ice hockey is to be able to skate well. You need to be able to go forward, backward, turn both directions and stop with confidence. You will be at a disadvantage and will likely become frustrated if you try to learn hockey before your skating skills are sound. There is also a large difference between figure skates and hockey skates and you will make life easier for yourself if you start with hockey skates from the beginning.
One of the best ways to learn to skate well is to take Learn-To-Skate classes at your local ice rink. These are usually taught by the local figure skating instructors and they provide a great environment to learn in a small group at a pace that is comfortable to you. Classes usually meet once a week and will consist of something similar to 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of individual practice time. It is highly recommended to get back to the rink at least one other day per week to practice what you learned in class. Expect to go through multiple sessions before you master the basics. If you want to learn even quicker, hire one of the skating instructors to do individual coaching with you.
Once you have developed decent skating skills it is time to move on to learning hockey. The first step is to gear up and this can be quite a hurdle for the first time player. You will need hockey skates, shin guards, hockey pants, a chest guard, elbow pads, hockey gloves, a helmet with cage and of course a hockey stick. In addition to the core gear you will also need all of the extras like skating socks, hockey socks, a jock or jill, a hockey jersey and a mouth guard. Buying all of this gear new will set you back $500 to $1000 or more. Try to find somebody that is already playing to try out their gear and to have them help you piece together a set for yourself when you are ready.
Okay, we have gear and we have some basic skating skills now we need to find a learn-to-play-hockey class. If there is an ice rink near you, there should also be a learn-to-play-hockey class for adults as well. Sometimes these classes are offered right before the local recreation leagues season starts so that you can move right from class to a hockey team. If you can't find a class, find an instructor that will work with you one on one. In addition to the organized classes, get out on the ice as much as you can on your own. Look for "Stick and Puck" times or Drop in hockey times at your rink. These are perfect events for you to develop your skills.
Parts of your hockey skill set can be learned off the ice and the place to start first is with puck handling. You can get a practice ball of a street hockey puck and work out in your garage or driveway. They even make pucks that work very well on carpet so you can practice while you are watching TV (great for learning not to look at the puck). Set up a simple obstacle course so that you have to move the puck around, under, over and through objects and practice a little every day. Once you start to get the hand of a move try them out at the rink the next time you go.
Learning how to play ice hockey has got to be one of the most challenging sports to get into due to the extra challenge of having to learn to ice skate competently first. The big learning curve is also one of the positive aspects of the sport since you will always be getting better at some skills while being challenged by others. Come out and enjoy one of the most entertaining and fastest team sports around!
The most fundamental part of playing ice hockey is to be able to skate well. You need to be able to go forward, backward, turn both directions and stop with confidence. You will be at a disadvantage and will likely become frustrated if you try to learn hockey before your skating skills are sound. There is also a large difference between figure skates and hockey skates and you will make life easier for yourself if you start with hockey skates from the beginning.
One of the best ways to learn to skate well is to take Learn-To-Skate classes at your local ice rink. These are usually taught by the local figure skating instructors and they provide a great environment to learn in a small group at a pace that is comfortable to you. Classes usually meet once a week and will consist of something similar to 30 minutes of instruction and 30 minutes of individual practice time. It is highly recommended to get back to the rink at least one other day per week to practice what you learned in class. Expect to go through multiple sessions before you master the basics. If you want to learn even quicker, hire one of the skating instructors to do individual coaching with you.
Once you have developed decent skating skills it is time to move on to learning hockey. The first step is to gear up and this can be quite a hurdle for the first time player. You will need hockey skates, shin guards, hockey pants, a chest guard, elbow pads, hockey gloves, a helmet with cage and of course a hockey stick. In addition to the core gear you will also need all of the extras like skating socks, hockey socks, a jock or jill, a hockey jersey and a mouth guard. Buying all of this gear new will set you back $500 to $1000 or more. Try to find somebody that is already playing to try out their gear and to have them help you piece together a set for yourself when you are ready.
Okay, we have gear and we have some basic skating skills now we need to find a learn-to-play-hockey class. If there is an ice rink near you, there should also be a learn-to-play-hockey class for adults as well. Sometimes these classes are offered right before the local recreation leagues season starts so that you can move right from class to a hockey team. If you can't find a class, find an instructor that will work with you one on one. In addition to the organized classes, get out on the ice as much as you can on your own. Look for "Stick and Puck" times or Drop in hockey times at your rink. These are perfect events for you to develop your skills.
Parts of your hockey skill set can be learned off the ice and the place to start first is with puck handling. You can get a practice ball of a street hockey puck and work out in your garage or driveway. They even make pucks that work very well on carpet so you can practice while you are watching TV (great for learning not to look at the puck). Set up a simple obstacle course so that you have to move the puck around, under, over and through objects and practice a little every day. Once you start to get the hand of a move try them out at the rink the next time you go.
Learning how to play ice hockey has got to be one of the most challenging sports to get into due to the extra challenge of having to learn to ice skate competently first. The big learning curve is also one of the positive aspects of the sport since you will always be getting better at some skills while being challenged by others. Come out and enjoy one of the most entertaining and fastest team sports around!
About the Author:
Do you want to find the perfect Ice Hockey Stick for you? Spend a little time with Paul at Hockey Stick Expert to learn all that you need to know to make at smart hockey stick choice.
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