Ice Hockey Tips All Beginners Should Take into Consideration
Ice hockey is a fast moving and powerful sport where the puck can travel up to speeds of 100mph. The game has plenty of spills and thrills, and at professional level you can be sure to see a punch up or two. It is all of this that makes ice hockey such a great spectator sport. Those who watch it, might be tempted to take it up themselves but, before you do, we highly recommend that you take our tips for beginning ice hockey players on board, you certainly will not regret it.
Gambling on Ice Hockey
Before we give you the valuable tips, we would just like to add that we know that not all ice hockey fans will be tempted to give it a go themselves, but those who are not willing to try it will almost certainly place bets on it when they are watching their favourite teams play. Bookmakers used to only have a handful of markets available for ice hockey, but they have realised just how popular it is becoming all over the world, so continue to add more and more. For example, nowadays you can bet on the team that will win the match, the correct score, the number of goals that will be scored in a match, the player that will score the most, and so on. If you are from New Zealand and are looking for some quality betting sites, then we recommend that you have a look on this website. This is a site that is completely dedicated to New Zealand players.
Equipment Tips
First of all, we are going to discuss some equipment tips that you need to keep in mind.
Borrow the Equipment First
When you are first starting out in a new sport, in this case ice hockey, it is always a very good idea to borrow the equipment that is needed until you have a solid idea that the sport is one that you want to take up long term. There is no point in spending a lot of money on equipment only to find out after a session or two that it is not the sport for you. If you cannot find anywhere to borrow the equipment from, then just think about buying second-hand equipment instead. When you have figured out whether you like to play the sport or not, you can then think about buying yourself new equipment.
What to Look for in an Ice Hockey Stick
Obviously, the ice hockey stick is one of the most important pieces of equipment that you will make use of when you are playing ice hockey. You cannot just walk into a store, pick up the first stick, and expect it to be the best one for you. When you are getting an ice hockey stick, there are number of things that you have to take into consideration such as your height. If the stick is too long or too short for you, then you will be putting unnecessary strains on your body. The members of staff in the store should be able to help you get the best stick for your body type.
What to Look for When Buying Skates
Skates are another important piece of equipment for ice hockey, and you need to make sure that your skates are a snug fit but that they do not cramp your toes. You should also make sure that they provide your ankles with some good support. Skate sizes are often a half or one size smaller than your regular shoe size, so always opt for a size up. Once again, if you are buying your skates from a store, a member of staff should be able to help you get the best skates for your feet.
Technique Tips
Now we are going to take a look at some technique tips that will help you to become a better player.
Work on Your Basic Skills
You can work on some of the basic skills required in ice hockey by playing hockey in the street with inline skates, a hockey ball, and a stick. By doing this, you will be able to improve your skating skills and your stick handling skills. You will never become the good ice hockey player that you want to be if your balance is no good and you cannot hold the stick properly.
Watch the Professionals at Work
Whenever you can, you should make an effort to watch professional matches on the television as this will help you to get a much better understanding of the common tactics that are used as well as the best types of positional play. If you have chosen your preferred position, then you should pay closer attention to those who are playing in your position. We mean, if you have chosen to be a goalkeeper, there really is no point focusing on an attacking player is there?
Remember to Keep Your Stick on the Ice
You should always keep your stick on the ice, except for those times when you are trying to deflect the puck. If you skate with your stick up in the air, then you will not be ready when your teammate wants to pass the puck to you. Ice hockey is an extremely quick game, so you will not have enough time to bring your stick down to control the puck before an opponent has nicked it. Furthermore, it makes the game safer is everyone keeps their sticks low.
