5 Best Hockey Training Drills

Anyone interested in becoming better at hockey should learn about these five best hockey training drills. The game of hockey has been around since before 2000 BC. In its earlier days, it was simply known as "the stick and ball game." It was mainly played in Rome, Scotland, Egypt and South America. In 1917, it became an official sport with the start of the NHL (National Hockey League). While the rules were different from the ancient version, playing the game has not changed. To improve skills at hockey, there are some drills that can be done. Before starting these drills, it is recommenced that ten minutes of light stretching is done.

To perform these hockey training drills, a few things are needed:

• Cones
  
• Enough space to run
  
• A ladder
  
• A partner
• A slight 30 degree hill
  

The first hockey drill requires a ladder and is great for increasing foot speed. With ladder drills, it is proper to keep your head as still as possible, and push and land on the balls of your feet. To perform this hockey ladder drill, simply do as follows:

1. Lay the ladder down on the ground.
2. With both of your feet, jump in the first hole between the first two steps on the ladder.
   
3. On the next jump, leap to the next hole in the ladder, but this time land with both of your feet  on each side of the ladder.
   
4. Repeat both of these in a pattern until you have reached the end of the ladder.
   
5. Once you reach the end of the ladder, turn around and repeat the process.
   

For the next hockey drill, you will need cones. This exercise is to work on weaving between objects. To do this hockey drill, simply:

1. Take four cones or place markers and set them in a straight line about three yards apart.
   
2. Take the other cones or place markers and set them to the left of the original line. Place them four yards apart and away from the original line. Make sure to set them in-between the original line..
3. Weave in-between them while running until you reach the end.
   
4. Turn around and repeat this process three times.
   

This next drill is similar to the pervious drill, but the weaving will be done in a straight line.

1. Take six to eight cones or place markers and lay them in a straight line four yards apart.
   
2. Run and weave between them.
   
3. Turn around and repeat the process as many times as desired.
   

This drill is a very simple hockey drill. This drill also involves a partner, a large open area and cones or place markers, although this is optional:

1. Put down the cones or place markers randomly in the large open area.
   
2. Simply ask your partner to run around a large open area, randomly jogging, walking, weaving and running.
   
3. Follow them as closely as possible, mirroring their actions.

With this drill, you'll need a hill with a slight 30 degree angle.

1. Start off at the top of the hill.
   
2. Run half way down the hill.
   
3. Turn around and run up the hill.
   

Allow extra rest between sets of this drill.

Hockey can be stressful on your body. Make sure to properly stretch, rest and stay hydrated while doing these five best hockey training drills. If any pain arrives during your training, make sure to talk to your doctor as soon as possible and stop the drills.