Hockey Basics: What Every Young Player Should Learn First
As a parent in Newfoundland, there’s nothing quite like watching your child lace up their skates and step onto the ice for the first time. Hockey is more than just a game here—it’s a way of life. Whether your child dreams of playing in the NHL or just wants to have fun with their friends, the early years are critical for building confidence, skills, and a love for the sport. But what should young players be learning in their first few years on the ice? Here’s a breakdown of the essential building blocks every hockey player should start with.
1. Skating Comes First
Before sticks, pucks, and goals, kids need to learn how to move comfortably on the ice. Skating is the foundation of hockey, and it’s something that will serve players at every level. Beginners should focus on:
Balance: Learning to stand and glide on skates builds confidence.
Stopping: Snowplow stops are usually the first step before more advanced stopping techniques.
Stride and posture: A strong, low stance with knees bent sets the stage for powerful skating.
Edges and turns: Learning inside and outside edges, crossovers, and quick turns helps players stay agile during games.
It’s important not to rush this step. The stronger a child’s skating, the more fun and success they’ll have as the game becomes more competitive.
2. Stickhandling and Puck Control
Once skating becomes second nature, players can start working on how to handle a puck. Stickhandling helps kids build hand-eye coordination and feel confident with the puck on their stick. Early skills include:
Basic stickhandling: Moving the puck back and forth in front of the body while skating or stationary.
Puck protection: Using the body and stick to shield the puck from opponents.
Heads-up control: Encouraging players to keep their heads up while handling the puck improves awareness and safety.
These skills can easily be practiced off the ice as well, helping kids develop muscle memory and control.
3. Passing and Receiving
Hockey is a team sport, and passing is what ties everything together. Learning to pass and receive the puck accurately builds teamwork and helps players stay involved in the play. Key early lessons include:
Forehand and backhand passing
Receiving with soft hands (absorbing the puck instead of letting it bounce off the stick)
Communication: Calling for the puck and being aware of teammates’ positions
Practicing passing off the ice with a parent or sibling can make a big difference, especially when combined with developing good habits like looking before passing.
4. Shooting Fundamentals
Young players are always excited to shoot the puck—and rightfully so! Scoring is a thrill, but shooting starts with learning proper technique. Early shooting basics should focus on:
Wrist shots: Teaching accuracy, weight transfer, and follow-through
Backhand shots: Useful in tight situations and often overlooked
Shooting in motion: Encouraging kids to shoot while skating, not just while standing still
The goal is to help kids learn to shoot with purpose, not just to hit the net but to understand where and why they’re shooting.
5. Fun, Confidence, and Game Sense
While the technical skills are important, the early years are also about having fun and learning how to enjoy the game. Players should:
Learn the basic rules (offside, icing, positioning)
Build sportsmanship and teamwork
Get comfortable in game situations like small scrimmages and mini-tournaments
Confidence grows with positive reinforcement and opportunities to try, fail, and try again. Parents play a big role in this by supporting, encouraging, and letting kids learn at their own pace.
Final Thoughts
Starting hockey is a big step—for both kids and parents. In Newfoundland, we’re lucky to have passionate coaches, strong community rinks, and a deep love for the game. Whether your child is five or twelve, focusing on these foundational skills will help them fall in love with hockey and enjoy a lifetime of play. Remember: progress looks different for every child. Celebrate the small wins, encourage effort, and most importantly—make sure they’re having fun every time they hit the ice.
