Hockey deke

Mastering the fine art of the hockey deke is something any serious hockey player must take the time to do. Keep reading to learn more about the hockey deke, from when and why you’d use it to specific techniques – including the famed triple deke – to help you become an expert.

In this article, we’ll cover:

What is a Deke in Hockey?

If you’re new to hockey or just looking to improve your skills, understanding the term “deke” is essential. The deke hockey definition refers to a move where a player fakes out an opponent by quickly changing direction with the puck. To understand the intricacies of dekes, you should explore a variety of techniques and maneuvers in detail. Shifting your body weight and controlling the puck can is the most basic deke. But you can also use more complex moves, like toe drags and head fakes. Mastering dekes will help you become a more effective offensive player. 

The word “deke” is short for “decoy,” which means luring someone into making a mistake. In hockey, a deke usually involves tricking defenders into thinking you’re going one way when you plan on going another way entirely.  

What Are Dekes Used For? 

Dekes are great for players looking to outsmart their opponents on the ice. Using dekes can be a smart way to gain an edge on your opponent. Dekes can create distance between you and your opponent so you can pass or score, but they also have several other strategic advantages. 

Dekes can be used to: 

  • Create Space: One of the main reasons to use dekes is to create space between yourself and opposing defensive players. Tricking an opponent with a false shot or pass can force them to react so you can create an area of opportunity to score or make an effective pass to another teammate.
  • Bypass Defenders: A well-executed deke can allow you to bypass defenders with ease. When facing one-on-one situations against defensemen, creative movements like head fakes or quick stickhandling changes can throw off the timing just enough for you to slip past while retaining control of the puck.
  • Fool Goalies: The art of deception doesn’t stop with just the other team’s line on the ice. Goalies can also be fooled by clever dekes. A sudden change in direction or speed while approaching the net can make goaltenders commit too early or move out of position, leaving openings for skilled shooters.
  • Gain Confidence and Improve Stickhandling Skills: Successfully pulling off a deke helps improve your chances on offense and boosts confidence levels throughout games. Practicing different types of dekes can significantly enhance your overall stickhandling abilities, making you a more versatile – and effective – player.

What is a Triple Deke?

The term “hockey triple deke” can ring a bell for fans of the popular 90s movie, The Mighty Ducks. In the film, Coach Gordon Bombay teaches his team this seemingly unstoppable move that eventually leads them to victory. But what is a triple deke, and does it really have any merit in real-life hockey games? 

A triple deke involves 3 quick stickhandling moves followed by the actual shot or pass.

How to Deke in Hockey – The 6 Best Hockey Dekes 

Here are 6 of the best hockey dekes to master, along with actionable tips for executing them effectively.

1. Single Deke

The single deke is a basic but effective move every player should know. Use it when creating space between player and defender or attempting to change direction quickly.

  • Tip: To execute a single deke, simply fake moving one way by shifting your weight and stickhandling before quickly changing direction with your body and puck control.

2. Head Fake Deke

A head fake deke is a great way to deceive defenders by making them think a player’s going one way while planning on going another. This move works well against aggressive opponents who are quick to react.

  • Tip: To perform a head fake, look in the direction you want your opponent to believe you’re heading while simultaneously moving your shoulders slightly in that same direction before quickly changing course with your body movement and puck-handling skills.

3. Toe Drag Deke

The toe drag deke allows players to pull the puck closer toward the body, making it more difficult for defenders to steal possession or poke check successfully. This move works well when approaching an opponent at high speed, as it forces them into committing too early.

  • Tip: To execute a toe drag, use the toe of your blade to pull the puck towards your body while simultaneously shifting your weight and changing direction.

4. Backhand Toe Drag Deke

The backhand toe drag deke is a more advanced version of the standard toe drag, allowing players to maintain control of the puck on their backhand side. This move can be particularly effective when a player needs to create space in tight areas or approach an opponent from an angle.

  • Tip: To perform a backhand toe drag, use the heel of your blade to pull the puck toward you before quickly switching directions with both your body movement and stickhandling skills.

5. Double Deke

A double deke involves faking two moves quickly, making it difficult for defenders to anticipate your actual move. The double deke works well against opponents prone to biting on initial fakes or overcommitting defensively.

  • Tip: To execute a double deke, perform 1 fake (such as a single deke), then immediately follow up with another in either direction before accelerating past the defender with speed and agility.

6. The Datsyuk Deke

Inspired by Pavel Datsyuk’s legendary shootout goal, this highly technical move requires excellent hand-eye coordination and precise timing but can leave goaltenders completely baffled when executed correctly.

  • Tip: To attempt this advanced maneuver, approach the net at moderate speed, fake a shot to one side, then quickly pull the puck back across your body using the toe of your blade before lifting it into the net with a quick flick of your wrists.

Hockey Deke FAQ

What does deke mean in hockey?

A “deke” is a term used in hockey to describe a feint or fake-out move made by an offensive player with the puck. The purpose of a deke is to deceive the opposing team’s defenders or goaltender, creating opportunities to score or pass.

Where does the term “deke” come from?

The word “deke” originated as an abbreviation of “decoy,” which means something intended to distract attention from another object. Players use their body movements and stickhandling skills to distract opponents on the ice.

Is triple deke a real move?

The triple deke is often associated with The Mighty Ducks movie franchise, where it’s portrayed as a signature move that helped win games. While there isn’t necessarily one specific “triple deke” technique, many variations exist involving multiple fakes and quick changes in direction during stickhandling maneuvers. These can be considered similar but may not follow an exact formula like what was depicted in the film.

What is a deke shot?

A deke shot, also known as a finesse shot, incorporates a deke before releasing the puck. This might mean faking out defenders or a goaltender by quickly changing the direction of your stickhandling, making it difficult for them to predict where you’ll shoot. The goal is to create an opening and increase your chances of scoring.

Shop HockeyMonkey’s Selection of Sticks to Perfect Your Deke Shot

Now that you know more about the various hockey dekes and how to execute them, it’s time to start honing your skills with the right stick from HockeyMonkey. Once you’ve decided which deke shot to practice, HockeyMonkey has an array of sticks from leading brands like Bauer, CCM, and Warrior so you can choose the perfect one. Browse HockeyMonkey’s full selection of hockey sticks and other gear today.