Best hockey moves

Knowing and perfecting a diverse range of moves on the ice can give any hockey player an edge, regardless of experience level. In short, it’s worth the time and effort you put in learning the right hockey moves. Mastering the 7 essential best hockey moves here will help you become a better player and out-think your opponents on the ice. Keep reading this hockey moves tutorial if you want to learn how to keep the puck under control and get it into the net. 

In this article, we’ll cover:

  1. Body Fake
  2. Side Fake
  3. Spin Away
  4. Toe Drag
  5. Fake Shot to Backhand
  6. Quick Forehand to Backhand
  7. Puck Between Defender’s Legs

1. Body Fake

The body fake is a classic hockey move that’s highly effective when used correctly. It involves using your body to deceive your opponent, making them think you’re going in one direction when you actually go another. This surprise move can trick opponents and create an opening for you to make a safe pass or take a shot on goal. The body fake is great for catching opponents off guard and getting an on-ice advantage – confidently executing it can take your game to the next level.  

How to Execute 

  1. Maintain Control: Keep control of the puck while skating towards your opponent at moderate speed.
  2. Decide Direction: Decide if you’ll head left or right.
  3. Create a Separation: Separate from nearby opponents by slightly moving away from them.

2. Side Fake

A side fake is another clever move that’ll throw off opposing players during situations like power plays or breakaways. An effective side fake can create openings and lanes to make passes and shots.

How To Execute

  1. Maintain Control: Keep the puck under control as you approach your opponent.
  2. Fake Move: Fake a move towards the outside edge by shifting your body weight onto the outer foot while keeping your inside leg bent at the knee joint.
  3. Simultaneously Lean Upper Torso Outward or Inward: This should cause any defender(s) following closely behind or beside you to momentarily lose their balance or tracking ability as their momentum carries them further than anticipated.

3. The Spin Away

If you want to learn hockey moves to get past defenders, the spin away is one of the best hockey moves out there. The spin away lets you protect the puck while changing direction quickly so it’s hard for defenders to anticipate your next move. 

The spin away is great for those times in games when you want to keep possession of the puck in tight spaces or when you face pressure from opposing players. Spinning around with control over the puck creates space so you have more time to decide where to pass or shoot.

How To Execute  

  1. Maintain Puck Control: As with any hockey move, controlling the puck is critical during a spin away. Keep your stick blade flat on the ice and maintain contact with the puck.
  2. Pivot On Your Inside Foot: Start by pivoting on your inside foot (the one closest to where you want to go). For example, if you’re skating forward along the boards and you want to change direction toward center ice, pivot on your left foot if going clockwise or your right foot if going counterclockwise.
  3. Rotate Your Body and Stick: While pivoting on your inside foot, rotate both your body and stick together smoothly until you’re facing the opposite direction from the initial skate path – essentially completing a full, 180 degree rotation.
  4. Create Separation from Defenders: Once you complete the rotation successfully without losing control of the puck, use the newly created separation between yourself and the defender(s) as an opportunity to continue advancing up the ice or to find an open teammate to make a pass to.

4. The Toe Drag

The toe drag is a classic hockey move that can leave your opponents in the dust when executed correctly. It’s a deceptive move that lets you keep control of the puck while you change direction. Toe drags are effective because they use a quick change in movement that can catch defenders off guard so you can slip past them or create a scoring chance.

How To Execute   

  1. Maintain Control: Start by controlling the puck with the middle part of your blade.
  2. Pull Towards You: Gently roll your wrists to angle the toe of your stick toward the puck, and then use a sweeping motion to pull it back toward you.
  3. Shift Your Weight: As you pull the puck in, shift your body weight and change your skating direction.
  4. Complete the Move: Quickly regain control of the puck with the middle part of your blade and skate away from defenders.

5. Fake Shot to Backhand

The fake shot to backhand can catch opponents off guard, opening up scoring opportunities. It works best if you’re quickly approaching the net so you can force the goaltender and defenders to react. The fake shot to backhand requires practice but can be incredibly effective once you master it. 

How To Execute

  1. Wind Up for the Shot: As you approach the goal line, begin winding up as if you’re going to take a powerful slapshot or wrist shot. This forces the goalie and defensemen into shot-blocking positions.
  2. Pull Back on Your Stick: Instead of following through with your shot though, you’ll pull back. The key here is not losing possession.
  3. Sell the Fake: Use body language like leaning forward or dropping your shoulder slightly to make players think you’re genuinely attempting a shot before changing direction.
  4. Cut Across and Switch Hands: Quickly cut across towards one side of the net while changing hands on your stick to be in a backhand position.
  5. Tuck it Home: With defenders out of position (because they reacted to what they thought was going to be your shot on goal), use the newfound space and time to your advantage by tucking the puck home using a smooth backhand finish.

6. Quick Forehand to Backhand

The quick forehand to backhand move is a must-have in every hockey player’s arsenal. It can be highly effective in catching the opposing team off guard and creating scoring opportunities. While it’s a seemingly straightforward move, the quick forehand to backhand can be an excellent surprise tactic when transitioning from a forehand to a backhand while maintaining possession of the puck.

How To Execute

  1. Maintain Your Speed: Keep skating at full speed toward the net or defender so you have enough momentum for an explosive change of direction.
  2. Cup the Puck on Your Forehand Side: As you approach your target, use your stick blade to cup and secure the puck on its flat side.
  3. Pull the Puck Across Your Body: In one swift motion, pull the puck across your body by rolling over your wrists and shifting weight onto your back foot.
  4. Sell the Fake with Body Language: Lean into each movement with conviction so defenders are more likely to think you’re attempting a shot or pass.

7. Puck Between Defender’s Legs

Slipping the puck between an opposing player’s legs is a daring but effective move that can surprise defenders and give you a good opportunity to score or assist. This bold move, dubbed “nutmegging,” requires practice, skill, and confidence.

How To Execute

  1. Maintain Speed: Approach with enough speed to make the other player react quickly. Force them to make a quick decision when reacting to your swift movements so it’s difficult to adjust their positioning.
  2. Sell the Fake: To increase your chances of success, use body language like leaning to one direction or quick stick movements. These fakes will force your defender to commit early while exposing their legs. 
  3. Slide the Puck: Once the defender’s legs are open, slide the puck through with a quick flick of your wrists. Aim for a spot beyond their skates to regain control on the other side.
  4. Regain Possession: After sliding the puck through, quickly skate past and use your body to shield them from getting back into position. Reach out with your stick and regain control of the puck immediately.

The First Step to Efficient Hockey Moves – Have the Right Gear

Before you can master these basic hockey moves, you need to have the right gear. High-quality equipment enhances your performance and ensures safety on the ice.

Ready to upgrade your equipment? HockeyMonkey has everything you need – from sticks and skates to protective gear – ensuring top performance on the ice. Browse our selection of equipment and gear today.