what do yall do to increase vision when you have the puck

[thorpedo26 0]

i always end up given up the puck because i try to do somthin stupid. what do yall do or what were you tought to increase your vision on the ice. when i say that i guess i mean just looking around with the puck. or maybe its a confidence thing

[All Torhs Team 0]

Learning to be patient with the puck is important. Although ice hockey is usually a fast paced game, having patience with the puck and knowing how long you can hold it before making a stupid pass can really help. Especially defensemen holding it behind the net or at the point.

If you want to get better at stickhandling while not lookind down at the puck, simply practice at home. Stickhandle for a minute at a time without looking at the puck in your garage. It will seem pointless at first but if you keep up with it - it will help in the long run.

[cougarscaptain87 12]

get a feel for the puck on your stick, so you do not have to have to look down at the puck, and then keep your head up and look for the open man or shot.

i always end up given up the puck because i try to do somthin stupid

then dont try anything stupid :P

[thorpedo26 0]

thanks guys

[tomh7 2]

The most common thing I see happen is a player waiting too long to make a play. They will hold the puck until the very last second and then make a hasty pass that is off target. My advice, in addition to working on you stickhandling at home, when you are watching games either waiting for your next shift or as a spectator in the stands, pay attention to how the plays develop. Don't just watch the guy with the puck but pay attention to where everyone is that is involved in the play. Eventually, hopefully you will train your mind anticipate developing plays better.

[thorpedo26 0]

The most common thing I see happen is a player waiting too long to make a play. They will hold the puck until the very last second and then make a hasty pass that is off target. My advice, in addition to working on you stickhandling at home, when you are watching games either waiting for your next shift or as a spectator in the stands, pay attention to how the plays develop. Don't just watch the guy with the puck but pay attention to where everyone is that is involved in the play. Eventually, hopefully you will train your mind anticipate developing plays better.

as in knowing were someone will be?

[badsk8ter 0]

Everyone has given you great advice. One thing I'd like to add is increase your vision before you get control of the puck. For example, if you're at the point or you're retrieving a loose puck, before gaining control of the puck, if you have time, try looking around the ice to see where your teammates and the defenders are all located. As you gain control of the puck, start formulating an idea of what you want to do with it. Then, when you get control of the puck, you're already ahead of the game.

[All Torhs Team 0]

The most common thing I see happen is a player waiting too long to make a play. They will hold the puck until the very last second and then make a hasty pass that is off target. My advice, in addition to working on you stickhandling at home, when you are watching games either waiting for your next shift or as a spectator in the stands, pay attention to how the plays develop. Don't just watch the guy with the puck but pay attention to where everyone is that is involved in the play. Eventually, hopefully you will train your mind anticipate developing plays better.

as in knowing were someone will be?

Knowing where someone will be takes alot of work in practice, which is why most coaches like to keep lines together. So players can get to know how their linemates react and where they go in certain situations. Watching teams that have played together for years, and youll know what Im talking about.

However in response to Tomh7 - I agree and disagree with your first advice. I think that the best players can hold onto the puck for the right amount of time without giving it up. I know that you dont want to hold onto it to long, but at the same time, it takes talent to know when to give it up. You want to be able to bait someone in but still have room for a pass.

Its not always a hot-potato game.

[barrett 0]

Confidence is a huge part in having vision and playing with the puck. Make sure you are confident and work on what all the others said and you will be fine. Not rushing the play if you have time will help wonders.

[thorpedo26 0]

thanks this advise is all good, ill try to work on all of this and see how my game improves

[bpmd210 0]

And along with all above advice: know what to do when you don't have the puck. The fact that you're standing by yourself screaming for a pass doesn't mean you're open. There may be a tangle of bodies in between you and the puckcarrier. Don't call for a pass with your stick in the air unless you're open AND in a position to do something with the puck. Help your teammates out. If they're looking for someone to pass to, read the defense, and get yourself open. Move around. Cycle. Nothing like constant motion to wear out a defense and confuse them. Before you recieve the pass, have a few options....One-timer? Dish off to another team-mate? Maneuver a little?

[oliverloran 0]

I totally agree with most of you guys. I have similiar problems, to make the right descision, is sometimes harder than it could be. I'm usually very nervous, when i have the puck, ecspecially when i play against a team who has some real fast players, above my skills. I try to stay cool, but somehow i always trying to make quick descisions and i end up making bad ones, because im too slow, i feel like i don't have enough time. Any advice what to do with this problem? ( i mean how to speed up the thinking part ?! )

[bpmd210 0]

Don't be reactive. Be proactive. Before you get the puck, have an idea of your options. Like someone else said, when you are going to or the puck is coming to you, before you get, snap your head and see where everyone is. If you're chasing a puck, you can turn and get a good look at everything. If there's no-one else in front of you, the puck will still be there when you turn back towards it. The key to play-making is not knowing what's happening, but what's about to happen. Your mind should be a few seconds ahead of your body.

[Cavs019 710]

1) Instincts

2) Know your systems and your linemates tendencies so you don't have to scramble to find a teammate.

[oliverloran 0]

I guess and sometimes i feel the lack of instincts, the way to have that quick problem solving skill is missing. But i try as hard as possible to do somethin about it. You think it's a good idea, to think in day-time or anywhen when i can what would i do if i had the puck on my stick?

[bpmd210 0]

Anticipation and instinct, the ability to read plays, comes with time and experience. Like tomh7 said earlier, when you're watching a game, don't watch the puck carrier. Watch everyone else. (Assuming they know what they're doing)

[oliverloran 0]

That' why one of the reasons i have Gb's of NHL games on my pc, to watch and learn, but sometimes not such aspect is shown which i would prefer.

[bpmd210 0]

Self-confidence. Know you're capable. I hadn't played for about 20 years till about 4 years ago, when my son started. It took me 2 or 3 years to realize, "Hey. I'm pretty good at this still. I don't need to panic and get rid of the puck the instant I get it." Once you get a few good plays, you'll realize what you're capable of

[thorpedo26 0]

I guess and sometimes i feel the lack of instincts, the way to have that quick problem solving skill is missing. But i try as hard as possible to do somethin about it. You think it's a good idea, to think in day-time or anywhen when i can what would i do if i had the puck on my stick?

why not

Self-confidence. Know you're capable. I hadn't played for about 20 years till about 4 years ago, when my son started. It took me 2 or 3 years to realize, "Hey. I'm pretty good at this still. I don't need to panic and get rid of the puck the instant I get it." Once you get a few good plays, you'll realize what you're capable of

i like this advise, i guess its just all in the head

[Cavs019 710]

It's not all in your head, there is a great deal of physical/reflexive response required.

[bpmd210 0]

It's not all in your head, there is a great deal of physical/reflexive response required.

Yes, there is a large physical aspect to it. However, if you have the skills, but lack the cajones to use them, every time you get the puck you're going to panic and just toss it away so you don't screw up.

[jeffw 1]

I find that going to pick up hockey helps alot. I'll try things there just to see if I can do it or not. Who cares if I mess up? We're not keeping score. The game counts for nothing. Then when the league games roll around I have a better understanding of my abilities and limitations and alot more confidence with the puck on my stick. I still screw up from time to time but it's getting better all the time.

One thing that I found helps is to look for the open ice and get to it. There you'll have the room & time to get your head up & find an open teammate.

[TBLfan 25]

Not much to add but...

Take your time and figure out what you're going to do with the puck before you get it.

For example, you are on a two on two with a trailer and your teammate with the puck gets forced outside. Of course, this allows the trailer to catch up and they'll probably come in back door. You're in front of the net and your teammate(with the puck) is just below the goal line making his way behind the net. Before the pass comes to you think of your options; one-timer, hold and shoot or one-touch pass to the former trailer that's heading back door.

If you play out the play in your head first you can better decide what is the better scoring opprotunity.

[Cavs019 710]

It's not all in your head, there is a great deal of physical/reflexive response required.

Yes, there is a large physical aspect to it. However, if you have the skills, but lack the cajones to use them, every time you get the puck you're going to panic and just toss it away so you don't screw up.

That's called composure, not vision.

[Hidious 0]

When i was young, my parents would always tell me: "Eat your carrots. It's good for your eyes, Wayne Gretzky eats a portion a day to improve his vision."