Game version
Strong-stance game: stay low and balanced in your hockey stance for a slow count while a partner glides around you. No contact. Swap.
Angle, Contain, Separate
Angle a carrier toward the boards, contain them and separate them from the puck with your stick and hips.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Angle the carrier toward the boards at half speed.
Core: 5. Beat your own steadiest stance.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Full gear, ice, pucks, coach, partner of similar size
- Level · skill
- Advanced · Puck Battles
The steps
How it works
- Angle the carrier toward the boards at half speed.
- Close the gap so they cannot cut back inside.
- Use your stick and hip position to separate them from the puck.
- Do 8 reps each; go faster only when your coach says so.
Coaching point
Angle, contain, then separate.
Safety: For ages 14 and up. Only with a coach, in full gear, with a partner of similar size, at walking or gliding pace. Body checking is not allowed in games before 14U, and never in girls' and women's hockey; these drills teach legal body contact only. Never hit from behind or near the head.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (hold 3 seconds), Core (5), More (8). Beat your own steadiest stance.
Story
You are a tree with deep roots in a windy storm.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own steadiest stance. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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