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.
Angling with Stick Lifts
Angle a puck carrier toward the side and lift their stick to take the puck, the step that comes before any checking.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Your partner carries the puck up a lane at half speed.
Core: 5. Beat your own steadiest stance.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Stick, ball or puck, partner, cones
- Level · skill
- Developing · Puck Battles
The steps
How it works
- Your partner carries the puck up a lane at half speed.
- Skate on their inside shoulder and match their speed.
- Lift their stick from below and take the puck.
- Do 8 reps each.
Coaching point
Angle, match, lift.
Safety: Check the stick, never the body or hands. Keep your stick below the waist. No body contact in this drill.
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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