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Keep-Away Handles

Keep the puck inside a small square while a partner tries to touch it with their stick.

By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026

Set up

Mark a square 10 feet wide.

Core: Both hands. Beat your own best run without losing the puck.

Ages
11 and up
Time
10 min
Players
You and a partner
Space
Yard or field
Bring
Stick, ball or puck, partner, 4 cones
Level · skill
Developing · Stickhandling

The steps

How it works

  1. Mark a square 10 feet wide.
  2. Protect the puck for 20 seconds while your partner reaches with their stick only.
  3. Swap roles.
  4. Play 6 rounds each.

Coaching point

Turn your back, keep it moving.

Safety: Sticks only: no slashing, no pushing.

Make it fun

Play it, don't drill it

Game version

Puck dance: stickhandle to a song and freeze when it pauses. A partner can pause the music, and everyone keeps playing.

Challenge

Pick a level: Less (strong hand), Core (both hands), More (eyes up while a partner shows you a number). Beat your own best run without losing the puck.

Story

You are a magician with the puck on an invisible string.

My best

Beat your own count

Beat your own best run without losing the puck. Only your own number counts: today against last time.

Practice makes progress

Print it now, or save it free

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