Game version
Shadow skate: stay between your partner and the net with your stick on the ice, with no contact. Swap often.
Poke and Sweep Checks
Knock the puck away with your stick without losing your position.
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 toward you slowly.
Core: Skates. Beat your own run of steady shadows.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Stick, ball or puck, partner
- Level · skill
- Developing · Defense
The steps
How it works
- Your partner carries the puck toward you slowly.
- Poke straight at the puck with one hand, then recover.
- Try a sweep along the ground.
- Do 15 reps and swap.
Coaching point
Quick poke, then back to your stance.
Safety: Keep your stick down and make sure the area around you is clear.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (partner glides), Core (skates), More (changes direction). Beat your own run of steady shadows.
Story
You are a shadow that sticks to its owner.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own run of steady shadows. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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