Hockey Stickhandling Basics: Mastering the Art with Melissa De La Cruz

Stickhandling is a fundamental skill in the game of hockey that sets apart average players from the elite ones. It involves controlling and manipulating the stick while maintaining possession of the puck. Melissa De La Cruz, a renowned hockey player and instructor, has perfected the art of stickhandling and excelled in her career. In this article, we will delve into the hockey stickhandling basics and explore Melissa De La Cruz's insights and techniques to master this essential skill.

Understanding Stickhandling

Stickhandling refers to the ability to handle the hockey stick with finesse and precision. It involves various techniques such as puck control, quick hands, soft touches, and dekes. These skills allow players to maneuver the puck effectively and deceive the opponents.

Importance of Stickhandling

Hockey is a fast-paced sport where split-second decisions and exceptional skills can make a significant difference in a game. Stickhandling is essential for players in every position as it enables them to protect the puck, make accurate passes, create scoring opportunities, and evade defenders. It enhances a player's ability to control the game flow and contribute effectively to the team's success.

Hockey Stickhandling Basics

by Melissa de la Cruz(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	296 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	42 pages
Item Weight	:	2.72 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.98 x 0.1 x 9.02 inches

FREE

Melissa De La Cruz: The Stickhandling Maestro

Melissa De La Cruz, a former professional hockey player, has garnered recognition in the hockey community for her exceptional stickhandling skills. With years of experience playing at the highest level, Melissa has mastered the art of stickhandling and is considered one of the best in the sport.

"Stickhandling is not just about having quick hands; it's about understanding the game, reading situations, and using your creativity to outsmart the opponents."

Melissa's passion for the game and dedication to improving her stickhandling abilities have been instrumental in her success. She believes that anyone can become a proficient stickhandler with the right mindset, practice, and guidance.

Stickhandling Techniques

Melissa emphasizes the following key stickhandling techniques for aspiring players to master:

1. Puck Control:

Puck control is the foundation of stickhandling. It involves keeping the puck close to the body while maintaining control and being able to move it swiftly in any direction. Melissa advises players to develop soft hands, which allow them to handle the puck delicately without losing control.

2. Quick Hands:

Having quick hands is crucial in stickhandling. Players need to be able to move the stick rapidly to create deceptive movements and keep the opponents guessing. Melissa recommends practicing hand-eye coordination drills and incorporating various stickhandling drills to improve hand speed.

3. Body Positioning:

Proper body positioning complements stickhandling skills. Players should maintain a low center of gravity and use their bodies to shield the puck from opponents. Melissa emphasizes the significance of staying balanced and agile to execute stickhandling moves effectively.

4. Deception:

Deception is a critical aspect of stickhandling. By incorporating fakes, feints, and deceptive movements, players can confuse the defenders and gain a competitive advantage. Melissa advises players to practice various dekes and develop their own unique style to deceive defenders effectively.

Developing Stickhandling Skills

Improving stickhandling skills requires consistent practice and dedication. Melissa De La Cruz suggests the following methods to develop and enhance stickhandling abilities:

1. Off-Ice Stickhandling Drills:

Practicing stickhandling drills off the ice allows players to focus solely on their stickhandling techniques. Setting up obstacles or using stickhandling aids such as cones, puck control balls, or synthetic ice surfaces can simulate real-game situations and help players improve their skills.

2. On-Ice Stickhandling Drills:

Transferring stickhandling skills from off-ice to on-ice is crucial for game success. Melissa recommends practicing various on-ice stickhandling drills, including weaving through cones, executing quick dekes, and performing puck protection drills while facing defensive pressure.

3. Visualization and Game Awareness:

Developing stickhandling skills also involves mental preparation. Melissa encourages players to visualize game scenarios, anticipate opponents' movements, and strategize stickhandling techniques accordingly. Increased game awareness allows players to make split-second decisions and execute precise stickhandling moves.

4. Seeking Professional Guidance:

Working with experienced coaches and trainers can significantly accelerate the improvement of stickhandling skills. Melissa De La Cruz herself offers stickhandling clinics and personalized training sessions to help players refine their techniques and reach their full potential.

Hockey stickhandling is an art that demands constant practice, dedication, and a deep understanding of the game. Melissa De La Cruz's expertise and guidance provide aspiring players the opportunity to develop their stickhandling skills and elevate their overall performance. By mastering the fundamental techniques and incorporating creativity and deception, players can revolutionize their game and make a significant impact on the ice.

Hockey Stickhandling Basics

by Melissa de la Cruz(Kindle Edition)

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	296 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	42 pages
Item Weight	:	2.72 ounces
Dimensions	:	5.98 x 0.1 x 9.02 inches

FREE

If you’re new to the game of hockey or are an established player who wants a refresher on stickhandling to ensure you haven’t forgotten the fundamentals, you’ve come to the right place.
Inside you'll find everything you need to know to excel at stickhandling in the world’s greatest sport: from advice on what stick to buy, to good stickhandling practice, to drills you can practice on the ice, off the ice, with friends or alone.
Each chapter is as concise as possible so you can get started on what matters ASAP – the practical.
And although I can’t promise the road to stickhandling perfection is going to be easy, that shouldn’t be a deterrent. After all, if hockey were easy it wouldn’t be great.