Tip Archives

Evolution Hockey

 
Jan 2012
If you find yourself in a scoring slump, do what most NHL'ers do.  Go back to basics:  Keep it simple, don't try to do too much, loosen the grip on your stick and most of all, work harder for that scoring opportunity!

Dec 2011

Try this when practicing your stickhandling:  Use a 5lb. or 10lb. weight plate.  Turn your stick around so the butt end fits in the hole of the plate and try to stickhandle in differet patterns.  You will build strength, quickness, and improve wrist shot speed and power. 

 
Nov 2011
When working on your stickhandling skills, try using one hand at a time on the stick. This will develop wrist and arm strength as well as coordination with both hands. 
Oct 2011
Backhand Toe Drag: This is a great move to get by a defender. While stickhandling up to the defender, roll your blade using your top hand over the puck so your backhand is facing down towards the ice. Put pressure down with your bottom hand and drag the puck across your body and away from the defender. Make sure to keep your feet moving after the move!
Sept 2011
Offensive One on One: When taking the puck wide around a defender, use the net to help you. As you drive toward the net, stay as close to the net as you can when going around. This will force the defender to either go behind you or cut in front of the net giving you more time and space. 

Aug 2011
Defense One on One: Always keep yourself between the attacking player and your net. Something that might help you track the player is keeping your hand without the stick pointed or directed at the player's chest. Remember, where the chest goes the player goes. Always key on the chest!

June 2011

Every player at some point hears his coach or instructor yell "Bend your knees!" while skating backwards. An easier and more efficient way would be to bend at the ankle which is the starting point. Then your knees will fall into place correctly - now "Bend your ankles!" 


May 2011

Shot blocking tip: 1) Don't close your eyes! 2) Face the shooter head on- - you have the most protection on the front of your body. 3) Get as close to the shooter as possible, so the puck has less time to gather speed. Remember to only block a shot if you are in a good position for blocking. The rest - leave to the goalie.


March 2011

Some players have a problem with lace bite. Here's a few quick fixes if you don't want to purchase new skates or have the tongue replaced. 1) Use an ordinary dish sponges between the tongue and where the lace bite is. 2) Try lacing your skate differently or tying them a little looser. 3) Go to any drug store and pick up gel insoles for shoes - cut them to fit between the tongue and where the lace bite is.
 

Feb 14, 2011
As you develop your game and get older and stronger, try different sharpening hollows and custom profiles to find the one that's right for you. Sticking to the same sharpening and profile may not be the best for all ages, levels, and positions. 
Jan 23, 2011

When lacing your skates, try skipping the second eyelet from the top. This will give you more forward flex with almost as much support.
 

Jan 1, 2011
Do you have a hole in your glove from your tape? Try the new Tacki-mac Grips - They are grippy but don't tear a hole in your glove! Available in 6 different styles and for goalies too.

Dec 1, 2010
 
If you're having trouble with your slap shot not hitting the net, try these 3 things: 1) Come down straight over the puck not to the side 2) Close the face of your blade by turning your wrist forward towards the ice 3) Make sure our head is up looking at the net! 
Nov 1, 2010

To get more forward flex, try dropping your laces one eyelet. This takes a few skates to get used to, but will give you more forward flex. 


Oct 15, 2010

When lacing your skates, try the under-over method for all of the eyelets until you get to the top 4. For the top 4 eyelets, use the over-under method to lock the laces in place for a tighter fit.
October 1, 2010

When tying your skates, try crossing the lace over twice before tying the bow. It will keep the lace tight and not come undone.

September 1, 2010

If you don't like the sticky tape residue that gets on your gloves from your buttend, try putting baby powder on the taped area and on your glove. You can also put it on the blade of your stick to help keep the snow off like Gretzy did!
 

August 1, 2010

Always keep your head up if you find yourself sliding towards the boards, letting your face mask hit the boards first. Never duck your head down letting the top of your helmet hit the boards. This can result in serious neck and spine compression injury.