Hockey Drills - Passing the Puck

To play the game you must be able to pass and receive the pass. 
Here is some tips and drills with instructions on the forward pass and the backhand pass. 

In ice hockey the pass of the puck is regarded as the basic form of hockey shooting which should be mastered before learning any other hockey shot as it will help every other shot. To be proficient in both for more flexibility and variety you should practice both the forward and backhand passes with your main emphasis should be on accuracy and not on the speed of the pass. 

Beginning players should first focus on learning and practicing the pass motion with their eyes on the puck and stick to focus on the passing motion. Once this is accomplished and you feel comfortable in this drill then your next step is to develop hand eye coordination which can be developed by practicing your pass while looking at the puck
and then the target keeping both in sight at once.



Once you feel comfortable with this drill then practice passing the puck with your feet pointing at the target, feet angled at 45
degrees to the target and feet positioned sideways to the target.
These three different standing positions simulate the various types of angle passes that a player will be required to make in a game situation. Keep your eyes looking at the target and not at the
puck. Focus on making strong on target passes.

When practicing the Forward Pass, you should use the proper stick grip and take on the proper hockey stance by setting up for the forward pass and bringing the puck back behind your back leg and still in front of you and keeping the puck in the middle of your stick blade then rotate your wrist which will causing your stick blade to tilt over the puck. In this wind-up position, your body weight should be on the leg closest to the puck. Then with your head up looking at your target, release the pass using a smooth sweeping motion and keeping both hands out away from your body and keep adjusting your aim as your stick moves forward and your weight is transferred to your front leg. After the puck is released, follow through with the toe of the hockey stick pointing at the target. 

With the Backhand Pass, which is similar to the forehand pass except that it is made with the back side of the stick blade. To set up for the backhand pass, bring the puck behind your back leg. Keep the puck on the middle straight
section of your blade closest to the shaft and then rotate your wrist which will make the blade tilt slightly over the puck. In the wind-up position, your body weight should be on your leg closest to the puck.
Keep your head up looking at your target and release the backhand pass
using a smooth sweeping motion keeping both hands out away from your body and keep adjusting your aim as your stick moves forward
and your weight is transferred to your front leg. After the puck is
released, follow through with the toe of the stick pointing at the target for a quick smooth release. 
When receiving a pass let your blade curl back a little to cushion the impact as the puck touches your stick which will help make your passing the puck and receiving the pass successful every time.
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