IP - Puck Control - Stationary Puck Control
The puck control stance is very similar to the basic skating stance and it is the foundation for all puck control skills. The player’s feet should be shoulder width apart with the knees bent. The upper body leans slightly forward and the head is up. The player’s top hand must be at the very end of the stick, and the lower hand 20-30 centimetres down the shaft. The blade should lie flat on the ice. When younger players are first learning to stickhandle, they should be allowed to look down to get a feel for the puck. Older players should ideally use their peripheral vision to see the puck.
Stationary puck control – narrow
This is a fast, short movement used to move the puck back and forth quickly in front of the body. The goal is to keep the hand movements as smooth and quick as possible.
Stationary puck control – wide
This technique moves the puck across the entire body, extending to each side as far as the arms can reach. The bottom hand can come off the stick as the puck is moved out wide to the backhand. This allows the player to move the puck out even further.
Stationary puck control – narrow and wide combination
This skill is a combination of stickhandling the puck narrow and wide. It can be a very deceptive manoeuvre in a game situation. Not only does the puck change location, it also changes speed.