Sweet Stickhandling with a Swedish Stickhandling Ball

One of the biggest problems with practicing your hockey skills off of the ice is learning the proper movements—and then using them on the ice. This is why it's important to create an environment off the ice that is very similar to what you experience on the ice. To that end, I've take a look at some of the variables that come into play when you stickhandle with a puck, and how they compare with a wooden stickhandling ball.



Find out how the contact point, weight, slide, bounce and more compare to working with a puck. Read the full review here and sign up to be notified when other reviews are available.

Editor's Note: Thank you to HockeyReviewHQ.com for this review.

SweetHands Stickhandling Trainer Overview

SweetHands is a product designed to help players develop and improve their puck handling skills. A common drill that hockey players perform is setting up a line of hockey pucks about a foot apart, and then stick handling through them. The problem is that most players spend more time setting up the pucks—or fetching them after they hit them—rather than stickhandling around them. The SweetHands is basically a souped up line of hockey pucks!



You can do a variety of drills with SweetHands. The objective is to stickhandle under all sections without hitting any of the posts. Some obvious variations would be to stickhandle on your shooting side, while straddling the SweetHands, on your backhand side, and also practice stickhandling back and forth and side to side through the SweetHands.

Read the full overview here and sign up to be notified when the full review is available.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to HockeyReviewHQ.com for this review.

MoveMaster Hockey Puck Review

If you want to improve your stickhandling and puck control, you may be looking for something that will help you develop your skills off-ice. The MoveMaster hockey puck set is designed for this very purpose. We have already given you an in-depth look at the product in our MoveMaster product overview, and we will now be testing the product out and giving you a full review.



Price

The MoveMaster hockey pucks sell for around $35. When you buy them you get three pucks, and each puck is specifically designed to help you in a different way. Let’s look at all three pucks, how they are designed, and how they actually worked.

The Muscle Puck

The Muscle puck is made to be bigger than a hockey puck, and heavier than a hockey puck. The Muscle Puck weighs 11.5 ounces and measures 3.7 inches in diameter. The bigger size is supposed to make it easier to maneuver, and the extra weight is supposed to help build the muscles involved in stickhandling.

During our testing of the Muscle Puck we found that it is very easy to stickhandle. The extra size makes it less challenging than a regular puck, and after about 5 minutes of stickhandling we did notice the weight was giving our forearms a bit of a workout. We decided that a big puck would be great for a beginner hockey player who tends to fumble the puck. Starting with a big heavy puck will help the muscles form patterns and learn the proper movements

The Skillz Puck

This puck is the same size and weight as a hockey puck. You should use this puckweighted hockey puck if you have “graduated” from the Muscle Puck. This puck is made to be the same size and weight of a puck, however it does not match the weight and feel of a puck on the ice. We have found that in order for an object to feel like a puck does on the ice, it needs to be a few ounces lighter to compensate for the added friction. The Skillz Puck is still fun to stickhandle with, and is a bit more challenging than the Muscle Puck

The Speed Puck

The Speed Puck is a teeny tiny puck that is very light. This puck is thinner thanmovemaster speed puck hockey a puck, has a smaller circumference than a puck, and is also much lighter than a puck. This puck was designed to help build the fast twitch muscles, and practice repetition.

Stickhandling with this puck is a lot of fun, and much more challenging than using a regular puck. The smaller size makes it harder to control, and the light weight allows a player to quickly move the puck from side to side.

Read the full MoveMaster Hockey Puck review here.

Editor's Note: Thank you to HockeyReviewHQ.com for this review.

Hockey Stick Length Guide

When you buy a hockey stick one of the most important factors is the length of the hockey stick. Experienced hockey players know the exact length they like. The length of a hockey stick is mainly chosen by personal preference, however the length does affect the performance of the stick, and the hockey player. It will be difficult for a hockey player to control the puck, and shoot the puck if the stick is too short, or too long for them. Also it seems that players who share a certain playing style or position tend to prefer a similar hockey stick length, we will discuss this later. First let’s look at how to measure the length of a hockey stick, and how to choose the right length.



Read the full Hockey Stick Length Guide here.

Editor's Note: Thank you to HockeyReviewHQ.com for this review.

Trion Hockey Skate Weight Overview

Something I have always believed—and taught—is that it’s easier to skate past three players, than to stickhandle through them. If you want to play a high level of hockey, you need to be a good skater, and that is where the Trion Skate Weights come into the picture.



Designed to fit under most hockey skates, the weights feature:

• Smart design that allows them to fit snugly in the hollow of hockey skates, between the boot and the blade


• An adjustable “wishbone” that allows the weight to adjust to fit most skates


• Three weights so players can adjust the amount of weight used


• Durable material to withstand cold temperatures when in use

Used by a number of pro hockey players, the skate weights are designed to help improve skating speed, endurance and leg strength. Plus, you can practice other skills while wearing them and still improve your skating.

Read the full Skate Weight review.

Editor's Note: Thank you to HockeyReviewHQ.com for this review.

Green Biscuit Training Puck Review

The Green Biscuit training puck is a special off ice puck specially made to feel and slide like a hockey puck does on the ice. We gave you an overview of the Green Biscuit, and now we are going to do a full Green Biscuit review. The first thing I did when I got the biscuit was slide it along the living room floor, it slid like a dream along the wood floor, but does it stand a chance on concrete and pavement?





The Green Biscuit is definitely slideable, I was pretty impressed with how well this little green puck slid on the pavement. I was practicing on a nice flat surface, but also tested the green biscuit on a much rougher surface and the results were both very good. I was on a nice flat piece of pavement with the biscuit and gave a nice hard pass. I was just waiting for it to flip flop all over the place...but nothing. Then I figured I would do a bit of heavy stickhandling, still nothing. It takes quite a bit to get this thing to flip over, sure it tilts from time to time, but it doesn't fully flip very often.

Read the full Green Biscuit review.

Editor’s Note: Thank you to HockeyReviewHQ.com for this review.

Improve Accuracy with New EZ Goal Target Pockets!

Great for collecting pucks and improving shot accuracy, the Hockey Goal Corner Netting Targets includes 4 removable corner targets. The 4 targets install in minutes and attach to any 4'x6' goal. The puck stays in the pocket target so you know when you hit the target—offering a great, fun way to improve shooting accuracy, particularly with top-shelf shots.



Price: $19.95 for 4 corner targets

Product Features:
• Heavy-duty, puck-proof net.
• Reinforced, heavy-weight, UV-resistant net.
• Laces to all 4'x6' goals.
• Removes in minutes.
• Easy assembly.
• Perfect for hard corner shots.

See It In Action:



Final Period: The EZ Goal Corner Targets are ideal for helping you improve your shot accuracy. At only $19.95, it’s an affordable goal accessory!

Editor’s Note: For a limited-time, when you use the code “teamcares″ at HockeyShot.com, you will receive 10% off any purchase.

Develop Magic Hands with X-Deviator

The X-Deviator™ training device enhances your puck control, reaction speed and hand-eye coordination. You can even configure this lightweight, portable device in many ways to challenge players of all ages and skill levels.



Purpose: The X-Deviator is an innovative training device designed to enhance your puck control, reaction speed and hand-eye coordination. Using patent-pending technology and an innovative design, the X-Deviator can be configured in many ways to challenge players of all ages and skill levels. The versatility of this product keeps training fun and allows the user to create their own drills, so players are only limited by their imagination. The X-Deviator’s flexibility of design, ease of configuration and ultimate portability make it perfect to train with both on and off the ice.

See It In Action


Top Features

• Improves stick handling, reaction speed and hand-eye coordination.


• Ideal tool for enhancing puck control skills.


• Keeps training fun and allows users to create their own drills.


• Flexibility of design, ease of configuration and ultimate portability make it perfect for training both on and off the ice.


• Perfect for players of all ages and ability levels.

Final Period: The X-Deviator’s flexibility of design, ease of configuration and ultimate portability make it easy to train both on and off the ice. It’s a valuable stickhandling tool that will help you develop into a better hockey player!

Editor’s Note: For a limited-time, when you use the code “teamcares″ at HockeyShot.com, you will receive 10% off any purchase.

Practice Your Shot & Protect Your House with the EZ Goal & Backstop Combo

The EZ Goal Professional Steel Foldable Goal and Backstop combo is perfect for the driveway or pond. Strong and durable steel construction with rugged and rip-resistant weatherized netting, this is not your typical flimsy goal. An affordable goal that will withstand hard shots, the EZ Goal is your perfect solution for home shooting. It has been the top-selling goal on HockeyShot.com for the last two years. Buy the two together for a great price.



EZ Goal Product Features

• Heavy gauge, 1-1/2'' or 2'' diameter powder-coated metal tubing


• Top-quality professional style with top shelf


• All-weather, heavyweight polyester net


• Pocketed net makes attachment easy


• Dependable goal for practice or team play


• 3" precision-fit connections for stability


• Official regulation size 6' x 4' x 30''.


• Top-quality goal for a great price (not a flimsy street hockey goal)

EZ Goal Backstop Product Features

• This system puts a final end to "Lost Puck Syndrome"


• Fits all 6' x 4' goals


• Protects garage doors and windows from stray balls and pucks


• No more chasing pucks and balls!


• Perfect for rebound shot practice


• Folds back for games and flat storage


• Heavy-duty steel frames


• Premium quality netting

Special Combo Pricing:

• $139.95 – 1.5” goal & backstop combo ($179.90 when purchased singly)


• $149.95 – 2.0” goal and backstop combo ($199.90 when purchased singly)

Final period: EZ Goal is a great goal for home shooting. The Backstop is also great to help protect the garage or drywall. It’s an affordable combo well worth the price.

Editor’s Note: For a limited-time, when you use the code “teamcares″ at HockeyShot.com, you will receive 10% off any purchase.

Skate at Home with Extreme Glide Synthetic Ice!

Train with the latest technology in Synthetic Ice and create a skating experience almost identical to real ice. Our Synthetic Ice panels can be easily laid out in the matter of a couple of hours. Skate or train on your very own ice surface at home 365 days of the year at your own convenience!



Purpose: Extreme Glide is a solution for hockey, figure skating or recreational home skating use. Extreme glide only has 10–15% more friction than real ice and will not damage your skate blade.

Price: Price varies depending on the quantity and thickness. Each panel measures 45.5" x 45.5". Available in three thicknesses: ¼", ½" and ¾".

Product Features:

• Designed for basement, garage and outdoor or applications where leveling is more of a challenge.


• Panels measure 45-1/2" x 45-1/2" x 1/2".


• Our Interlocking Dovetail panels significantly outperform traditional spline and square-edge styles.


• 41 lbs per panel.


• Quick and easy installation.


• Only 10–15% more friction than real ice, perfect for training and exercise purposes.


• No messy liquids required.


• Perfect for commercial and residential use.


• Practice your hockey skills or figure skating at home.

The latest technology in Synthetic Ice:

Extreme Glide is made with the latest technology in Synthetic Ice. It has the lowest co-efficient of friction properties in comparison to any other synthetic ice product currently available on the market today. No messy liquids are required to skate on our ice. If used for recreation purposes only, a liquid enhancer can be used to reduce even more the friction but is NOT necessary like some other brands. We have a Non-Grease liquid product that we can specify you to use if you prefer.

Our interlocking dovetail panels will not separate when expansion and contraction occurs due to humidity and temperature changes, No worries or down time re-adjusting your panels means more time skating or training on your home ice surface. At 45.5" long by 45.5" wide, our panels are easy to handle making installation a breeze. Custom size rinks can be made at no extra charge for cutting. Contact us for a quote on the specific size you require.

See it in action:




Frequently Asked Questions:



Question: Can you do all types of skating on synthetic ice?
Answer: Any skill performed on ice can be performed and perfected on the Extreme Glide synthetic ice, including hard stops and backwards skating.

Question: How long will Extreme Glide synthetic ice last?
Answer: At normal residential usage, you should get about 7-10 years on both sides (each Extreme Glide panel is reversible for skating on both sides). For commercial usage like hockey training facilities, you will typically get 5-7 years on both sides.

Question: Can anybody skate on your Extreme Glide synthetic ice?
Answer: Yes! Extreme Glide is perfect for all hockey players, including forwards, defenseman and goalies, ranging from minor to professional levels. Extreme Glide is also ideal for figure skaters to work on spins, jumps and various other skills.



Question: Where can Extreme Glide synthetic ice be installed?
Answer: Extreme Glide can be installed on mostly all stable and flat surfaces, such as your basement, garage, driveway and patio. We do not recommend installing on carpeted surfaces; however our 1/2" or 3/4" thick ice can be installed over a very low/tight hard piled carpet.



Question: How hard is it to install?
Answer: It is very easy to install your Extreme Glide synthetic ice. An area of approximately 15'x30' should only take about 1 hour of installation. A complete instructional brochure on the installation process is included with your order.

Question: Is Extreme Glide synthetic ice hard to skate on?
Answer: Some brands of synthetic ice can be hard to skate on and require lots of messy liquids for consistent usage. Extreme Glide synthetic ice has the lowest co-efficient of friction properties in comparison to any other Synthetic Ice product available on the market. Extreme Glide is quick and easy to adjust to; most skaters acclimate within minutes Our ice has been thoroughly tested and we currently have many happy users ranging from North America and Europe. Our panels only have 10-15% more friction than real Ice and are perfect for training and exercise purposes. For recreational usage, a liquid enhancer can be used to reduce the friction but is NOT necessary like some other brands. We can specify you a great Non-Grease liquid product if you prefer. The little extra friction you get with our ice gives you great exercise and will help you get more speed when you get back on the ice.

Question: Can I use my ice skates on Extreme Glide or do I need special equipment?
Answer: Extreme Glide was designed for use with regular hockey & figure skates and we assure you that our ice will not damage your blades. Any figure, hockey or rental skate works perfectly on Extreme Glide.



Question: Will Extreme Glide wear out my skate sharpness?
Answer: Compared to other brands, Extreme Glide synthetic ice will not affect your skate sharpness. You will not need to sharpen your skates more with the use of our ice.



Question: What maintenance is there and how do you clean Extreme Glide synthetic ice?
Answer: Maintaining your Extreme Glide synthetic ice is very easy. Simply sweep the surface with a damp mop to keep your product looking like new. This is indicated in the instructions included with your order.



Question: Can Extreme Glide synthetic ice be installed outdoors?
Answer: Extreme Glide synthetic ice is perfect for outdoors, all you need is a flat well maintained surface. Great outdoor areas to install include the driveway, backyard, patio or park. For outdoor installations, we recommend covering your surface with a tarp when it is not being used to protect the synthetic ice panels from dirt, dust, pollen, sap from trees, bird droppings, as well as leaves. When leaves become wet they will leach colors and stain any surface they come in contact with.

Question: Will sunlight or water affect Extreme Glide?
Answer: No, our synthetic ice has UV protection to protect it from sunlight. Water doesn’t affect our ice; it can withstand rain, snow or sleet.

Question: Will cold or warm weather affect Extreme Glide?
Answer: No, our synthetic ice is not affected by cold or warm temperatures. Our dovetail connection is the best connection



Question: Are there installation instructions with the synthetic ice?
Answer: Yes, each synthetic ice order comes with detailed instructions including a layout for proper panel positioning. Each panel is marked with a small number on the side to assure proper alignment. There is also and up and down side to each panel.



Question: Should a felt/cloth/ or plastic sheet be laid down on the plywood floor before putting down the panels.
Answer: You don’t have to lay anything underneath the panels. Most don’t put anything however you can put a thin rubber underlay to reduce the sound when skating, but it is really not necessary.

Question: What is the best method to cut the panels if one wants to cut a couple of inches off one side or make a notch for a pipe in the way?
Answer: You can cut the panels with a table saw with a blade with a higher tooth count. If only a notch is needed, you can notch with a jigsaw using a coarse blade. There is also and up and down side to each panel so make sure you lay the panels down to be sure you cut the panels from all 1 end of your surface.

Question: What is the liquid enhancer that goes with the synthetic ice?
Answer: The liquid “enhancer” is a simple liquid wax. Turtle wax "liquid ice" is what we prefer, though any liquid ice will suffice as they all go on wet, and dry within a limited time frame. Just pour on and spread the fluid evenly. It's really not that technical, just make sure you cover the surface.

Question: Some problems reported in hockey forums regarding synthetic ice is the dust and flakes produced. Does this apply to Extreme Glide synthetic ice?
Answer: There will be some dust and flaking produced just like real ice but not very much. With our Extreme Glide synthetic ice, since there are no greasy liquids, you can easily sweep or vacuum your surface.



Question: Can I use Extreme Glide synthetic ice in temperatures above and below freezing?
Answer: Developed for indoor and outdoor use, our synthetic ice can be enjoyed year-round and in all temperatures. Extreme Glide panels are UV protected and stress relieved. They will not degrade in sunlight or warp / deteriorate as temperature increases or decreases.

Editor’s Note: For a limited-time, when you use the code “teamcares″ at HockeyShot.com, you will receive 10% off any purchase.

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