How to Rebound

Today, we’re going to focus on the importance of rebounding in hockey and how it can lead to scoring more goals. Rebounding is crucial because it gives us opportunities to convert and score easily. So let’s dive into some rebounding drills and techniques.

When it comes to rebounding, whether the ball lands in a scrimmage or comes back from the goalkeeper, we always need to be ready to receive the next ball that arrives on our stick. Being prepared allows us to convert those opportunities into goals. If you don’t have rebound boards, don’t worry, you can use the backboard of any goal to practice these exercises.

One of the most challenging aspects of rebounding is making the split-second decision of whether to trap the ball or finish with a one-touch shot. The speed at which the ball comes back determines the appropriate action. If the ball comes back fast, it’s better to trap it first and then finish. On the other hand, if the ball comes back slowly, you can aim to finish it in one touch.

Hand positioning is also important during rebounding. Since there’s often limited time and space near the goal, it’s more efficient to have your hands lower on the stick. This allows for a push finish, which provides better control and power compared to swinging with two hands at the top of the stick.

There are two common finishing techniques when rebounding. The first one involves trapping the ball and using a push finish to score. This is effective when the ball comes back within your reach and you have time to control it. The second technique is a bit more challenging but crucial. It involves trapping a high-bouncing ball and finishing it while it’s still in the air, resembling a slap shot.

Similar principles apply when the ball comes to your backhand. Generally, it’s best to trap the ball first, unless it’s a slow ball that allows for an immediate finish. Quick decision-making is key in determining the appropriate method for backhand rebounds. Trapping the ball and using a push finish is a viable option, while a quick backhand slap shot can be employed for higher bouncing balls.

An additional technique that can be quite useful is the one-handed backhand sweep. This technique is particularly handy when the ball is in a challenging position to reach. Using a one-handed backhand sweep allows for quick and efficient finishing.

Remember, practicing rebounding drills and mastering these techniques will significantly enhance your goal-scoring capabilities.