Vision

Today, we’re going to focus on improving your vision in hockey. Vision is one of the most challenging aspects of the game, but with some practice, you can enhance your ability to see what’s happening around you without constantly looking at the ball. Let’s get started!

The first tip to improve your vision is to train yourself to look over the ball. When you’re dribbling or dragging the ball, try to maintain a split vision by looking down at the ball when necessary, but also lifting your gaze to see the field and your teammates. Push the ball slightly forward in front of your body while running so that you can keep an eye on it while also observing the game around you. Avoid keeping the ball too close to your feet, as this restricts your field of view.

The second tip is to keep the path of the ball simple. While top players may use their skills to create space in one-on-one situations, when running with the ball, they often maintain a straightforward path. Focus on assessing your options and looking for teammates to pass to. If no immediate options are available, continue running while keeping the ball under control. By simplifying the path of the ball, you’ll have a better chance of maintaining awareness of the entire field.

Tip number three is to practice dribbling while maintaining your vision upfield. Challenge yourself to keep the ball on your stick while looking up and observing the game. The goal is to extend the duration of your vision without losing control of the ball. If you feel the need to check the ball, do so briefly, then lift your gaze again. By becoming comfortable with this skill, your vision on the field will improve.

Lastly, tip number four involves running into open space. With 22 players on the field, finding empty areas to run into can give you valuable time and space to assess the game and make better decisions. When you notice a congested area, quickly identify open space and move towards it. Running into empty space not only creates opportunities for better vision but also reduces the risk of losing the ball to opponents.