Things I learned from hockey.

I'm busy packing up the coaching books for hockey. There are some gems of advice in these books that I'm having a hard time putting away!

Angling In: Skating into the boards at an angle means better puck control and less risk of injury.
- Skating in on an angle affords players a better approach angle to the puck, and by giving the body a safe position to accept an impact with the boards, it allows players to keep skating and gain control of the puck.
- When players skate into the corners at an angle, the risk of hitting the boards with their helmets first is greatly reduced. A leg, side or arm will absorb most of the impact.

Important points of "angling in"
- Go in on an angle.
- Keep a low center of gravity.
- Knees bent, back straight and head up.
- Absorb the shock over the widest possible part of your body.
- Keep your feet parallel to the boards.
- Forearms - hands - legs ready.
- Lean into the impact.
- Never hit the boards or glass with the tip of your shoulder.
- Check over your shoulder to see where your opponent is.

Taking a Check:
Heads up - don't duck.
Keep your head out of it.
Know where your opponents are.
Skate through the check.

Giving a Check:
Separating the puck from your opponent, not separating your opponent from consciousness.