soft hands in hockey

Soft Hands: Mastering Hockey's Essential Skill

By John RobinsonApril 10, 2026

In the dynamic world of hockey, a player's hands can be their most valuable asset, often making the difference between a goal and a missed opportunity. Soft hands, a term used to describe a player's ability to handle the puck with finesse and control, are highly sought after in the sport. This article delves into the significance of soft hands in hockey, how to develop them, and the key benefits they bring to the game.

Understanding Soft Hands in Hockey

Soft hands in hockey refer to a player's ability to receive, control, and manipulate the puck with precision and agility. It's about more than just strength; it's about touch, finesse, and the ability to make quick, subtle adjustments. Players with soft hands can deke out defenders, make no-look passes, and shoot with accuracy, all while maintaining control of the puck.

Developing Soft Hands: Drills and Techniques

Developing soft hands is a continuous process that requires dedication and practice. Here are some drills and techniques to help improve your hand-eye coordination and puck control:

a person holding their hand up in front of an ice hockey goalie's helmet

a person's hand on top of a pair of gloves in front of an ice rink

Wall Ball: Stand facing a wall and practice throwing the puck against it and catching it on the rebound. This helps improve your hand-eye coordination and quickness.
Tape Ball Drills: Wrap a puck in tape to make it smaller and harder to control. Practice handling and shooting this modified puck to improve your control and accuracy.
Stickhandling Obstacle Courses: Set up cones or other obstacles and practice stickhandling around them. This helps improve your agility and puck control in tight spaces.
Passing Drills: Practice passing the puck to a partner or against a wall. Focus on making quick, accurate passes with different parts of your stick.

Practice with Purpose

It's not just about the quantity of practice, but the quality. Focus on making each practice session count by setting specific goals and tracking your progress. This will help you stay motivated and see improvements in your skills.

The Benefits of Soft Hands in Hockey

Soft hands are a crucial skill in hockey, offering several benefits on and off the ice:

a person's hand holding onto a glove in front of an ice rink

two people standing next to each other with their hands on the back of one another

Benefit	Explanation
Improved Puck Control	Soft hands allow you to maintain control of the puck in tight spaces and under pressure, making you a more effective player in all situations.
Enhanced Shooting Accuracy	With soft hands, you can shoot with more precision, increasing your scoring opportunities and making you a greater threat on the ice.
Better Passing Ability	Soft hands enable you to make quick, accurate passes, improving your team's overall play and increasing scoring chances.
Improved Deke Moves	Players with soft hands can deke out defenders more effectively, creating scoring opportunities and drawing penalties.

Soft Hands in Hockey: A Skill for All Positions

While soft hands are often associated with forwards, they are a valuable skill for players in all positions. Defensemen with soft hands can make better breakout passes and control the puck more effectively in their own zone. Goalies with soft hands can handle the puck more confidently, improving their ability to play the puck and clear it from their zone. In essence, soft hands are a skill that benefits every player on the ice.

In the fast-paced, high-stakes world of hockey, a player's hands can make or break their game. Developing soft hands is a continuous process that requires dedication, practice, and a commitment to improving. But with the right drills, techniques, and mindset, any player can improve their hand-eye coordination, puck control, and ultimately, their game.