Jim’s Intro to Stickhandling in Traffic
Hi folks, Jim here, the only commentator who once tried weaving through cones and ended up tangled like a moose in a net. Let’s talk about stickhandling in traffic, the skill that turns chaos into opportunity.
What is stickhandling in traffic?
Stickhandling in traffic is the ability to control the puck while maneuvering through crowded, high-pressure situations, like scrums along the boards, net-front battles, or tight neutral zone rushes. It’s where quick hands, puck protection, and spatial awareness all come together.
How does it work?
Stickhandling in traffic relies on precision, body positioning, and awareness:
- Compact Control: Keep the puck close to your body to reduce the chance of poke checks.
- Strong Top Hand: Drive stickhandling with a loose but quick top hand for flexibility.
- Active Edgework: Adjust skating angles and weight shifts constantly to stay balanced.
- Head Up Scanning: Read defenders, teammates, and open lanes while handling.
- Body as a Shield: Use your torso, hips, and legs to keep the puck away from sticks.
- Quick Adjustments: Be ready to shift puck position suddenly to escape pressure.
How do you make good decisions with it?
- Read the Traffic Early: Know where sticks and bodies are before you enter.
- Pick Smart Lanes: Choose gaps that allow for quick exits rather than skating straight into walls.
- Use Deception: Subtle fakes and rhythm changes keep defenders guessing.
- Know When to Pass: Holding the puck too long in traffic usually ends badly.
- Escape, Don’t Park: Use traffic to create openings, not as a place to get stuck.
How do you master it?
Mastering stickhandling in traffic takes progressive situational training. Players start with cone and obstacle drills, then move to area games, board battles, and live scrimmages. The goal is to make controlled, quick decisions instinctively under pressure.
What does it look like when done right?
Elite stickhandling in traffic looks calm and surgical. The puck stays glued to the blade, the player pivots through bodies, and defenders are left reaching for air as the play moves forward.
Commentator’s Corner
Jim’s Take
Great traffic stickhandlers make it look like defenders are stuck in slow motion. They see lanes before anyone else does.
Parent Tip
Encourage area games in practice. These naturally teach players how to handle pressure and keep control in tight quarters.
Player Tip
Keep the puck tight, keep your head up, and use your body like a shield. Strategic movements make a big difference in traffic.
A Final Thought
Stickhandling in traffic is where good players prove their poise. Master it, and you’ll thrive in the gritty, high-stakes spaces that decide games.
