Head-Up Scan The Ice, is a simple drill that is great for all age levels and can be used for a warm-up up or for a full practice.  The goal is to get players in the habit of keeping their head up while they stickhandle so they can look for open ice and evade obstacles.

SET IT UP:

Can be set up to be full-ice or half-ice.

Each player gets their own puck and finds a spot to get read on the ice.

RUN IT:

On the whistle, all players skate in the same direction.

On the next whistle, players check their shoulders and turn to go in the opposite direction.

NOTES:

Coaches can add obstacles (cones, sticks, tires) that players must stickhandle around.

Players should practice keeping their head up, checking and looking over their shoulder to determine where the open ice is.