When it comes to stick handling one crucial skill that is often unnoticed and understated is puck control. The purpose and definition of puck control may seem obvious to some but of utmost importance is the difference between puck possession and puck control. When you see a player who seems to have the puck on their stick a lot take a look at what they are doing, but more importantly how they are doing it. Are they merely possessing the puck or are they in control of it? Excellent players learn that the ability to control the puck separates the great from the good.
So what does it mean to have good puck control and what can you do to hone these skills? Some critical aspects are being comfortable with the puck on your forehand and backhand and the ability to maneuver with the puck seamlessly as opponents apply pressure. One of the biggest factors in successful puck control is simply being comfortable with the puck on your stick and around your body. This is a skill that is developed the old fashioned way, with lots of practice with the puck or a ball and your stick! The more a player develops hand-eye coordination and a comfort level with the puck, the more they will master the skill of puck control.