Children, teens, and adults can obtain a professional hockey career. It, however, takes a great deal of work and patience. Lindsay Hofford has seen it happen numerous times working in this field and has some advice.
It all begins with learning to skate properly. It helps for people to take a learn to skate class to understand the basics and get better with the direct guidance of a professional. A person won’t be able to play hockey without knowing the proper ice skating form and techniques. Once an individual learns how to skate well enough to maneuver back and forth across the ice, it’s possible to learn the skills necessary to play hockey.
When a person first decides to play hockey, it’s important to compare the hockey teams in the area. Learn about who the coaches are and the record the team has. Learn about who the teams play against.
After a person researches their options, it’s vital to choose the one that seems to be the best resource. Lindsay Hofford wants everyone to know that it’s important to compare the teams based on their schedule. Their practice and game hours need to be manageable in a person’s lifestyle.
Once a person is part of a team, Lindsay Hoffard wants people to know that it’s only part of the work. The next portion is when a person needs to pay full attention to learning the sport. A person should utilize the coach to his or her advantage and ask as many questions as possible.
If the individual notices that he or she has a weakness, it’s important to work on it. The coach could also shed some light on the player’s weaknesses. This part of training requires people to take time outside of practice and games to improve those skills. Keep in mind that this could take quite some time.
Another option a person has at this time is to take professional one-on-one lessons with a coach if the arena offers that option. The coach will work with the individual one-on-one and help someone develop the basic skills necessary to play hockey. The coach can then work on the person’s skills to improve the most.
Lindsay Hofford would like everyone to know that becoming a professional hockey player doesn’t happen just because a person really wants money or fame. Becoming a professional takes a person who is dedicated to skating and playing the sport. It takes a genuine love of the sport to become a professional. Merely training hard isn’t enough if a person doesn’t truly have a passion, as Lindsay Hofford sees on a regular basis.
If someone wants to become a professional hockey player, it’s possible. It’s not for everyone, though. And it all begins by learning to skate well and gradually building on those skills until a person is able to play the sport and play it well. And as Lindsay Hofford mentioned, it’s not over from there; that’s only part of the work.