Skip to contentVital Hockey Skills - Part 1
After a lengthy minor hockey career Jim Vitale began coaching in 1999. Jim’s enthusiasm as a coach was spurred by the revolutionary skills being developed in the game.
As Jim explains; “The techniques changed my skating and playing ability so dramatically that it was impossible to not want to pass them on!”. His passion for coaching has turned into an art form. Jim has formed Vital Hockey Skills into a very recognized hockey school focusing on player development and using innovative products, from HockeyShot.
In this series of videos, we can see first-hand how Jim inspires his players and uses creative drills in order to fully develop all aspects of their game. Below, we see Jim using HockeyShot’s Extreme Defender to help create the perfect deke.
Often in hockey, you can’t simply skate around a defenseman. It takes a combination of stickhandling moves, the right pressure on your skates, and lots of practice. This is where the Extreme Defender comes in! Shaped like a pair of skates with a hockey stick blade made from high impact plastic and aluminum, you can practice getting around (or through) your opponent. You can even lift the stick up to simulate face-offs and takeaway drills!
In these videos Jim will focus on how to develop your extension during an under the stick deke and how to let the deke finish with a good stretch and reach. Watch below as Jim and his team demonstrate how to create the perfect fake out.
Jim is unique in the way he trains by cleverly using products in ways you probably have never even thought of! By using the Extreme Goal turned on its side, you can create your own net hack drill. This drill uses the net to act as an opponent, and helps you practice your puck protection. By keeping wide from your body and dropping your arm as a shield you too can create the ultimate resistance training.
Next Jim focuses on how to load your back leg to transfer into a slap shot efficiently. By making sure that you are not only setting yourself up for a goal, but also for your next shot, you will have a better chance of making sure you are in control of the puck. By being in charge of your puck placement you will ensure good agility and be able to roll off checks with a breeze. Watch below as Jim shows how to skate through the shot.
