You catch a pass in stride. The shooting lane is there. Two extra stickhandles later, it is gone.
That situation captures the purpose of underhandling: keep the puck ready for the next play. Every touch should help you protect, pass, shoot or change the angle.
WHAT DOES UNDERHANDLING MEAN?
My approach connects technical detail with decisions under pressure. The question is simple: what does this touch do for the play?
A touch can beat a defender’s stick, prepare a release or open a passing lane. Sometimes several touches are necessary. In open space, carrying the puck while moving your feet may be enough.
ACTIVE FEET.
Keep the puck ready. Let your feet create the next option.
THREE DETAILS TO TRAIN
01 / Keep moving through the catch.
Receive a pass while skating toward a shooting lane. Keep your stride and bring the puck into a playable position. Start at a pace you can control, then add speed. Watch for the moment your feet stop while your hands take over.
02 / Give every touch a job.
Does the next stickhandle protect the puck, change the angle or prepare the release? Train those actions with a target. Fewer touches have value when they preserve useful options.
03 / Read before you receive.
Locate pressure, support and space before the pass arrives. Reassess as you catch it: scan, receive, decide. Keep the puck available for the option you recognize.
WATCH THE DETAIL.
JALEN CHATFIELD.
Jalen Chatfield training with Coach Guido and applying underhandling in game situations. Watch how puck control connects to his movement and shot preparation.
- Active feet: follow his movement while the puck stays playable.
- Release preparation: notice where the puck sits before the shot.
- Purposeful touches: compare the adjustments in training with those used in game situations.
FROM A SKILL REP TO A GAME DECISION
Use a moving reception as the starting point. Progress from a clear action to a choice under pressure.
- Receive and release. Skate into a pass and shoot in motion. Focus on the catch, balance and release preparation.
- Read two options. Add a teammate and a defender’s stick. The puck carrier chooses whether to pass or carry into a shooting lane.
- Compete under pressure. Let the defender challenge for possession. Allow the touches needed to protect the puck and make a play.
- Play 2-on-1 or 3-on-2. Reward the decision that creates an advantage. Look for moving receptions, purposeful touches and support away from the puck.
Give developing players room to read the situation. Challenge experienced players with tighter space and less time.
Coach the decision behind the touch.
Ask: “What did you see before the catch?” and “What did that extra touch create?” Those questions connect technical feedback to the player’s read of the game.
THE TAKEAWAY
Underhandling connects puck control, active feet and game awareness. Practise the detail, then put it under pressure so the player has a reason to use it.
Make each touch serve the next play.
Learn about Guido’s coaching experience, qualifications and approach to player development.
Meet Coach Guido ↗