Smaller Is Better

Figure skaters have long harnessed the benefits of a one-half ice rink, also sometimes called a “studio rink.” This scaled-down rink is ideal for practicing turns and spins, especially for kids who might be intimidated by more advanced skaters hurtling past them in the build-up to a jump. 

Hockey players have been slower to adopt half-rink practice, but it actually offers multiple advantages for children 10 and under. Here are four key reasons why we offer a one-half rink and why we recommend parents look for this feature when choosing a hockey club for their kids. 

Creates More Opportunities for Puck Handling and Improves Engagement

Have you ever watched little kids practicing in a full-size rink? If so, you’ve probably seen them standing there for minutes on end waiting for contact with the puck. The large surface of a regular rink, particularly if it’s Olympic-sized, makes it tough for them to get a chance at the puck.

With a one-half rink, however, you’ll see many more opportunities for puck handling, including passing and shooting, with an increase in the number of puck touches per minute. This helps kids develop their hockey skills faster, giving them greater dexterity and the ability for decision-making under pressure (whether to pass, dribble the puck, take a shot on goal, etc.). 

Another skill that develops on a one-half rink is scanning, which is related to quick decision-making on the ice. This is the habit of continuously looking around the ice, even when not in possession of the puck, to see which teammates and opponents are nearby and where open spaces are. Since this is a dynamic situation, athletes need to make this an automatic and constant part of play, which is easier on a half-size rink where everything is closer. Once players get the hang of scanning, creating time and space becomes easier for objectives like: 

• Separating from defence for more time as an offensive player

• Setting up assisted plays to take goal shots 

• Putting yourself in position to receive the puck

• Developing offensive scenarios that force defensive action

• Closing the distance on offensive players as a defender

• Keeping the opposing team away from your net

• Position yourself to steal the puck and redirect play

This is similar to what kids learn in soccer, but it must be done much more quickly in hockey because of the even faster nature of the game on ice. 

When they play on a half-size rink, all the shooting and teamwork mentioned above instantly get them more excited about the game. Hockey becomes fun, and they’re more likely to stick to it for longer, allowing them to become advanced players over time. If your young player has been lacklustre about hockey lately, playing on a one-half rink will be massively reinvigorating. 

Promotes Skating Skills

It’s easy to get caught up in battles and puck handling for players of any age. But every truly gifted hockey player starts with superior skating ability. 

On a full-size rink, there’s a limited amount of straight-line skating back and forth, but not a lot of real manoeuvring. A one-half rink gives kids far more opportunities to learn how to skate corners and change direction quickly. They’ll also become more adept at rapid stops and front and back crossovers, which give every player an edge (no pun intended) over the competition. 

Teaches Use of Arena Structure

When you watch advanced hockey players in action, they don’t just pass to each other; they use the dasher boards alongside the arena to ricochet (aka “rim” or “bank”) the puck. This is an essential move to avoid an opponent or even set up a scoring play. 

The younger the player, the harder it is for them to leverage this tactic on a big rink. The distance is too great, and there isn’t always a need for it to begin with. A studio rink is the perfect size to practice banking the puck, meaning kids pick up this skill at a younger age than they might otherwise. 

Makes One-Zone and 3-on-3 Play Easier

Practices aren’t always about full-ice games with two nets. It’s often more helpful to work on single-zone, half-ice play to improve offence or defence. Examples include: 

• Quad passing with player rotation

• Figure-8 shooting with defensive deflection

• Stop-and-start goal shooting

• Give-and-go drills with rotating point player

• Perpetual cycle for two players

As you might imagine, a full-size rink isn’t conducive to half-ice drills for smaller players. Sure, you can shorten the length, but the width is still too great. A one-half rink, though, makes the play area proportional. 

Kids can graduate to a scaled-down version of a full-ice game that's still manageable for them with less ice area on a one-half rink. The nets can be placed against each set of boards, rather than having to position one at the centre line, as you do with a full-size rink. This gives them a more realistic play space around each goal and helps them develop all the skills and enthusiasm described above.

Not enough players for a full game? A one-half rink lets kids comfortably play three-on-three, even at bantam age. These small-area games not only develop dexterity and strategy, but they also build fitness through fast play and constant involvement with the puck. 

Your Kids Benefit from Our Modern Approach

Looking for a hockey club for your child? Let them learn from our research-based approach to teaching hockey skills. Ice Ray Hockey offers a one-half rink for kids under 10, so they can enjoy all the pluses listed above. Get in touch today to sign up.