STICK DOWN. BE READY.™ Stick Down is a simple Hockey habit that keeps a Player available for the next play. Coach Jane™ teaches girls to receive passes, redirect pucks, battle for rebounds, and support teammates.
Stick Down and Stay Available
Stick Down early so teammates have a clear target. In addition, a ready stick improves reactions around loose pucks and net-front chances.
Coach Jane™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
Presenter script: “Hi, Coach Jane here. When you are available for the puck, keep your stick ready on the ice and give your teammate a clear target. Stick down. Be ready.”
Give Your Teammate a Target
A visible stick blade can make the next pass easier to recognize. Practice arriving in open space with your body balanced and your stick available rather than reaching for the puck at the last second.
A ready stick also helps around the net and in puck battles. The exact position changes with the play, but the habit is the same: be prepared before the puck arrives.
Coach Jane™ by Age
U5–U7 • U8–U10 • U11–U14 • U15–U18 • Junior
U5–U7 + U8–U10 — Show a Target
When you are ready for a pass, put your stick where your teammate can see it.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
Why show your stick?
U11–U14 — Arrive Ready
Move into space with your stick prepared before the pass or rebound arrives.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
When should your stick be ready?
U15–U18 + Junior — Be Available Without the Puck
Use stick position and body angle to show teammates where the next option exists.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What does a ready stick communicate?
5 Smart Reasons to Keep Your Stick Down
Stick Down is one of Hockey’s simplest habits, but it affects passing, rebounds, redirects, and support away from the puck. A ready stick gives teammates a target and shortens the time between receiving and making the next play.
1. Give the Passer a Target
A visible blade helps the puck carrier know where you want the pass. It can also make the pass more accurate because the target is clear.
2. Be Ready Before the Puck Arrives
Players lose time when they have to lower the stick after the pass is already coming. Stick Down early so the reception can happen immediately.
3. Be Available for Redirects
Near the net, a ready blade can turn a shot or pass into a scoring chance without requiring a long setup.
4. Stay Ready for Loose Pucks
Rebounds and deflections happen quickly. A Player whose stick is already available has a better chance to control the next puck.
5. Combine Stick Position With Movement
A stick on the ice does not help if the Player is standing in the wrong place. Move into useful space while keeping the blade available for the next play.
Practice Stick-Down Habits
During passing drills, require the receiver to present a target before the puck moves. In small-area games, reward Players who stay available with both good body position and a ready stick.
Continue with Receive the Pass in Motion and Stop at the Net for Rebounds. For more player-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Jane’s Takeaway
Readiness often happens before the puck reaches you.
STICK DOWN. BE READY.™
Keep Learning With Coach Jane
Take this lesson to your next practice, then continue with Receive the Pass in Motion and Look Before You Pass.
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Jane™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.
