Hockey Skill Levels
What Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced mean in hockey.
Read all three and pick the one that fits you best. If you match one level well and the next only partly, pick the lower one. A team at the right level is more fun than one where you're stretched.
Note: Covers ice and ball hockey. Items marked (ice) apply to ice hockey only; ball hockey players can skip them.
You're probably a Beginner if you…
- Are new to hockey, or returning after many years away
- (ice) Skate forward, but are still working on stopping and skating backward
- Lose the puck or ball when moving with it, especially under pressure
- Often miss the target with passes and shots
- Are still learning the rules and where to be on the playing surface
You're probably Intermediate if you…
- Have played a season or more of rec hockey
- (ice) Skate in both directions and stop reliably, though crossovers and tight turns aren't always smooth
- Carry the puck or ball comfortably in open space, and make simple passes on target
- Take a decent shot from the slot
- Know your position and the main rules, and keep up with a moderately paced game
You're probably Advanced if you…
- Played organized minor, high school, junior or university hockey, or many seasons of competitive rec
- (ice) Skate at full speed, with crossovers and quick changes of direction
- Handle the puck or ball under pressure and make quick, accurate passes
- Shoot with a quick release and pick your spots
- Read the play and make good decisions without having to think about them