The secret to getting better at any sport is repetition. In hockey, the same is true.

Developing physical strength and conditioning is only part of the equation. For players to get to the next level, drilling is a must.

Drills provide hockey players with an opportunity to repeat movements and tactics. Over time, the repetitions etch themselves into the players' muscle memory, making the repeated maneuvers more spontaneous and fluid on game day. 

There are many drills to get hockey teams in winning shape and ready for the next season. 

Below are the most popular hockey drills coaches use to sharpen their team's skills and teamwork.

10-Pass Chaos

Hockey is a team sport. No other drill reinforces team coordination better than 10-Pass Chaos. 

This drill allows offense-minded players to work on getting past defense, passing and offensive positioning. Meanwhile, defensive players can work on defensive coordination, stick skills and defensive tactics, such angling.

Danger Zone 1-On-1 

Danger Zone 1-on-1 is a drill for one defensive player and one offensive player. 

Both players skate toward the end zone - a high-percentage area for turnovers. 

The defense must stay close to the forward, while the forward must skate past the defender to get a clear shot at the goal. 

1 Vs. 1 With Backcheck

The 1 Vs. 1 with Backcheck is both a tactical and conditioning drill.   

This drill requires one forward and two defenders. 

One defender races the forward down the ice. Once the defender and forward are near the end zone, the other defender catches up and backchecks to assist the first defender. 

2-On-2 Rebound Battle

Battling for a loose puck is one of the most common situations in hockey. 

The 2-on-2 Rebound Battle drill prepares players with defensive and offensive skills necessary for gaining possession of the puck. 

There must be two teams of two players. Two players will race toward a loose puck past the goalie. The player who gets to the puck passes it to his teammate. The pass initiates a 2-on-1 play, where the player with the puck must retain possession. 

Paint Scoring

Paint Scoring is a fast-paced drill for shot accuracy and reaction time. 

Players must get three pucks into the goal in the shortest time possible. 

Also, the coach must launch the puck in three positions to train a player's reactivity, shot arsenal and precision.  

The coach can select any three shots to be used in the drill. Most of the time, coaches choose the backhand shot, a shot with elevation and a slap shot at an angle. 

Get Ready For Hockey Season

These drills cover the most bases for a hockey team, training defenders and forwards. 

With enough repetition of these drills, players will not only improve their shots and passes, but they also will improve their team communication and coordination. 

Prepare yourself and your team using these tried and tested drills for hockey.