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The Swedish Stick Handling Ball
Lawrence Cutlip-MasonAs the name suggests, the Swedish stickhandling ball originated from Swedish players using wooden balls to practice their stickhandling skills during off ice practice and warmups. These balls are used to train stickhandling with speed, aka "quick hands". In other regions, where these wooden balls weren’t available, players often turned to golf balls as the most accessible alternative. Golf balls unfortunately are not the same as they are best for training control, aka "soft hands" a different skill entirely.
The benefits of the Swedish Stickhandling Ball:
- The wooden construction absorbs impacts limiting bouncing, offering easier control of the ball.
- The lighter weight means it moves faster like a puck gliding on the ice.
- Measuring 2 inches in diameter, it offers a similar contact point on the stick as a puck.
The main downside to the wooden balls is their durability. Most are made from inexpensive, softer woods that are not water-resistant. As a result, they may warp when exposed to moisture or break down quickly on hard surfaces. Additionally, many are left unfinished, making them harder to see on certain backgrounds due to low contrast.
The following video I have sent out to my Youth teams over the years for practicing on "dry land" their stick handling.
Update (05/15/25):
Due to the poor durability of the balls and the poor visibility on some surfaces of the Swedish Stick Handling ball available on the market, I made some wooden balls for my own kids use. After making another set and giving them out as gifts to kids I coach I was told I should offer them to others. So here they are.
