Get Ready for the 2025 Hockey Season with Trid Woodhouse’s Essential Skills Challenge

As the hockey season approaches, players have an opportunity to hone their skills and give themselves the best chance to make their club, school or WA State side.

Hockey WA Performance & Pathways manager Trid Woodhouse has created the ‘1000 Touches a Day: Essential Skills Challenge’ – a simple yet powerful way for players to improve their game and stand out from the competition.

The challenge is straightforward: players are asked to commit just 15-30 minutes per day to practicing their basic skills, such as eliminations, passing and trapping, with the goal of 1000 touches each session.

These daily reps, whether done at home or on the field, will build muscle memory and elevate performance in ways that can make a difference when selection time rolls around.

Keep an eye out for other tips within the challenge focusing on hand-eye coordination and specialist skill ID.

To get started, focus on the exercises demonstrated in the video below and provided in this program.

1000 Touches a Day: Essential Skills Challenge

“The foundation of a successful hockey player is built on the basics,” Woodhouse said.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay committed to those core essential skills.

“It’s easy to get bored of repetition, but that’s exactly why you see players on your television today – they’re not just talented, they’re incredibly good at doing the simple things right.

“Mastering the fundamentals is the key to making the step up, whether it’s to your club side, your school team, or even to the State side.”

The 1000 Touches a Day: Essential Skills Challenge is open to players of all ages and skill levels, and it’s designed to be flexible enough to fit into any busy schedule.

With a commitment of just 15-30 minutes each day, players can develop a better feel for the ball, refine their technique, and gain confidence before the season begins.

“We know how competitive hockey is in WA,” Woodhouse said.

“This is an easy, effective way to put in the work that will make a real difference.

“It’s about putting in the time and doing the basics well – the rewards will follow.”

Whether you’re aiming for a spot in your club side, hoping to make your school team, or aspiring to represent WA, the 1000 Touches a Day: Essential Skill Challenge is your first step toward becoming the player you’ve always wanted to be.