Ice Hockey Pass Rebounders
Beyond some of the more well known pieces of ice hockey equipment, there is also gear that serves the purpose of enhancing the quality of performance and practice. This is where pass rebounders come into play, as this piece of equipment can help a skater practice their puck handling and passing skills. Before purchasing just any pass rebounder there are many things to consider including types, brands, materials, and costs.
What are ice hockey pass rebounders used for?
An ice hockey pass rebounder is an essential piece of equipment for practice. Pass rebounders are used to enhance essential ice hockey skills like passing. It is quite easy to work on a lot of skills on your own, as things like shooting and stickhandling can be done in the comfort of your own home with just a hockey stick and a puck. One of the most important aspects of the game is a player's ability to effectively pass the puck, requiring elite swiftness and pinpoint accuracy. Unfortunately, this is something that is hard to work on alone, and this is where the pass rebounder becomes a vital piece of equipment.
Pass rebounders provide a way for the player to work on passing skills as they act like a teammate, typically by utilizing rubber bumpers, allowing you to pass the puck into itself before returning it back to you. These rebounders come in all different types and sizes that vary for different passing purposes and drills, and are even utilized in the NHL All-Star Skills Competitions.
Things To Consider
When looking for ice hockey pass rebounders, you'll want to consider the following:
- What will you be using the pass rebounder for?
- How many players will be using the pass rebounder?
- What kind of hockey goal do you have?
- How much money do you have to spend on a pass rebounder?
- How much space do you have to store the pass rebounder?
Types
There are many different types of pass rebounders that serve different purposes for stickhandling and passing drills including the linear passer, the triangle passer, and the 4-Way Passer.
Linear Passer
The Linear Passer is your standard one-sided rebounder that typically is used by one person at a time to work on stickhandling and passing skills. These can vary in shape, from heavy duty trapezoidal devices to simple rectangular models made of foam. Depending on the model, these rebounders will come with an attachment for on-ice usage.
Triangle Passer
The Triangle Passer creates versatility for the user as the rebounder takes a triangular shape with three usable sides for pass rebounding. This allows up to three people to use the device at once, and also creates passing versatility for angled passes. Triangle passers also allow for movement around each side of the rebounder.
4-Way Passer
The 4-Way Passer is the ideal rebounder for hockey coaches looking to train a group of players. This rebounder has four sides, allowing up to four players to hone their skills at once. Like other rebounders, depending on the model, this passer can be used on ice or on any hard, flat surface.
Considerations
As mentioned, there are multiple things to consider before purchasing a pass rebounder. It is pertinent that you keep in mind the range of functionality, costs, and sizes of each rebounder you are considering.
Functionality
As mentioned earlier, each type of pass rebounder ranges in its intended purposes. It is important to consider the individual function of each rebounder such as the quantity of people that are going to be using the rebounder, durability, portability, and playing surface. Addressing these factors will ensure that the rebounder you purchase functions in the manner you desire.
Cost
Another important thing to consider is cost. Cost can vary depending on the type of rebounder and the materials used to produce it. For example, the HockeyShot Edge Rebounding Foam can be purchased inexpensively for just $5.99 as it is made of foam, while heavy duty rebounders are more pricey and can be purchased for as much as $139.95 because of their durability and quality.
Sizes
While considering the type of rebounder will typically help you decide what size you are looking for, pass radius is also a very important consideration and can vary greatly. Certain rebounders offer a smaller pass radius which can be beneficial for hitting small targets or a larger radius if being used by multiple people. Rebounders are typically 3 feet in length, but many brands offer two sizes ranges: 30 inches and 60 inches.
FAQ
How do you use an ice hockey pass rebounder?
Pass rebounders can be used by first placing the rebounder on a hard, flat surface, and then passing the puck into the rebounder. The rebounder will then return the puck to the user at the same angles at which it was sent into the device. Certain rebounders can even be used on ice by using included attachments.
What are the benefits of using an ice hockey pass rebounder?
Ice hockey pass rebounders serve a vital purpose for practice and training. Most hockey skills such as stickhandling and shooting can be practiced alone, but without a pass rebounder passing is almost impossible to work on alone. Coaches also value pass rebounders for drill work and certain rebounders can allow multiple users to work on their skills at the same time.
How much do ice hockey pass rebounders cost?
Pass rebounders vary greatly in price depending on the size and materials that comprise the rebounder. Foam rebounders are much cheaper and can be bought as cheap as 5.99; however, they are less reliable and durable than some of the heavy duty high-quality rebounders. These high end rebounders typically range in price from $40-$180.