Build Your Own Backyard Rink: Must-Have Equipment for On-Ice Training
For hockey players and families, building a backyard rink isn't just a winter project—it's the ultimate hockey parent fantasy that usually starts with someone saying, "Wouldn't it be awesome if we had our ice?" after another $200 ice rental bill.
A backyard hockey rink offers freedom and pure fun, but here's the kicker—it also gives you something that every hockey parent dreams of: unlimited ice time that doesn't require selling a kidney.
This guide shows you just how to build your backyard hockey rink from start to finish, plus highlights the on-ice training equipment you need to transform your frozen backyard into a training facility that'll make your hockey friends seriously jealous and maybe even rival some youth hockey programs.
Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Backyard Rink
Building a backyard hockey rink might seem like the kind of project that requires a construction crew and an engineering degree, but here's the truth—it's way more manageable than you think with the right plan and a weekend where you're not busy driving to seventeen different hockey practices. Here's how to go from "empty backyard" to "neighborhood ice palace":
1. Choose the Right Location
Choose a level, open space with some shade and wind protection—trust us, you don't want your rink to turn into a frozen wind tunnel where nobody can skate without getting hypothermia. Flat terrain makes everything infinitely easier (your back will thank you later), while some shelter helps maintain ice quality and makes skating enjoyable, rather than an arctic survival challenge.
2. Prepare the Ground
Clear absolutely everything—dirt, rocks, that random toy someone left outside last summer, any debris that could puncture your liner and turn your dream into a soggy nightmare. Install rink boards or build a plywood frame 8–12 inches tall, then add a reinforced liner that can withstand the pressure without failing after the first cold snap. Do this step right, and you'll avoid spending your winter cursing at lumpy, impossible-to-skate-on ice.
3. Flood and Maintain the Ice
Once temperatures consistently stay below freezing (around 20°F), begin flooding in thin layers. This patience pays off with smooth, professional-quality ice.
Essential On-Ice Training Equipment for Your Backyard Rink
The right hockey on ice training equipment is what separates a fun family skating rink from a serious training facility that makes players better. Here are the must-have tools that turn casual backyard sessions into focused skill development:
60-Inch On-Ice Model
The Give-N-Go 60-Inch On-Ice Model delivers those crisp rebounds that simulate real-game passing scenarios way better than trying to pass against your garage door (which your neighbors probably appreciate). This professional hockey passing aid develops passing precision, control, and timing under conditions that feel like game situations, so when you're in a real game, making that crucial pass, your muscle memory already knows what to do.
Pro Shooting Tarp
Perfect for hockey shooting practice that goes way beyond the old "fire pucks randomly and hope something good happens" approach. This on-ice training equipment has marked zones that challenge you to develop sniper-like accuracy and consistency. Every shot becomes purposeful practice with clear targets that hold you accountable for each attempt, rather than just blasting pucks and calling it training.
Additional Hockey Training Tools
| Equipment | Purpose | Training Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Training pucks (light, weighted, colored) | Skill development | Improved stickhandling and shot power |
| Cones and agility markers | Movement drills | Enhanced speed and agility |
| Balance trainers | Core stability | Better skating balance and edge control |
| Extra nets | Small-area games | Rebound drills and competitive play |
How These Hockey Training Tools Improve Your Game
A backyard rink gives unlimited ice access, but what you do with that access separates serious players from casual skaters. The structured use of high-quality on-ice training equipment leads to measurable improvements that are immediately evident in games.
Passing: Speed, Handling & Vision
Using the 60-Inch On-Ice Model develops fast-paced, real-game passing habits that build timing, accuracy, and puck touch. Your backyard's controlled environment allows thousands of repetitions without fighting for ice time, building confidence to make split-second decisions under pressure. Practice everything from simple give-and-gos to complex sequences that translate directly to game situations.
Shooting: Accuracy and Power
The Pro Shooting Tarp transforms casual shooting into focused repetition, building confidence in release and placement. Instead of firing pucks randomly, you're training your muscle memory to hit specific targets consistently like a marksman.
These targeted hockey shooting practices develop precision for top-shelf goals and the power needed to beat goaltenders at higher levels. Immediate visual feedback helps adjust technique and track improvement session after session.
Real Ice vs. Synthetic Training
Even the most expensive synthetic setups can't replicate how pucks behave on real ice—the bounces, the glide, the way your edges bite. A backyard rink offers genuine feedback on edges, balance, and puck handling that surpasses most off-ice versus on-ice training alternatives by a significant margin.
Real User Feedback
"All Give-N-Go Hockey products are heavy-duty and built to last. I've been using Give-N-Go hockey products for many years, on and off ice, and have never had an issue… Excellent quality!"— Jeff Petry, Detroit Red Wings.
"Fast Hands Pro has helped my boys develop quick hands and proper stick handling technique!" — Martin St. Louis, Tampa Bay Lightning.
Conclusion: Build, Train, and Grow Your Game at Home
When properly built and equipped, a backyard hockey rink becomes more than just seasonal fun. It's a foundation for year-round development that can change a player's trajectory. Pairing it with pro-level gear and focused training creates an environment where real improvement happens daily.
Investing in quality equipment yields substantial dividends in skill development, confidence, and pure enjoyment of the game. Your backyard becomes where hockey dreams are built, one focused session at a time.
Ready to elevate every home session? Visit Give-N-Go Hockey to give your backyard rink a professional edge. Don't just skate around—train with purpose and watch your game reach surprising new levels.
Show Off Your Rink
Share your backyard rink photos on Facebook, X, or Instagram—we'd love to see your setup! Tag us and inspire other hockey families to build their training paradise.
Contact USFAQs
Can I use the Give-N-Go 60-Inch On-Ice Model on synthetic ice?
Yes—designed for real ice but works equally well on quality synthetic surfaces. Ensure your synthetic surface closely mimics the characteristics of real ice for optimal results. The unit adapts to different conditions while maintaining consistent rebound quality.
How do I maintain a backyard rink in winter?
Shovel snow immediately after snowfall to prevent buildup. Resurface with hot water to smooth rough areas and fill scratches. Monitor the weather closely and avoid areas prone to flooding above freezing.
What safety precautions should I take?
Secure boards firmly to prevent shifting during play. Ensure smooth liner edges without sharp objects. Install protective netting to prevent stray pucks from causing damage. Always check ice thickness and quality before skating.
