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Manipulation of task constraints have previously been effective in task simplification enhancing skill development. This study examines how manipulation of puck masses affects movement behaviors in skilled and less-skilled ice hockey players during a representative ice hockey task. Fifty participants were separated into a skilled (n = 25) or less-skilled (n = 25) group. Three trials per condition of an obstacle course and breakaway goal attempt were completed in a counter-balanced design using three puck masses, categorized as light (133 g), regulation (170 g), and heavy (283 g). Findings revealed that use of the light puck by less-skilled participants reduced obstacle-course completion time (p < .05,
Nimmins, Strafford, and Stone are with the Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom.