Hockey players must be good at basic skating skills. Good skating makes better players. This article outlines several power skating drills
All hockey players must master certain basic skating skills and work on those skating skills on a regular basis.
It is recommended that those who play hockey go through these drills for one hour at least once or twice each week. Most hockey power skating drills can be done with or without a stick, so players can practice these drills on public skating sessions, with or without gear.
Practice Patterns
Power hockey drills should begin on or behind the ice rink's goal line and continue down the length of the arena to the other end of the rink. It is recommended that each drill be done at least twice to cover both lengths of a rink's surface.
Balance Drills
There are several drills that can be done to warm-up.
Two Foot Glides
Wide Two Foot Glides
One Foot Glides
Moving Squats
Groin Stretches
Lunges
Leg Lifts
Two foot and one foot glides with speed will help players adjust to the ice. Squats and lunges will get players to bend their knees. Groin stretches and leg lifts help players with flexibility. In order to do a good groin stretch, the player should glide down the ice with the legs split and try to touch his or her toes. Squats should be done with speed and the player should try to bend his or her knees as much as possible.
Leg Lifts
Leg lifts can be done with the stick on the ice or by holding the hockey stick in a parallel position with both hands. Players should balance on one foot and try to lift one skate off the ice to the front, side, and then to the back.
Striding Drills
Forward striding drills will help players increase their power and speed.
T-Pushes
Speed Skater's Striding and Gliding
Forward Strides With Toe Drag
Lunges With Toe Drag
T-pushes are especially useful to gain power since many players favor one foot. They will force players to skate and push with both their good and bad legs. By first putting the feet into a "T" position, the player then bends his or her knees and lunges forward. By doing several in a row, T-pushes may look a bit like the player is riding a scooter down the ice. Extending the leg back will help the player use the blade to gain power.
Next, players should work to move down the ice like a speed skater. The speed skater's stride should be done with and without using the arms. Again, leg extension will help increase speed.
Dragging the toe on the ice also will help players with the strength of a push. The bending of the knees can improve as the toe drags. Players should try to lunge forward as much as possible to gain power. Not allowing the back skate to slip can be tricky, but practice will help the player feel the blade and control it. It is important the body stays in a square position during a toe drag.
Edge Pulls and C-Cuts
Two foot edge pulls
One foot edge pulls
Two foot C-cut jumps
One foot C-cut jumps
Edge pulls and C-cuts are half circle curves made by the blade's edges that make the shape of an "S" or a "C" on the ice. These half-circle cuts can be made on one or on two feet. Forward C-cuts are made from heel to toe. Once a player is confident in cutting a "C" or curve into the ice, it is useful and fun to do C-cut jumps over an imaginary line or around cones.
Stride at Various Speeds and Tempos
A really useful power hockey drill is to do eight quick strides from the goal line to the blue line, four strides to the next blue line, and then two long strides to the other end of the rink's goal line.
This drill can be repeated without stopping by doing crossovers around both ends of the arena.
Starts and Stops
Many players favor one foot or one direction for starts and stops , so several quick starts and stops should be practiced in both directions. Both blades should be used in stopping drills . Remember, in order to stop on the ice, a player must use the flat of the blade during the stop. Practice scraping and making snow on the ice over and over again to get used to this technique.
Two Foot Snowplow Stops
One Foot Snowplow Stops
T-Stops
Hockey Stops
Each of the above stops should be done over and over and quickly. It may be useful for a parent or coach to blow a whistle to signal quick starts and stops.
Crossovers
Crossover Walks
Players can begin the crossover technique by first "crossover-over walking" sideways along the goal or blue line.
Pumping
For those unable to do crossovers right away, pumping on hockey circles is a useful drill. The outside edge of the skate that is on the inside of the circle should be placed on the circle and should bend up and down while the outer skate makes a half circle and pumps forward from heel to toe. The pumping action will help players gain speed. and build confidence. Crossovers will come eventually as the player becomes confident with moving and pumping around curves.
Practice Makes Better Players
Practicing will improve hockey skating skills. As players gain confidence in their skating, their game will improve. Players should consider taking the time to practice power hockey skating year round. Working privately with a power skating coach will also help players with speed, confidence, quickness, and power.
Improve Your Basic Hockey Skating Skills 
0 comments:
Post a Comment