Basic Power Skating Techniques
Submitted by VHS Staff

We teach hockey players how proper skating technique can dramatically increase their agility and overall speed. We successfully use these same techniques both at our Hockey Schools and with top NHL and International players. The article below discusses basic techniques and we also have other articles covering Power Crossovers and Stride.

Learning The Basics
A good way to start this new section on hockey skating techniques would be to give a basic overview of the concepts and techniques associated with explosive skating. Throughout my clinics and hockey schools I always find myself starting each session with the basic fundamentals. This includes upper body positioning, leg extension and arm swing. Whether you are coaching initiation players or major junior players, you can always help players improve on at least one of the above concepts.

Body Position
When analyzing overall body positioning start from the player's head and work down. The head should always be upright and looking straight ahead rather than looking down at the ice. The core of the body should be positioned directly over the player's skates with a slight lean forward (only enough to gain weight on the front of the skates), this is in order to maximize a player's balance. Leaning forward too much will put a player off balance.

Leg Extension and Knee Bend
Once the core and trunk of the player's body is positioned correctly the next step is to look at the players' leg extension or more importantly "knee bend". Constantly I am instructing my students to stay low to the ice in order to maximize their leg extension, which in turn maximizes their skating power. A common error players often do is bend at the waist instead players should be bending at the knees. The knees should be at approximately 90 degrees or even lower when at full speed. Many players have the misconception that they should bend at the waist in order to gain leg extension, however by doing this players are more likely to lose balance. I remind my players that the lower the knee is bent the more power they will achieve in their stride.

Lammers

Other Skating Tips

Performing Power Crossovers

Performing the stride

Arm Swing
Now that we have touched on the basics in body positioning and knee bend we must not forget the arm swing. I find that many hockey players, especially at younger ages, commonly skate with two hands on the stick, the stick in the air, and moving their arms side to side. I agree that a player at the initiation level should be taught to skate with two hands on the stick, however the stick should remain on the ice at all times with limited side to side arm movement. Once players begin to mature and gain the strength to skate with one hand on the stick much more power can be gained in their overall skating. The arm motion is a forward motion opposed to side-to-side motion. I often inform players to imitate a sprinter's arm motion in track and field when skating. The player's thumbs should be positioned upward and players should drive their arms forward with power. Players must concentrate on limiting backward arm swing while maximizing forward arm drive.

Conclusion
As mentioned previously, this is only an introduction on the basics of explosive skating. In future upcoming articles more depth will be given to each technique, both from a playing and coaching point of view. We must consistently remind ourselves that it is not straight ahead speed that makes a skater great rather it is the right combination of balance, agility, and power that will make an effective skater great.

Good Luck and remember power comes from the mind.

Read About "Power Crossovers" | Read About Performing "The Stride"

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Basic Power Skating Techniques Submitted by VHS Staff

Basic Power Skating Techniques
Submitted by VHS Staff