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Performing
the Hockey Stride
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| In
my previous column, I touched on some of the basics in relation
to power skating. Some of these aspects were: body position, leg
extension and effective arm swing. In this issue I would like to
focus on leg extension. A lot of people have the understanding that
in order to experience a full stride, the leg must only be extended
to the point that the knee is locked. Although this is true, there
are many other elements that must take place in order to gain a
powerful stride. Stride Starts at the Core First, the stride actually starts at the core of the player's body. This area is located just above the waist and is sometimes referred to as the "trunk". The core of the body is important to develop because a lot of the power in the stride comes from this area. Players must push into the ice when they stride and the more pressure a player can apply, the more powerful the stride becomes. Flexing the core and transferring the strength generated down through the legs and ankles and into the ice accomplish this push. There are many on and off ice drills to develop this area of the body, which I will talk on in future articles. |
Other
Articles
Langley
Advance
(Opens in new window)
Body Lean and Shoulder Position
The player
should start with a slight body lean in the forward direction with the
chin in the upright position. The shoulders should be kept back to maximize
balance. Once this is established, the player must bend his/her knees.
The knee bend is at a 90-degree and or lower. I often tell my players
that the correct knee bend is at least 90 degrees and right at the point
of discomfort. From this position the player can fully extend his/her
leg to measure their maximum stride distance (only the stabilizer knee
remains bent when gaining leg extension). I have my players stand straight
up in the stationary position and have them extend one leg out to the
side. Once they have completed the task, I make them simply repeat the
task however, this time with their knees bent. By having the players
do this, it allows them to see the importance of bending the knees when
developing leg extension and stride. We must remember that the proper
leg extension for a player is out to the side and not straight back.
Putting The Technique Into Practice
Once the proper body alignment is established, the core flexed,
and the stabilizer knee bent, the player then can put the technique
into action. Remember to go slow at the start. When the techniques are
put into action, it is very important that the technique is correct
rather than the player trying to gain maximum power right away. On completion
of the stride the player should be able to draw a straight line from
the ear, through the shoulder, down the extended leg and into the ankle.
Maximizing leg extension will generate more power into the stride; help
conserve energy and most importantly make a player faster and more effective.
Good
Luck and remember true strength comes from the mind!
Read About Power Skating Basics
| How
To Perform Power Crossovers
All Skating Articles are property of Victoria Hockey School Ltd.
