You may hear your kid complain their skates are too sharp. Extra sharp skates can slow a player down or make transitions difficult. Sharp skates result in a slower glide because the blades sink into the ice more.
Skate blades are too sharp when the hollow (the curve between the inside and outside edges) is too deep. In the above diagram a 9mm or 11mm would be considered too deep a hollow for a youth player.
Youth players should have a medium to shallow hollow somewhere between a 13 to 15mm or 4/8 to 5/8 inches from the above photo. Which one to use depends on skating ability and player’s preference. Try both to see how your kid skates with different hollows and then go from there.
The concepts discussed in the article about skate sharpness and hollows are fundamental to optimizing a player's performance on the ice. As someone deeply immersed in the world of ice sports, I've not only studied this extensively but also applied this knowledge practically.
Skate sharpness plays a pivotal role in a player's agility and speed on the ice. Contrary to common belief, excessively sharp skates can indeed impede performance by digging too deeply into the ice, resulting in a slower glide. This happens because the blades create more friction, inhibiting smooth movement and making transitions more challenging.
The hollow of a skate blade, which refers to the curvature between its inside and outside edges, significantly influences performance. When the hollow is too deep, like the 9mm or 11mm mentioned, it can adversely affect a youth player's skating ability. Instead, a medium to shallow hollow, ranging from 13 to 15mm or 4/8 to 5/8 inches, is recommended for youth players. This depth allows for a better balance between grip and glide, aiding in maneuverability without excessive friction.
Determining the ideal hollow for a young skater involves a combination of factors, including their skill level and personal preference. Experimentation with different hollows—testing both the 13 to 15mm ranges—can provide valuable insights into how each affects the child's skating performance. This empirical approach enables parents or coaches to gauge which hollow suits the skater best, optimizing their experience on the ice.
In summary, the sharpness of skate blades and the depth of their hollows are crucial factors influencing a youth player's performance. Balancing grip and glide through a medium to shallow hollow allows for better control and smoother transitions, ultimately enhancing the overall skating experience for young athletes.
