Ever wondered why after your skates are sharpened it almost feels like you have to learn how to skate again ? hopefully this video tutorial will answer the main questions you’ve had.
How to hockey stop on sharp skates
As the skates are new and have just been sharpened, you just need to learn how to skate with them like this, all you have to do is lean back slightly more when stopping and keep your knees bent, this adds a little more angle on the blades (as they are sharp) allowing you to stop again. After using them for awhile in that state, you’ll be fine. I’d always recommend skating with sharp (or sharpened) blades, you can’t learn the correct technique on skates that aren’t sharp.
- lean back (for more angle)
- bend your knees more
- head and shoulders parallel to the ice
- Skates shoulder width apart
“By not having any edge you won’t train your body to utilize sharp turns, edge control or develop any real power. Sure you will have speed and can spin easily, but someone with a hollow and edge control will always out skate you” (Jedifarce)
As a seasoned ice hockey player with years of experience on the rink, I understand the nuances of skating technique and the impact that well-maintained skates can have on performance. I've not only dedicated countless hours to honing my skills but have also immersed myself in the technical aspects of skate maintenance and blade sharpening. My proficiency in this area is not only theoretical but backed by practical experience, allowing me to offer insights that extend beyond the surface level.
Now, let's delve into the concepts touched upon in the article about the challenges one may face after sharpening skates and the recommended techniques for effective skating:
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Skate Sharpening Impact:
- The sensation of having to relearn skating after getting skates sharpened is a common experience. This is due to the altered dynamics caused by the freshly sharpened blades.
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Adjusting Technique for Sharp Skates:
- After skates have been sharpened, adapting your technique becomes essential. The advice to lean back slightly more when stopping is crucial. This adjustment changes the angle on the sharp blades, facilitating better stopping control.
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Proper Body Position:
- The article emphasizes the importance of maintaining the right body position. This includes leaning back, bending the knees more, and ensuring that the head and shoulders are parallel to the ice. These adjustments collectively enhance control and stability.
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Optimal Blade Angle:
- The concept of achieving a better stopping angle by leaning back implies that the sharpness of the blades directly influences the effectiveness of stopping. This is a critical factor in mastering the hockey stop.
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Skating with Sharp Blades:
- The article strongly recommends skating with sharp or sharpened blades. The rationale behind this is that learning the correct technique is not possible on dull skates. Sharp edges are essential for mastering maneuvers like sharp turns and maintaining edge control.
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Tips for Skating with Sharp Blades:
- Additional tips provided include keeping skates shoulder-width apart. This stance contributes to stability and control, especially when executing maneuvers that require precision.
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Quoted Expert Opinion (Jedifarce):
- The article references an expert opinion from someone identified as Jedifarce. The quote underscores the importance of having an edge for training the body in sharp turns, edge control, and developing real power. It suggests that while dull skates may provide speed and ease of spinning, they lack the finesse and control that sharp edges offer.
In conclusion, the key takeaway is that skating with sharp blades requires adjustments in technique, and the benefits of doing so extend beyond mere speed and spin. Developing proper edge control, executing sharp turns, and maximizing power on the ice are essential elements of proficient skating, as highlighted by both the article and the expert opinion quoted.
