Skating is the first skill you need to master in order to excel at hockey
By Rodney McKenna
Battles on the ice are almost always won by the strongest of skaters. While most players think they are skating to their full potential, the truth is that we can all improve upon this essential component of the game. For those who didn’t grow up on skates, the act may seem a bit counterintuitive: we run on land in an upright stance with our feet pointed ahead, swinging our arms upward as if we’re throwing an uppercut. Our movements on ice sharply contrast with those on land, and skaters who acknowledge and practice proper form are at a tremendous advantage come game time.
To start, make sure your skate laces are tight, but not so much that you cut off your circulation. Once you’re out on the ice, check to make sure you’re in the proper stance. Ideally, your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle to the ice. As you age this gets tougher and tougher, but keep in mind that the lower you are to the ice, the greater the balance you’ll have on your skates. Just as important, this will allow for a longer, more powerful stride. Your back should be bent just enough so that your shoulders hang over your (bent) knees; any more or less and you will likely find yourself off balance. Though oftentimes your first instinct is to hunch your back over when reaching for a stray puck or pass, you will be much more effective out there if you get in the habit of crouching low and pushing off with your legs to reach for the puck.
The term flat-footed applies on the ice as much as on land. In the boot of your skate, your foot should be tensed in an arc shape. This will give you much greater control of your edges, minimize the movement of your foot in the boot, and allow for greater balance.
Strong skating starts with a strong start. Your toes should be pointed slightly outward as you begin your stride. You may have heard of the “V” or “T” start, which is done by touching your heels together with your knees bent and your toes pointed outward. The “Toe Start” is another technique that is commonly taught in speed- and power-skating clinics. This refers to accelerating in quick, running strides by digging the toes of your blades into the ice. While extremely effective, these moves require a great deal of practice and athleticism to master.
Beginner-to-intermediate skaters should focus on the proper stance and footwork in order to accelerate. With each stride, your leg should be fully extended, pushing back and outward in a diagonal motion. Your strides should propel you forward diagonally in the opposite direction of the leg that is pushing off. Be sure to keep this in mind during practice and warm-ups. Proper stance and leg extension will not only increase your on-ice speed, but you’ll also conserve energy by taking fewer strides.
While in motion, your arms should be working to balance your strides. Generally speaking, as your left leg pushes off your right arm should be raised in order to apply a greater downward force from your skate to the ice. When you push off with the right leg, your right arm should swing back toward the center of your body while the left swings up, transferring your weight to the right foot.
To dissect the movement, watch your favorite pro players in slow motion when accelerating to full stride. While there are no guarantees you will ever skate like them, every rec player can improve upon their skating.
Practice these techniques and apply them on ice. You’ll be surprised at how much proper skating improves your overall game.
More importantly, when you practice ice skating, you also improve your overall body coordination, balance and agility. Skating requires a lot of physical effort, from pushing against the ice with your legs to maintaining your balance on the thin blade of the skate. This constant movement and exercise help strengthen your leg muscles and core, leading to better overall fitness.
Rodney McKenna lives to play hockey. He makes his home in Burlington, Vt.
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Rodney McKenna has certainly captured the essence of mastering the art of skating in hockey. As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of the sport, I can attest to the crucial role that skating plays in a player's success on the ice. My own experience as a dedicated hockey player and avid follower of the game has provided me with firsthand insights into the nuances of skating technique and its impact on overall performance.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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Importance of Skating in Hockey:
- Evidence: The article emphasizes that battles on the ice are often won by the strongest skaters, establishing the foundational role of skating in hockey success.
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Proper Stance and Form:
- Evidence: McKenna advises on the ideal knee bend at a 90-degree angle to the ice, highlighting the importance of maintaining a low stance for better balance and powerful strides.
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Footwork and Blade Control:
- Evidence: The article mentions the significance of foot tension in an arc shape within the skate boot for improved control of edges, reduced foot movement, and enhanced balance.
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Starting Techniques:
- Evidence: The "V" or "T" start and the "Toe Start" are discussed as advanced techniques, emphasizing the need for beginners to focus on proper stance and footwork for acceleration.
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Leg Extension and Stride:
- Evidence: McKenna stresses the importance of fully extending the leg during each stride, promoting forward propulsion and increased speed on the ice.
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Arm Movement for Balance:
- Evidence: The article suggests that, during motion, arm movements should complement leg strides to maintain balance. Specific instructions are given for the positioning of arms relative to leg movements.
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Observing Professional Players:
- Evidence: The article recommends studying professional players in slow motion to analyze their skating technique, acknowledging that while replication may not be guaranteed, improvement is possible for every recreational player.
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Overall Fitness Benefits:
- Evidence: Skating is linked to enhanced body coordination, balance, and agility. The constant physical effort involved in pushing against the ice and maintaining balance contributes to strengthened leg muscles and core fitness.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive insights into the intricacies of skating in hockey, combining practical tips with an understanding of the physiological benefits associated with this essential skill. As someone deeply immersed in the world of hockey, I wholeheartedly endorse these concepts as key elements for aspiring players to master.
