The following sequences show forward and backward weaving crossovers. In order to shift weight rapidly from side to side, the feet should be somewhat wider apart than the shoulders. The C - cut push is usually executed by pushing the outside skate (and leg) against the inside edge of the blade while gliding on the inside skate.Ĭontrary to straight forward or straight backward skating, lateral motion requires wide base. The C - cut maneuver is done with both skates on the ice. What Is The "C - Cut Push" And How Is It Used In Hockey? Hockey players call this final push the "toe flick" or the "kick". The second third of the push comes from the middle third of the blade, and the final third of the push comes from the front third of the blade (the toe). When skating forward the beginning of the push comes from back third of the blade (the heel). Lowering (dropping) the inside shoulder causes too much lean or tilt into the circle, which at speed and on a sharp curve causes a loss of balance. Often players keep the inside shoulder higher than the outside shoulder this provides stability. When executing a pivot, the shoulders should remain level with the ice. Body weight distribution is usually 60% on the front (outside) skate and 40% on the back (inside) skate. Therefore, when on the flat it is impossible to curve or to push.īoth skates are used to stop. It is not designed to curve or to grip the ice. The flat of the blade is designed to travel a straight line on the ice. When held straight up the skater rides on the "flat" of the blade (rides on inside and outside edges simultaneously). Contrary to popular belief, skates are NOT held straight up. Referees, who do not use a hockey stick, should learn to use the same forward/backward arm swing.Įdges are the key both for traveling a curved path and for pushing against the ice. Regardless of whether you skate with the stick in one hand or two, when you skate straight forward or straight backward the arm swing is also forward and backward. Wrong! They may learn to move their legs fast, but they may end up going nowhere fast. The assumption is that by skating more and (moving the legs) a million miles an hour they'll skate faster.
HOW TO BACKWARDS SKATE HOW TO
Not told or taught how to skate, but just, "Skate (fast)". Hockey kids are put out on the ice with a stick and puck and told, "Skate". This method helps increase their forward momentum. I maintain that when players have an opportunity for a breakaway, or when they are skating in open ice, attempting to accelerate, or when they do not have the puck, they should skate with one hand on the stick and use their arms forward and backward in the same motion and in rhythm with their legs. Being quick in these areas is the difference between being a fast or a slow skater in the coach's eyes. Your speed is based on how quick you are on the puck, and how quickly you change directions with sharp turns, quick stops and explosive starts. Skating, however, is still the most important. Perfecting any athletic skill is a long-term process that involves comprehension, practice and much repetition. Recently I have been pleasantly surprised to see one or two brands of skates that are less stiff, more pliable and forgiving of the human anatomy. Skaters' feet need to be well supported by the boots, but not laced so tightly that the skates act as "casts". Skates need to be laced securely from the balls of the feet to the tops of the ankles. To create a grip into the ice and set up the possibility for a powerful push, and.Because blades are rockered (have a radius) they are also designed to curve. Blade edges are designed to cut into the ice.And the type of race that most often stands out in a game is the race between a skater on a break away and one back checking. How do you know if someone is a fast skater? The best way to find out is always by having a race. When power is combined with quickness (rapid motion) the result is speed (of the self, of the puck, of the ball or other object). When force is applied correctly, powerfully and explosively, with exact timing, the result is power. A short summary is provided for each article