Skating ability is essential to having prowess at hockey, and your stride is what determines the kind of skater you are. The proper skating stride enables you to use your body efficiently so you can pull away from your opponents when you need to. Every player has his individual skating stride, but following some basic guidelines will help you get the most from yours.
Skates
In order to develop a powerful skating stride, have a pair of skates that fit your feet properly. It is difficult to employ the techniques of a strong skater when your skates are too big or are cutting off your circulation. Find a skate boot that follows the contour of your foot, from the heel to the instep to the front of the foot to the toe. Avoid skates that are too stiff in the ankle, because you will lose flexibility and skating power. Don't lace your skates up too high or you will lose ankle flexibility.
Knee Bend
The amount you bend your knees as you skate goes a long way toward a powerful stride. Try to keep your knees bent to about 90 degrees during your skating stride. This is difficult to accomplish because your legs will tire quickly, but with practice is it something that will make you a stronger skater. Keep your chest and head up as you skate, and try not to bend farther at the waist in place of a 90-degree knee bend.
The Push-off
When you push off to create forward movement, turn your pushing skate out to the side. Dig the inside edge of your blade into the ice and push on a diagonal instead of straight back. Once the push is completed, straighten the push leg and flex your ankle in a snapping motion, for a little extra power.
Gliding Phase
After the push comes the glide, which is the brief period when you prepare to push with the other leg. Your glide leg is the leg that should be bent to 90 degrees as the push leg straightens out. All your weight should be on the glide leg after the push, with the glide skate facing forward.
Your Stick
If you are skating without a hockey stick, move your arms in a natural side-to-side motion to help keep your balance. If you are holding a stick, try to skate with just one hand on the stick as often as possible. Of course, keep two hands on your stick when the puck is nearby, but for purely skating purposes, one hand is more effective. Hold the stick out in front of your body with the blade on the ice to help balance your stride.
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