One of the most important aspects of becoming a good ice hockey player is becoming a skilled skater. Ice hockey is a fast-paced game where players are required to accelerate quickly, change directions smoothly and stop on a dime. Having properly sharpened skates and good technique can go a long way in mastering these maneuvers. By simply using the various markings on a hockey rink, such as the red and blue lines and the circles, there are drills players can practice on their own to improve skating skills.
Sharpen Up First
Before stepping on to the ice, hockey players should always make sure their skate blades are properly sharpened on both the inside and outside edges. This is important as it is these edges that give skaters their ability to stop and start, as well as turn directions quickly, which is crucial in ice hockey. Beginning youth hockey players should have their skates sharpened every 2 or 3 weeks, or sooner if a blade loses its edge. More competitive players will likely require more frequent sharpening to ensure they have proper edges.
Starts and Stops
Being able to accelerate quickly is a big advantage on the hockey rink. It can allow players to beat an opponent to the puck, catch up to a defender, or get into scoring position. To improve acceleration players need to improve their foot speed from a stopped position. A player's first 5 to 10 strides should be quick, explosive and compact. One way to work on this is by using the lines on the hockey rink as starting and stopping markers. Start at the blue line and skate as quickly as possible to the red line, stop at the red line quickly, and then skate back to the blue line with the same quick, compact strides. The next time go further to the opposite blue line, stop there, and then return as quickly as possible. Make sure when doing this drill to face the same way each time you stop, so you are practicing stopping and starting in each direction.
Changing Directions
Skating around the circles on an ice hockey rink is an effective way to improve a skater's ability to turn and change directions smoothly. Start in one corner of the rink and go completely around the first circle in a counter-clockwise direction. After completing the first circle, move on to the adjacent circle and this time follow the circle in a clockwise direction. After this circle is complete, proceed to the circle at center ice and return back to a counter-clockwise pattern. Finish the drill by completing rotations around the final two circles on the opposite end of the rink, again going in alternating directions.
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