5 Foot Races can be incorporated into a practice to teach starts. This drill can be used to work on helping players get on their toes and drive their knee to start from a stop.
Description
Coach draws starting line and finish line 5-10 feet apart on the ice.
Players line up in 2 single file lines near the boards behind the starting line.
When the coach says “Go” the first players in each line race to the finish line.
Players return to their line while staying out of the drill.
Players can be placed in different starting positions:
- Facing away from the start line
- On one knee
- On two knees
- On their belly
Ensure stations are set up to avoid collisions with other groups.
Key Points
Reinforce skating techniques for players to work on in the drill:
- Knee drive
- Accelerating on toes
- Leg recovery
- Arm swings
Drill can be progressed to race to a falling stick out of the coaches hand and racing to protect a puck.
