SKATING FUNDAMENTALS: CREATING SMOOTH POWER
Speed is a major key for all great hockey players. But what separates great from elite is a player’s ability to create time by changing pace. DB Hockey Factory Founder Daniel Broberg explains the concept of being both powerful and smooth in your skating actions.
Jump Outside Edge Slalom
TIME: 10 min.
DESCRIPTION:
Players perform 4 low jumps over the low obstacles, landing on one leg on their outside edge as they glide into a smooth quick turn. At the net, fake one way and slide around
the net the opposite way for a quick release wrist shot.
KEYPOINTS:
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Think “Smooth Power”.
- Work the outside edges with a good skate angle, while landing on the inside skate, maintaining the glide. Avoid digging in your edges.
Power Slide and Shoot
TIME: 10 min.
DESCRIPTION:
Player skates out of the corner, makes a feint at first obstacles, delays momentarily and slides around it. Continue to the second obstacle, make another feint, pull the puck around using a power slide and shoot quickly.
KEYPOINTS:
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Staying in a strong posture position after the slide allows you to shoot quickly.
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Smooth edge work during slides.
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Fake passes and fake shots before initiating lateral slide moves.
Three Quick Glide Turns
TIME: 10 min.
DESCRIPTION:
Player skates around first tire at full speed then makes three quick gliding turns through the obstacles finishing with a shot on net. Player should work on smooth weight transfer from skate to skate to initiate each gliding turn maintaining the glide.
KEYPOINTS:
• Pause action slightly after each step to add deception to the movement and maintain the glide.
• During weight transfer when changing directions, turn upper body slightly to add to the feint.
Slide Spin Slide Shoot
TIME: 10 min.
DESCRIPTION:
Player drives around the tire at full speed, makes a quick forehand feint and slides around the first obstacle. At the net, fake to forehand and make a full pivot escape in the opposite direction. At third obstacle, fake shot, slide to forehand side and a quick release shot.
KEYPOINTS:
• All moves at full speed.
• Slight upper body turn during weight transfer to add deception to the movement.
• Smooth turns, trust your posture.
• Work on changing speeds during the obstacle course.
• Rely on the glide.
