Finishing up the on-ice sessions at TCS Live 2025 in Ann Arbor, coaches were treated with a presentation dedicated to the foundation of the game: skating skills and the execution of smooth power, with and without the puck. Leading the session was TCS friend and collaborator Daniel Broberg, skill development coach and founder of DB Hockey Factory, who has a unique ability to magnify the details that make skating efficient and dynamic.

“Speed without control is a waste of time.”

Broberg built his presentation around two focal points: weight transfers and outside-edge flow. His message to coaches was that everything begins with balance and posture. A player who can maintain control while changing speed and direction unlocks what he calls “smooth power.” He shared an example from one of his NHL clients, a forward with the Buffalo Sabres, who often says:

“The less I push, the faster I go.”

That’s smooth power in action. As coaches it’s not easy, but it’s our job to slow the players down and focus on the foundation of skating.

Broberg started with posture, reminding everyone that it always comes back to a solid base. Players worked through drills skating the length of the ice, pushing into the surface with their heels while handling a puck. The goal was to feel glide, not force.

Once players found rhythm, Broberg moved into outside-edge work. His approach was simple but effective: have players step on their outside edges, then gradually layer in tight turns and passing sequences to mimic game-like scenarios. Skating always stayed at the core, but puck skills were added to highlight how smooth power translates directly to playmaking.

“Skill development is about tools and self confidence. The smooth power skills will build that self confidence and give them the tools and the guts in the game.”

By slowing things down, prioritizing posture, and reinforcing flow, Broberg showed how to create a foundation for technical skills to stack seamlessly. The payoff is players who skate with ease, composure, and the ability to make dynamic plays.

Coaches’ Challenge: Build your next skating session around balance, posture, and glide. Strip away speed and complexity until your players can feel smooth power. Then gradually reintroduce speed, turns, and puck skills.

Always keep the focus on flow.

Check out Broberg's TCS exclusive course, 7 Steps from Basic Skills to Smooth Power for more insights from one of hockey's top skill coaches.

Noteworthy timestamps:

• 0:00 Intro to Smooth Power
• 3:00 Everything starts with posture
• 4:05 Edges warm up
• 6:20 Inside edge to atttack drill
• 10:10 Long, short, long inside edge drill
• 13:00 Long, short, long inside edge pass progression
• 15:50 Tight turn fake drill
• 18:00 Wide punch turn drill
• 20:50 Wide punch turn fake progression
• 23:20 Delay to pass drill
• 26:10 Delay to pass progression