The foundation of skating is evident in basically every hockey player you see at the highest levels of the game. A rung below that, in college and junior hockey, it's still obvious.

Wait, even younger players than that who compete at their respective levels will have a basic understanding and ability to use the fundamentals.

That's why Victor Kraatz created Building the Foundation of Skating, a course for coaches and players to hone what they know while improving on what they don't. Some of the most validating examples of a solid foundation come from players you might not initially suspect.

Jackson Lacombe is a young defenceman plying his trade with the Anaheim Ducks. He recently accompanied Team USA to Italy and has a gold medal to show for it, but at first glance you might be wondering why. He helped lead the Ducks back to the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2026, and when you put him under the isolation cam, it's obvious why. He is a master on his edges, particularly when he's skating backwards. Watch how quickly he pivots from forwards to backwards, even if it doesn't look all that dynamic. It's the foundation of his skating that lets him do all the other things he's great at.

Lacombe is one of the game's ultimate efficient skaters. He closes on the puck carrier quickly, he moves laterally, and he's almost faster with the puck than without it.

The second chapter in Kraatz's course focuses on backwards edges and agility. Take a look now to compare with Lacombe!