Zig Zag Stops helps work on stopping fundamentals. Encourage players to bend their ankles to get on their outside edge in this progression.
Description
Coach draws lines on the ice to designate starting and end points for the players and places 4 cones In a zig zag pattern across the ice.
Players line up behind the starting line on one side.
Players skate to the first cone performing a stop before moving onto the next cone, performing stops on all 4 cones.
After the last cone players line up at the line on the far side.
Once a player is past the second cone the next player may go.
Have players practice using their outside edge in 3 progressions
- T-Stops (outside edge behind)
- One foot
- Punch stop (outside edge in front)
Key Points
Load edges with pressure by bending knees and dropping hips slightly.
Use leg strength to push down on the ice and scrape.
Build to using outside edges to stop.
Encourage players to make snow by stopping.
