Fact: without strong fundamental skating skills, players cannot perform to their full ability.

Jill Plandowski has been spreading that message for over 25 years of professional coaching. The product of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Plandowski understands skating biomechanics like few others and is an expert in skill development; she holds a Physical Education teaching degree, enabling her to think through a holistic curriculum and maximize performance in a short window of time.

In her Global Skills Showcase presentation, Plandowski, who has taught countless Jr and Pro players the fine details of edgework, including NHLers Drake Batherson, Morgan Barron, Justin Barron, Liam O’Brien, Ryan Graves and Noah Dobson, breaks down one of the most critical aspects of skating and how players can quickly improve their efficiency on the ice.

The 21-minute presentation is filled with specific skating exercises to help players feel more comfortable using their outside edges.

“Most players feel comfortable using their inside edges because they skate forward off of them. The outside edges are also important, however, and are needed for crossing over, turning and punching."

The outside edge progressions in this presentation are suitable for all ages.

Key Teaching Points for Teaching Basic Outside Edges

• Neutral start position
• Good knee bend-positive shin angle
• Push onto a strong curve
• Push leg returns directly under the body
• Keep push leg back locked and pointed
• Stick neutral-eyes lead the way

Common Errors

• Push leg wobbling on push causing glide leg to wobble
• Poor return
• Push leg swinging around wide/heel leading
• Upper body rotation-losing control of stick

Noteworthy timestamps

• 00:15 Introduction to outside edge
• 01:30 Outside edge warm up
• 05:05 Alternating outside edges
• 08:45 Alternating outside edges with hop
• 10:40 Quick outside edges to circle hold
• 13:45 Skills that translate: crossovers
• 16:00 Skills that translate: punch turns
• 19:20 Skills that translate: turns