Top 10 Advice for Rec Hockey Beginners – Use Those Edges
It sounds so simple, but it’s absolutely critical. If you can’t skate, you can’t play the game. So much of hockey is quick stops and sharp turns, and that’s why working on using the outside and inside edges of skates is so important. For a little extra burst of acceleration, pushing off from a 45° side ankle bend is a helpful idea. Don’t be afraid to use those ankles. Tie the skate a little looser at the top and tighter in the middle. You’re going to want the top of it to be supporting, but not restricting.”
You know the cliché, “Practice makes perfect?” Well, nothing could be more true when doing edgework. Players should set up a cone course and work on both the right and left edges so they can get used to balancing themselves. After balance is achieved, speed can be the next step.
Another good drill is to hop sideways, stepping over your left skate with your right and then pulling your left skate behind and repeating. This practices your edge balance and strengthens up your ankles. Using your edges is crucial in crossovers, which is vital for lateral movement. It doesnt matter how fast you can skate straight if you don’t have side to side movement!
