Developing a Good Stride: Part II

First of all, let me state that I am an open-minded individual and that my views in regard to skating technique could change tomorrow if someone provided me with evidence or reason to do so. Personally, I think the arguments and techniques put forth by Jack Blatherwick and Barry Karns are the best.

Anyways, let's get to the topic at hand. Developing a good stride requires perfect repetition of perfect form over a consistent period of time so that the athlete's muscle memory memorizes the movement. This memorization must become instinctual. You can't think about your stride during a game.

When an athlete is young (12 years or younger), I recommend that he or she do simple off-ice technique drills. This might include doing skating lunges, lunges, wall-sits, etc. These movements and exercises are not so much for strength as they are for coordination. Below is a picture from my website demonstrating one part of the skating lunge:

This exercise is literally just skating on a dry surface with shoes. Working with youth players on their stride by utilizing this exercise and one's similar to it is an easy and inexpensive way to teach good skating form.

You'll notice that in the picture my leg extends at something like a 45 degree angle. Depending on the body type and player the angle at which the player skates most comfortably may be a little more or a little less than 45 degrees. But the basic idea is that the athlete pushes outward, toward the side and slightly back, in order to force his or her momentum forward.

Now, some argue that a skater should flick their toe at the end of each stride, digging it into the ice. I agree with Barry Karn that this should not be done. Instead athlete's should keep their entire blade on the ice. If you've ever skated before, you know the difference between skating with a full blade and trying to skate on the first half of the skate. Those players that do the later have short, choppy strides. They move their feet fast but look like they are moving no where. The best skaters always seem to be moving effortlessly. When you watch some on television they don't even seem to be trying.

When an athlete is young it is also imperative that on-ice instruction focuses on quality repetitions over quantity. Bag skates with squirt teams are counterproductive if done too often (perhaps even done at all, I don't know), because the skater will bend over at the waist and start to skate poorly. He or she will learn improper form.

To summarize:

-Utilize off-ice technique drills to teach skating stride and form

-Extend blade at roughly 45 degree angle

-Keep entire blade on the ice, do not cause unnecessary friction

-Quality repetitions at young age are imperative, bag skates can be counterproductive (be careful coaches)