Ice Hockey Skating Drills

Ice Hockey Skating Drills

While there are many ice hockey skating drills that can help develop peak hockey performance, players should be aware that any additional strength training and endurance exercises they complete off the court will also optimize their playing abilities.

Ice Hockey is a demanding sport that requires incredible strength, quickness, and endurance. Players who want to excel should always be looking for ways to increase speed, strength, and stamina.

Groin Stretch Drill

The groin stretch drill is actually a balance drill that should be practiced at a slower speed until balance starts becoming easier for the ice hockey player.

Player will begin at the goal line and start skating. Each time the coach blows the whistle, the player should widen the legs, bend the knees, and, without looking down at the ice, touch toes or ice with his hands. When the coach blows the whistle again, the player resumes skating strides.

The coach should whistle quickly and frequently while players are skating back and forth between goal lines. Players should be able to skate and do groin stretches for a minimum of 10 court lengths.

Dog Pull Drill

This drill works on strength and endurance and requires two players and two hockey sticks.

One player stands in front of the other, both facing the same direction. Player in the back extends both hockey sticks to the player in the front. Front player grabs the two sticks and starts skating hard for the opposite goal line, like a husky pulling a dog sled. When the players arrive at the opposite goal line, players switch and the back player then pulls the front player to the other side with the hockey sticks.

This drill should be performed 4-6 times each by both players.

Leg Lift Drill

Leg lift drills are good for developing good balance and strengthening footwork while on the ice.

Player will stand with hands held waist high holding a horizontal hockey stick. Starting at one end of the court, take 2 gliding steps and lift right leg so knee is horizontal to the ice. Hold for one second and then kick leg out in a forward motion, bring back leg to knee out position and then place foot back on the ice.

Take 2 gliding steps and lift left leg. Repeat steps just taken with the right leg. Continue skating from one goal line to the other with leg lifts completed every few steps.

T Push Drill

T push drills help to strengthen the lower body due to the pushing or lunging motion that this drill encourages.

Standing with feet placed in a T position, front foot forward and back foot with the arch touching the front heel, push off forcefully using the back leg for power. Take one glide and stop. Swap foot position and push or lunge again. Take one glide and stop.

Player should alternate every other T push with right and left feet. Travel from one end of the court to the other a minimum of 4 times to develop an explosive skating lunge.

Maximize Skating Strength

While practicing ice hockey skating drills are a must for a skater who wants to become a great hockey player, building up strength and endurance will also benefit overall performance.

Speed skating from one end of the court to another repeatedly without stop is a drill than can be done on the ice. Players will get almost the same benefit by running the same distance at a neighborhood park or track. Squats, lunges, and leg presses all build up strength needed to maintain peak hockey performance.

While drills done on the ice are always optimal, players can add off the ice drills to their daily practices and know that it will help to improve their game

References

Ice Hocky Systems - Ice Hockey Drills For Coaches & Players: https://www.icehockeysystems.com

E-How - How to Increase Skating Endurance for Ice Hockey: https://www.ehow.com/how_10961_increase-skating-endurance.html