How to Skate Faster

Foot speed and quickness can separate the good hockey players from the great hockey players. It goes without saying that the quicker you are on the ice, the better your chances of outskating the other team, getting more shots on the net, and getting back faster to help defend your goal. By working on your leg strength, agility and balance, you can become a faster skater.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Hockey skates
• Hockey pads
• Resistance bands
• Weights

Instructions

1. Make sure your skates are baked to fit your feet and the blades are sharpened to your liking. Your speed on the ice will be greatly hampered if you are skating on dull blades. Baking the skates helps to make the skate mold to your feet, therefore reducing the risk of injury to your foot or ankle when skating.

2. Build up your leg strength off the ice using resistance bands and weights. You should especially target your thighs and calf muscles, as these are the main muscles you use when skating. The more leg strength you have, the easier it is to gain speed on the ice.

3. Keep your knees and ankles bent at all times when you are skating. This will help you lower your center of gravity, and allow your legs to maximize your muscle strength when pushing against the ice. Keep your stick in front of you to help with balance.

4. Skate using a forward start or a crossover to get going quickly from a stopped position. Think about running on the ice to get your legs and feet moving quickly, and simultaneously keep your body low to the ice to conserve energy and maximize your stride.

5. Create a rhythm in your legs to ensure both legs are pushing equally hard, and to ensure you are recovering each leg before starting another push with the opposing leg. This will help you to be able to accelerate faster and concentrate on your balance and stride.

Tips & Warnings

• Always stretch your legs before skating to reduce the chance of straining a muscle.

• Wear shin guards, hockey pants and a helmet when you are just learning to skate to help avoid injury.

Resources

• Fastrax Blade Treatment
• Skate Faster Camps
• How to Power Skate in Ice Hockey