Power Skating Drill Ideas

Power skating is typically used in the game of hockey. The distinct style incorporates quick stopping and starting with high rates of speed. Maneuvering is key to successful execution. Honing power skating skills requires practice and the repetition of drills to build, strengthen, and safely stretch appropriate muscles. Always encourage protective gear to be worn during all power skating drills to ensure the safety of participants. Drills should always be skill and age appropriate.

  1. Weighted Work

    • To strengthen appropriate leg muscles, add weight to the workout. Commercially created ankle weights are available at sporting good stores and will add additional weight to a skater's legs. This additional weight causes the muscles to work harder while skating. Perform basic back-and-forth skating drills with the use of these weights. Other weighted objects are also viable. Wrist weights worn on the arms while skating assists in building the arm muscles used in take-off and power skating motions. Carrying a small keg or barrel back and forth across the ice strengthens leg muscles and increases balance by taking away the use of the arms in motion. An extra set of pads, worn over basic pads add all over body weight for the participant.

    Toe Dragging

    • Dragging the front of the skate along the ice during skating drills increases the needed muscle strength for power skating. Drag the front of the skate on the opposite foot than the lead in each forward motion. This forces the forward foot to push off harder when switched to take-off position. This is also achieved by dragging the side of the skate along the ice with each motion. Avoid using a pigeon-toe position during this drill. Instead, turn the toe outward, away from the body to drag lightly. During drills, time the participant from one end of the rink to the other. The skater needs to increase his speed with each pass to successfully complete the drill.

    Turns

    • An essential part of power skating is navigating turns quickly and cleanly. Place large rubber cones in a zig-zag or circular shape on the ice rink for a drill to improve these skills. Place the cones at varying distances from one another, and instruct participants to go left and right between the cones. Skaters practice moving their skates into the appropriate position for navigating left and right and in large sweeping circles, while keeping their proper foot in the lead. Skaters improve balance and learn the appropriate amount of body sway needed for navigating in small and large spaces.