Power Ice Skating Techniques

Becoming a strong skater is just as important as becoming a fast skater. In ice hockey, being a powerful skater can be one of the most effective skills a participant can possess. When practicing power ice skating techniques, it is important to focus on both speed and strength training, along with practicing proper skating techniques, including body positioning and balancing drills.

  1. Speed Training

    • When practicing the aspect of power ice skating, practicing your speed is equally as important to achieve some success. Try to use different training drills that emulates real playing conditions such as practicing quick, short straightaway bursts or changing directions quickly and repeatedly. Drills like this will not only help your conditioning, but your strength as well. When participating in these drills, it is key to keep up the intensity and keep the muscles working, so rests should be taken in moderation.

    Proper Technique Training

    • The most important technique to focus on when practicing power ice skating is proper bending of the knees. The more you bend your knees, the better your balance, control, speed and power will be. A good benchmark to know how far to bend your knees to start is to bend them forward enough so that you are unable to see the toes of your skates anymore. It is also important to focus on proper body positioning. The power when ice skating comes from the legs, so proper technique and use of your body is key in maximizing the effectiveness of your skating technique.

    Strength Training

    • Whether you do your strength training inside of the weight room or on the ice by using resistance techniques or conditioning drills, building up the strength of the lower half of your body is important. Focus on what muscles play a key role in getting off a good push both at the start of your skate and during the motions. Utlilize different weight training techniques such as squats, leg presses and exercises for your inner and outer thighs. A good term to use is "muscle memory," which is paying close attention to what muscles are being used and how they are being used, and focusing on both the positives and negatives of your workouts and training.

    Resistance Training

    • A popular resistance tool is a stomach pad that goes around a skater connected to two leashes hooked on at the hips. Another skater pulls the leashes from behind, adding a good amount of resistance. Another tool is the leg harness, which is a series of bungee cords wrapped around the legs from top to bottom. This technique forces the skater to properly bend his knees and help strengthen the group of leg muscles vital for efficient power ice skating. Players also commonly use heavy weights attached to leashes that drag behind them to add resistance.