Diane Ness
The load, the push, the extension
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- Last Updated on Thursday, 13 December 2012 17:33
By Diane Ness
When breaking down a stride we like to break it down into three main components, the load, the push and the extension. I was able to take some video and photos of some of the New Jersey Devils prospects during their camp this summer. The skater is Jacob Joesfson who is a first round pick and an excellent skater. While looking at the three photos you should be able to see each phase of the stride. You will also notice the incredible knee bend the skater possess as well.
Maintain your skating
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- Last Updated on Thursday, 06 December 2012 18:43
By Diane Ness
So your power play is in full swing, not to mention the penalty kill, the D zone, neutral zone, and all the Xs and Os are in place. But how do you mainantain the skills that got you there?
Although it takes a short time to lose skills, it takes a long, long time to get the quick hands back, the high speed cornering, and your crucial first three steps, as well keeping your shot. What is the best way to maintain your skating?
Building an explosive start
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- Last Updated on Wednesday, 21 November 2012 17:45
By Diane Ness
Developing a great quick start takes power, quickness, explosiveness and a lot of practice. How does a skater become more explosive? There are certain on-ice drills that can help any skater improve just this. I will explain a few drills that will help any skater become more explosive.
First, we should start with the skater over by the boards making sure he/she starts a few feet away. The skater should then lean in to create the same angle that would take place when a skater is starting. One of the most important things a skater should remember is to turn their skates out so they are able to push against the ice. If their skates stay parallel, the skater will be pushing straight back on the flat of their blade, in a front to back running motion. This will not allow them to move forward.
Learning how to stop
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- Last Updated on Thursday, 29 November 2012 17:21
By Diane Ness
A couple weeks ago, I discussed the skills that young skaters can learn at the mini-Mite level. Stopping is one of the first skills young skaters should learn after they have gained enough balance to push and glide. Stopping is also a skill in which we need to get really creative in our drills in order to fully engage our young skaters.
You will notice as young skaters learn how to stop they will tend to favor one side over the other. We want to develop both sides, and the sooner we can do it the better. I will give you some drills that can be done with younger skaters to help develop this skill.
The mini-Mite checklist
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- Last Updated on Thursday, 15 November 2012 17:48
By Diane Ness
As November is finally here so is the start of mini-Mite hockey. Whether you are a coach or a mom or a dad that wants to get out on the ice with your son or daughter, take along my must have checklist. Always remember at this age try and make skating and hockey fun and creative. Engage yourself into a lot of little games. Remember, everything is a contest at this age, even getting into line. So from right out of the skate shop and onto the ice, here we go ...
