Cookbook for Better Skating

By Robby Glantz

[This is a really good article on ice hockey skating basics by a guy who really knows how to explain technique. Adult beginners like me need to keep this in mind all the time. Don’t be undone by the recipe theme. — Bubu]

As many of you who read this column regularly know, I constantly stress the need to make checklists and routines to follow in order to improve your skating. Therefore, I have decided to put an overall skating checklist together for you—the common themes for better skating that work no matter what maneuver you are performing—of the most important things to remember for better overall skating. Let’s just call it “Robby’s Skating Cookbook,” if you will, and I will even include the technique. Check out the following recipes:

Meat and Potatoes Dishes

Bend at the Knees. This is the number one most important skill needed for better skating. The lower you bend your knees, while keeping your back straight, the better everything becomes. For example, you will be able to stretch your pushing leg more for better extension on the forward and backward strides, your balance will improve, as will your power and control on your skates, etc. A good rule of thumb that I use for how low to bend, is that with knee pads on, the knees should be about two inches out over the toes of the skates.