In this video, we share proper edging techniques. These are the SAME techniques we train our NHLers with. Using these simple adjustments will have you skating like the pros skate. Try these next time you’re on the ice.
What are the Edges on my Hockey Skates?
If you look at the blade of your hockey skate, you will notice a concave, called a hollow, in the middle of the blade with two edges. You have your inside edge on the inside of your boot, and the outside edge on the outside of your boot. We are standing on our inside edges when we have our boots turned in, and we are standing on our outside edges when we have our boots turned out. Standing in the middle of our blades means we are in a neutral position. These edges help us with any hockey skating skill that we use, from skating in a straight line to turning, or stopping.
What is a Rocker on our Skate?
When you look at a hockey skate, you will notice that the ends at the front and the back of your blade are not flat, rather they are rounded. This is called a contour or a rocker system and it helps stop you from toe-picking into the ice, which would cause you to fall. If you want more information on contouring and rocker systems, check out this article from Source for Sports – “Speed Theory – Are You Off Your Rocker?“.
Want to connect and share ideas with other hockey coaches from around the world? Join our Minor Hockey Coaches Group on Facebook, which has coaches from Canada, the United States, Europe and even Australia.
Are you looking for help to practice more of your skills? Check out the rest of our videos here.
