Power Skating Stations

Drill Diagram

Description

Short station rotations (5-8m each) with different edgework focus. One coach per station, adjust station for developmental level (some combo of technique practice and race/game).
-Station1 - Backwards Skating: cross-ice practice of backwards C-cuts with proper "chair" stance (2-3 lines at a time). For advanced skaters, introduce and practice backwards crossover starts and backwards soft drags. Optional game: relay race 2 lines backwards skating (down and back).
-Station2 - Tight Turns and Pivots: setup 6 cones as shown and practice elements of tight turns (feet separated, front-leg bent using outside edge, lead turn with stick). Then practice pivots at cones starting forward, then practice pivots at cones starting backwards (hip rotation in pivots, mohawk to forwards). If time with advanced skaters, introduce spinouts (forward-to-forward transitions) and pivot escapes (pivot then tight turn cutbacks).
-Station3 - Crossovers: practice tight turn techniques around circle (together or in lines as shown). Beginners should practice inside edge (outside foot) and introduce stepover-and-hold-then-push. Advanced skaters should practice full-speed crossovers with both edges and proper shoulder lean, backwards crossovers, and transitions (always facing same end while circling). Optional game: 2 lines on opposite circle ends, coach indicates technique (forwards, backwards, or transitions) and players race around circle once in same direction to "end" ash shown and then out to next teammate in line for them to go next.
-Station4 - Fast Puck Retrieval: setup pads along boards and coach introduce puck into gaps in pads or corner for fast retrieval and drive to net. Player retrieve puck with one hand on stick and moves to next gap or corner (uses two hands only when turning or shooting). Emphasize concept of moving puck away from pressure at full-speed and angling into boards for safety. Switch to the corner at some point for both forehand and backhand retrieval. Use extra pad, small net, and/or magnetic targets if no goalie.
-Station5 - Corkscrew Freezetag: coach explains/demonstrates corkscrew skating technique (low/wide stance with heel cuts) used at higher levels typically when in tight with speed for evasiveness near offensive "homeplate" or "house". Same freezetag rules, but corkscrews only (backwards allowed). For advanced skaters, coach can introduce heel plants and soft drags. Coach should freeze players that lift skates fully off ice and adjust player quantities as needed by skill level.

Notes: Need at least 5 coaches, 6-8 pads, 6 cones, plus pucks and targets for Station4 only

Tags: quickly emphasize edgework technique, then practice or race; adjust for skill level