5 Skating Drills Every Beginner Should Practice
Build a solid foundation on the ice with these five essential skating drills for new hockey players.
Skating is the single most important skill in hockey. Before you worry about shooting, passing, or stickhandling, you need to be comfortable on your edges. These five drills will build the foundation you need.
1. Forward Stride Laps
The most basic drill there is — and the most important. Skate laps around the rink focusing on full extension with each stride. Push to the side, not backward. Recover your foot under your body before the next push.
Focus on:
- Full knee bend on each stride
- Complete leg extension before recovery
- Arms swinging naturally, stick in one hand
- Keeping your head up
2. T-Push Starts
Start from a standstill with your feet in a T-position (one foot perpendicular behind the other). Push off the back foot and accelerate into a forward stride.
Why it matters: Every shift starts with acceleration. A strong first three strides gets you to the puck before your opponent.
3. Two-Foot Snowplow Stop
The first stop every beginner should learn. Bend your knees, turn both feet slightly inward (pigeon-toed), and apply pressure to the inside edges. You'll shave ice and come to a stop.
Common mistake: Leaning back. Stay centered over your skates with your knees bent.
4. Forward Crossovers Around the Circles
Skate around the faceoff circles using crossovers. Your outside foot crosses over the inside foot while the inside foot pushes under. This builds edge control and lateral movement.
Drill variation: Do five laps clockwise, then five counterclockwise. Both directions should feel equally comfortable.
5. Backward C-Cuts
Stand still and trace a C-shape on the ice with one foot, pushing yourself backward. Alternate feet. This is the foundation of backward skating.
Key point: The power comes from your hips and edges, not from pushing backward with your toe picks.
How to Practice
Spend 10-15 minutes on these drills at the start of every ice session. They're not glamorous, but they're the reason some players seem to glide effortlessly while others struggle to keep up.
Skating is a skill you never stop improving. Even NHL players work on their stride mechanics.