| Here's a few tips on skating posture, stride, and | | | | the ice to push against, and creates more power. |
| balance that will make you a better skater, and a | | | | * Keep the entire blade of your skate on the ice for |
| better player. | | | | the complete length of your stride. At the end of the |
| Posture | | | | stride, stretch your working leg out behind you as far |
| Good skating habits start with good posture. Posture | | | | as you can, then snap your toe for that extra push. |
| helps balance, and balance creates power. | | | | * A lot of beginner skaters are in a rush to start the |
| * Keep your head up. | | | | next stride, so they lift their foot off the ice too early. |
| * You should be looking at the top of the boards, not | | | | This short stride produces a choppy skating style. |
| the ice directly in front of you. | | | | Bringing your leg back up quickly will help you skate |
| * Bend at your knees and ankles, not at the waist. | | | | faster, but only if you're getting the most out of every |
| * Your shoulder, knee, and the ball of your foot should | | | | stride. |
| all be lined up vertically. | | | | Balance |
| Stride | | | | * When you bring your trailing leg back up after each |
| The fastest skaters take the fewest number of | | | | stride, make sure it's positioned directly underneath you. |
| strides over the same distance. Long, powerful strides | | | | This gives you the balance you need to put as much |
| are the key. | | | | power as possible into the working leg. |
| * At the beginning of each stride, reach your foot out | | | | The extra effort you put into improving your skating |
| as far out in front of you as possible. As your foot | | | | will pay off more than any other part of your game. |
| passes along side of you, turn your toe out to the side, | | | | Work at it, and you will improve. |
| and push hard! This gives you more blade surface on | | | | |