POWER SKATING
There are few sports in the world that can compare to the game of hockey. Fast, explosive, intense, complicated, and physical are just some of the terms used to define the global game. Hockey’s difficulty resides in the multi-faceted skill set needed to just play the game, let alone become an elite competitor. Aside from being able to dangle, clap top cheddar, and keep your elbows up, hockey players need to be able to skate, and skate well. Power skating is specialized training that focuses on core skills needed to be first to the puck, make a break on a stretch pass, forecheck, back-check, deke, create odd-man rushes, and taking the body. On Ice Advantage power skating lessons are focused on improving a player’s overall skating technique, speed, balance, and edge control. Unlike basic skating instruction, power skating emphasizes explosive starts, tight turns, quick stops, and efficient stride mechanics, all of which are critical for high-level performance in game situations.
By refining edge work, posture, and stride length, players become faster, more agile, and more stable on the ice—translating directly to better puck control, cardiovascular conditioning, improved positioning, and quicker transitions during play. Power skating is essential for players at all levels aiming to elevate their game, as it builds the foundation for nearly every aspect of on-ice performance. On Ice Advantage power skating lessons incorporate a game-centric mindset with every drill because understanding the application of the skill is as important as mastering the skill itself.
Take your game to the next level with On Ice Advantage power skating lessons!
WHY NOT TRAIN WITH A HOCKEY COACH?
Figure skaters are founded on edge control, precision technique, body positioning, and stride efficiency; fundamentals needed for elite level hockey players. We perform fast and immensely intricate step sequences comprised of turns, changes of edges and directions which can be the difference between being pinched against the boards and wide open shooting lanes. The skill of landing and absorbing high impact jumps requires incredible core strength, balance, and agility that enforce stability of absorbing and productively recovering from big body hits. We are masters of cardiovascular interval training with our ability to execute over 15 high-level elements in programs up to and longer than 4 minutes. Figure skaters are masters of muscle memory because they have taught their bodies to automatically perform the most difficult on-ice elements consistently, and efficiently. If you don’t have to focus on your skating, you can capitalize on the defining plays of the game.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
A skater training in power skating should always be in full gear because you can’t play a real game without it. Training in your full gear is as close to game simulation outside of a team scrimmage. Certain sessions do not allow the use of sticks and pucks but On Ice Advantage uses a multitude of training tools that mimic use of a stick, facing obstacles, and real in-game scenarios.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?
Warmup and Cooldown
Power skaters should warmup before every lesson so the body is ready to work when the lesson starts. A proper warmup includes cardio, calisthenics and stretching. Warmup should last at least 15 minutes with 10 minutes being dedicated to stretching. Ensuring the body is ready for the lesson increases productivity, muscle generation, and focus. Cooldown is also essential after practice consisting of light full-body movement and stretching. An athlete who has properly warmed up before training and cooled down after, greatly reduces the risk of injuries.
Water! Water! Water!
Always bring a sufficient supply of easily accessible water to every lesson. Hydration is important because it fuels the body and helps with muscle recovery during interval training. Make sure you find a water bottle that allows for easy consumption through a cage or shield (fishbowl) so as not to lose time having to adjust equipment.
Practice! Practice! Practice!
Practicing the skills taught in private skating lessons is critical to skill development because it helps the lesson content further register in the athlete’s skill, understanding, muscle memory, and more. Athletes need time to consume and absorb everything that can be taught in a lesson and that is a result of practicing. Athletes lose valuable development when lessons need to be retaught due to lack of practice. It should always be a goal to spend less and less time on each skill so new skills can be introduced and added to the set and to accomplish that, you need to practice.
Communication
Communication is going to be key in an athlete’s development. As a power skater, you may have a team of coaches that work with you on different aspects of the game. When you bring on a power skating coach, let them know if you have concerns about certain aspects of their skating during real games so those elements can be integrated into regular lessons. Areas of concern can be constant falling, lack of speed, lack of confidence, strong forward skating but weak backwards skating, late reactions, hesitant stopping, and more. Discuss these concerns with your power skating coach because this information contributes to the focus of their lessons moving forward.
Results
Mastering any skill with confidence takes time. There is no secret tunnel or fast track to the top. To become an elite level athlete you have to put in dedicated, focused, and consistent work. You train everyday even when you don’t want to. You learn how to shut out whatever else is happening and focus on the task at hand. You give it your all and always leave everything on the ice. There will be ups and downs, challenges and celebrations, good days and bad, but you have to remain in the fight and never give up. Working with a great coach is just as important as your passion, practice, and patience.
MAKE SMART DECISIONS
Once the passion has been ignited for skating, it is a tough fire to put out. This can lead athletes to make poor training and competition decisions when they are not physically or mentally well. When we are not at our best, we cannot produce our best. When on limited ability, injured, or sick, we should not expect that our body be able to handle the physical strain that our sport demands. Injuries and illness is going to happen and smart decisions need to be made in the short term for long-term gain. If you are injured or ill, it is always recommended that you see your doctor and get their clearance to return to the ice. If your doctor clears your return with restrictions, you need to inform your coach and adhere to those restrictions. When skaters push through injuries or illness, or do not communicate when something is wrong, they greatly increase the risk of permanent or more serious injury. Only you know your body and what it can handle! The ice will be there tomorrow and it is always better to take a few days or weeks off to rest then needing months or years to recover.
US Center for SafeSport
Coaches are required to be US SafeSport certified and attend regular trainings and re-certifications. All skaters have the right to participate, learn, grow, and skate in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that is free from all abuse, discrimination, and isolation. Any concerns regarding US Center for SafeSport policies, regulations, and guidelines should always be addressed as soon as possible through the organizations appropriate channels and local law enforcement when applicable. Please click the logo below for more information.
FOSTERING RESPECT.
ENDING ABUSE IN SPORT.
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