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Hi, my name is Brian Mullen. I spent my whole life around the game of hockey.
Beginning with my roller hockey days in New York through my 11 seasons in the
National Hockey League. During this time I found that learning the fundamentals
of the game is essential to succeeding in this sport. And I would like to pass
along my knowledge to you. So lace up your skates,
grab your stick and learn the game of hockey online with me.
Turning
During last week's "The Hockey Clinic with Brian Mullen" we went over skating basics. We discussed the proper stance and the three step slide, glide and recovery technique. It is very important that you feel comfortable with the first lesson before moving on. As a hockey player, there are so many other things you will need to focus on throughout a game that you will not have time to think about skating. But don't worry if you are having a difficult time mastering this or any skill we will discuss because no one, not even Wayne Gretzky, were great skaters their first time on the ice. And always remember that hockey is a sport and should be fun.
You may have found when praticing the skating drill from last week that because of the rounded shape of a hockey rink, eventually you will have to turn. Luckily, that is our topic today.
The simpliest way of moving to the right or left is by the "glide turn." That is done by shifting your body weight to one side or the other to change directions. But I am here to tell you that this is not an efficient way of turning. The fast paced game of hockey requires players to be able maintain their speed while chasing the puck up and down the ice. The only sure way of doing this is by using the "crossover turn." This maneuver allows the skater to keep his or her legs moving while turning in different directions.
The crossover turn is a two-step process. First, you need to push off using the inside edge of the outside skate and "cross" the leg in front of the inside leg. Next, push under with the outside edge of the inside leg or the back leg.
- Push your inside hip into the turn, keeping your inside shoulder up.
- The outside leg, once the last stride is completed, should be
swung in front and parallel with the inside leg.
- The stride should be strong and come from the side not the back.
- Next, the inside leg should follow the same path of the outer
leg. But the push to side will come from under the body.
- Finally, bring the inside leg back under the body to its
original position along side the other leg.
- This process should be repeated until the turn is completed.
Before practing the crossover maneuver on the ice, you may want to consider performing the turn at home without skates. This will help you build confidence and get the pushing feeling from both the inside and outside edges.
Turning Drill
Figure 8's
Very often skaters learn how to use the "crossover turn" in only one direction.
One way to gain confidence turning in both direction is by using the drill
known as "Figure 8's." Using the face-off circles in either end zones of
the ice, begin by crossing over in one direction around the circle.
Once you have completed one revolution, skate over to the other circle
and practice "crossing-over" in the opposite direction. Continue this
process, remembering to shift your weight to the leg about to stride.
Next Class
I hope you enjoyed this session of "The Hockey Clinic with Brian Mullen."
The next time we get together we will discuss proper stopping techniques.
Images and information furnished by
USA Hockey.
"The Hockey Clinic with Brian Mullen" Archive
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