Hockey, baseball, football, basketball, tennis, golf, swimming, running - What Ever - all sports are the same! What I mean by this is that all sports share the same fundamental principles of force application (power).The principles are identical! The way forces are applied are different in and specific to each sport.
The Principles:
Look at a pitcher to understand the above components.A pitcher's wind-up is a perfect example of an athlete coiling to spring. The release and follow through exemplify properly timed force application.The result is a ball that travels with lightning speed.
Skating is no different. Every push in skating requires the same components:
Skating has one more requirement which may not be necessary in other sports -leg recovery or return. This means that the pushing leg must return to a position centered under the body weight to prepare for the next push.
These four basic components must be executed correctly and timed exacly in order to generate power or speed. Because skating motions are not natural they must be learned. Too many skaters just "go out there and skate" and pick up bad habits which must then be un-learned and re-learned. Not easy.
Today's hockey is all about Speed. If young players hope to eventually compete at a high level of hockey, skating technique and power (speed) generation should be their number one priority.
by Laura Stamm,