7 Principles for Coaches: Skating

These three skating drills can be used at any age to teach this fundamental skill required for every position.

7 COACHING PRINCIPLES: Skating | Puck Control | Vision & Scanning | Deception | Creative & Dynamic | Angling | Goaltending

Skating is a fundamental skill required for every position in hockey. Speed, acceleration, agility and power are essential for forwards, defence and goaltenders alike. Without strong skating abilities, players are unable to perform to their full potential on the ice.

Importance of Skating 

Skating is not about moving up and down the ice; it plays a crucial role in maximizing puck control, passing accuracy and shooting opportunities. Strong skating allows players to separate from opponents and keep pace with the play, enabling them to create better scoring chances and make smarter decisions with the puck.

Focus on Small-Space Skating

A significant portion of the game is now being played below the goal line or along the boards, making small-space skating critical. When working on skating, players should focus on agility, balance, edge work and turning in these confined areas. These transferable skills are key to maintaining control and out-maneuvering opponents in tight situations.

Incorporating Vision & Scanning

As the pace of hockey continues to increase, developing strong vision and scanning habits are essential. Players must learn to read the ice instinctually, adapting quickly to make effective plays. Good vision paired with solid skating skills will help players stay ahead of the game and make successful decisions on the fly.

Teaching Skating at All Age Levels

Skating is the foundation upon which all other skills are built. Teaching proper skating techniques early on will help young players develop balance, agility and confidence.

Here are three drills that can be used at all ages to teach skating:

Drill #1 – Skating Agility Combinations

• Form two lines at hash marks; players perform skills down the middle of the ice and back along the boards.
• Repetitions and progressions to create deception, quick hands and puck control skills.
• Forwards and defence perform same skills.
• Goalie coach works with goalies at far end.

Forward puck control skills to be done: No puck

1. Inside edge/Inside edge hops
2. Outside edges
3. Heel-to-heel left/right
4. Heel-to-heel double pump
5. Undercut (left/right leg)
6. Backwards
7. Backwards inside edge holds
8. Backwards one crossover
9. Backwards shuffle
10. Lateral crossovers

Drill #2 – Four-Pylon Agility Forwards

• Place four pylons on the circle (use both end zones to maximize player activity).
• Players start by going around the pylons in a random fashion.
• Multiple players at the same time: one is a puck carrier and one is chasing trying to steal puck.
• Progress to having no pylons, playing keep away.
• Set up in each end to give forwards more reps.
• Finish with a shot on net.

Drill #3 – Five-Puck Agility Defence

• Place five pucks in neutral zone as shown.
• Player must skate around each of the outside pucks.
• Always come back to the middle before skating around outside pucks again, toe pointing forward during transitions.
• Progress to using pucks, adding a chaser and to removing the obstacles to make it game applicable.

The Hockey Canada Network gives coaches and players the tools to succeed with drills, skills, videos, practice plans and articles on their tablet or phone. There are over 1,500 drills and more than 100 lesson plans available.

Looking for more skills and drills? Hockey Canada frequently posts skill videos on its social channels that can be incorporated into practice plans. Search the #HCSkillsCoach and #HCGoalieCoach on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to find more drill videos to utilize on the ice.