“Tips for Skating Speed and Agility”
Continuing with our want to answer a bunch of questions that have accumulated from our Ask The Coach area, I’m excited to address a great one from a coach named “Chuck” from the West Coast of the USA…
~ Dennis C
Improving skating speed and agility is a game-changer for high school hockey players looking to dominate on the ice. As a head coach in Washington, USA, focusing on these skills can elevate your team’s performance, making them faster, sharper, and more competitive. With the right training techniques and consistent practice, your players can develop the explosive power, quick direction changes, and stamina needed to out-skate their opponents. So, let’s dive into some practical, engaging ways to boost skating speed and agility that are perfect for high school athletes.
One might notice that I had the lead skater up above holding a stick in each hand. That’s a very old trick, used even in the NHL, to help control and sync a player’s arm pumps.
First, mastering proper skating technique is essential for speed. Encourage your players to maintain a deep knee bend during strides, as this position generates more power and allows for stronger pushes off the ice. Long, full strides are another key to covering more ice efficiently, reducing the number of strides needed to reach top speed. Don’t overlook arm movement either — coordinated arm swings help maintain balance and add momentum. By practicing these fundamentals during every training session, your players will build a strong foundation for faster skating. (I tend to use this training every time we take to the ice, by incorporating them into our pre-practice and pre-game warmups.)
Edge work is another critical area for agility. Drills that focus on inside and outside edges help players sharpen their ability to turn tightly and change direction without losing speed. Set up simple edge-focused exercises, like weaving around cones or practicing tight turns, to build confidence and control. These drills mimic game situations where quick pivots are crucial, ensuring your team stays agile under pressure. (Don’t forget that slow, controlled edge drills are best for beginners and intermediates, but will tend to slow older players. So, for older players, short and quick drills are best.)
Off-ice training can also make a huge difference. Plyometric exercises like box jumps and lateral bounds build explosive power, which translates directly to faster starts and quicker strides on the ice. Incorporate these into your weekly routine to strengthen leg muscles and improve acceleration. Similarly, core strength and balance exercises, such as planks or Russian twists, enhance stability, helping players stay upright and agile during fast-paced plays.
On-ice interval training is a fantastic way to boost both speed and endurance. Design drills where players sprint at maximum effort for short bursts, followed by brief rest periods. This mimics the stop-and-go nature of hockey, building the stamina needed to maintain speed throughout a game. You can also add resistance tools — like parachutes or bands — to skating drills to challenge players and improve their acceleration.
Finally, consistency is key. Regular practice of these techniques (again, use them in warmups), combined with video analysis to fine-tune form, will lead to noticeable improvements over time. Encourage your players to stay dedicated, both during team practices and in their own time. By focusing on skating speed and agility, you’re equipping your high school hockey team with the skills to outmaneuver opponents and excel on the ice. Keep the energy high, and watch your players soar this season.
