Hockey drill

Skating: Stops and Direction Changes

A diagonal skating circuit to work on full two-foot stops, changes of direction and explosive starts, on both edges. For U9, U11/U12 and U13 players.

Category: Skills and tactics
Levels: U9 · U11/U12 · U13

Hockey drill diagram: Skating: Stops and Direction Changes

skating

How it runs

This is what your players need to understand before the puck moves.

Line up players in one corner of the rink.

1. The first player accelerates diagonally toward the blue line on the opposite side.

2. The player performs a complete two-foot stop, pivots, and quickly accelerates toward the opposite side of the center line.

3. The player repeats the stop-and-start sequence, then continues toward the far blue line and opposite corner.

4. Once the first player reaches center ice, the next player starts.

Key Points

- Accelerate quickly during the first three strides.

- Come to a complete stop before changing direction.

- Use both skate edges and practice stopping on both sides.

- Keep knees bent and maintain a low center of gravity.

- Focus on explosive starts after each stop.

Variations

- At the halfway point, drop to both knees, complete a 360° rotation, and accelerate forward.

- Add a 360° jumping rotation.

- Jump over a stick placed on the ice or duck under an elevated stick, depending on its height.

Coach Steve's take

Stops are what separate a skater who runs from a skater who controls. A player who can stop on both edges changes direction whenever he wants, and you can see it in games. Practice both sides, even if one is harder. The variations, like the 360° spin, make the drill fun. Save them for the end: clean stops first, show second.