Mastering the art of hockey stopping is a fundamental skill for any hockey player. This technique allows you to decelerate quickly and effectively on the ice, giving you an edge in controlling the puck and maneuvering through opponents. Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a novice just starting out, refining your hockey stop technique will significantly enhance your gameplay.
To execute a proper hockey stop, begin by skating at a steady pace. As you approach the desired stopping point, extend your outside leg forward and slightly bend your inside knee. Simultaneously, shift your weight onto the outside skate and drag your inside toe into the ice, creating friction. This will cause your body to begin decelerating. As you continue to apply pressure on the outside skate, gradually lift your inside leg off the ice and slide it forward, keeping it parallel to the outside leg. This action generates even more friction, further slowing down your momentum.
Once you have come to a complete stop, maintain your balance by keeping your legs slightly bent and your arms extended for stability. Practice this technique repeatedly to develop muscle memory and improve your coordination. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to execute hockey stops smoothly and precisely, giving you greater control on the ice and elevating your overall performance as a hockey player.
Master the Stance
The hockey stop is a fundamental skill for any hockey player. It allows you to quickly and effectively stop your momentum, giving you the ability to change direction or make a play on the puck. The first step to mastering the hockey stop is to master the stance.
The correct stance for the hockey stop is with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your weight evenly distributed. Your arms should be extended in front of you for balance and to help you control your momentum. Your head should be up and looking forward, and your back should be straight.
Here are some tips for getting into the correct stance:
– Start by standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and your weight evenly distributed.
– Extend your arms in front of you for balance.
– Look up and ahead, and keep your back straight.
– Practice holding the stance for a few seconds at a time.
– As you get more comfortable, start moving your feet slightly to simulate the motion of skating.
– Once you’re confident in your stance, you can start practicing the hockey stop.
| Stance | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Feet | Shoulder-width apart |
| Knees | Slightly bent |
| Weight | Evenly distributed |
| Arms | Extended in front for balance |
| Head | Up and looking forward |
| Back | Straight |
Execute the Butterfly Slide
The butterfly slide, or “butterfly”, is a fundamental technique in hockey goaltending. It allows goalies to cover the lower part of the net quickly and effectively. Here’s a step-by-step guide to execute the butterfly slide:
- Prepare your stance. Start in a ready position, with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold your stick in front of your body, with the blade flat on the ice.
- Push off with one foot. Extend your left leg (for right-handed goalies) or right leg (for left-handed goalies) and push off the ice. As you do this, simultaneously drop to your knees.
- Slide into position. As you push off, bring your other leg around to the side. This will create a “butterfly” shape, with your legs extended wide and your knees against the ice. Slide forward using your leg muscles to propel yourself.
- Extend your arms. As you slide, extend both arms towards the puck. Keep your palms facing forward and your elbows slightly bent.
- Block the puck. If the puck comes within range, use your stick or blocker to block it. Extend your arms fully and keep your blade as square to the puck as possible.
- Recover to the ready position. After blocking the puck or sliding to the desired position, use your leg muscles to push yourself back to a standing position. Regain your ready stance and prepare for the next shot.
Tips for the Butterfly Slide
- Maintain proper knee and hip alignment throughout the slide.
- Use a wide, exaggerated leg spread to cover more of the net.
- Keep your chest up and your eyes fixed on the puck.
- Practice regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|---|
| Legs too close together | Spread legs wider to cover more net |
| Knees too straight | Bend knees to lower the center of gravity |
| Blade not square to the puck | Keep blade flat and perpendicular to the ice |
| Puck goes under the goalie | Drop deeper into the butterfly and seal the gap |
Perfect the Push-Away
The hockey stop is an essential skill for any hockey player, allowing skaters to quickly and safely come to a stop. The first step in mastering the hockey stop is to perfect the push-away. This involves using your inside foot to push off the ice, propelling yourself forward. The push-away should be done with a quick and powerful motion, using the ball of your foot.
To practice the push-away, find a clear patch of ice and start by skating forward at a moderate speed. Once you have some momentum, push off with your inside foot and see how far you can glide. As you become more comfortable, try to push off with more power and see how quickly you can stop.
Here are some additional tips for perfecting the push-away:
Keep your knees bent. This will give you more power and stability.
Push off with your inside foot. This will help you to stop more quickly.
Use the ball of your foot. This will give you more control and power.
Practice regularly. The more you practice, the better you will get at it.
| Practice Tips | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Find a clear patch of ice | Reduces the risk of collisions |
| Start by skating forward at a moderate speed | Allows you to gradually increase your speed |
| Push off with your inside foot | Helps you to stop more quickly |
| Use the ball of your foot | Provides more control and power |
| Keep your knees bent | Increases power and stability |
Angle the Skates Effectively
Properly angling your skates is crucial for a successful hockey stop. The ideal angle varies slightly depending on your speed and the type of stop you’re attempting. Here’s a detailed guide:
- Outside Stop: For a basic outside stop, angle the outside skate blade outward at a 45-degree angle. Keep the inside skate parallel to the ice.
- Inside Stop: For an inside stop, angle the inside skate blade inward toward the center of the circle, also at a 45-degree angle. Keep the outside skate blade relatively straight.
- T-Stop: In a T-stop, angle one skate perpendicular to the other, creating a T-shape on the ice. The perpendicular skate blade should be angled at approximately 60 degrees, while the other skate blade remains parallel to the ice.
- C-Stop: For a more advanced C-stop, start with the skates angled at 45 degrees. As you push off with the inside skate, gradually angle it outward until it forms a wider curve, resembling the letter C.
- Toe Drag Stop: This advanced stop requires exceptional skill and timing. As you approach a stop, angle both skates inward slightly. Then, drag the toes of your skates along the ice, creating friction and decelerating your motion.
| Stop Type | Skate Angle | Direction of Push |
|---|---|---|
| Outside Stop | Outside skate 45° outward, inside skate parallel | Outside edge |
| Inside Stop | Inside skate 45° inward, outside skate straight | Inside edge |
| T-Stop | One skate perpendicular, other parallel | Perpendicular skate edge |
| C-Stop | Starts at 45°, then angles outward in a C-shape | Inside edge |
| Toe Drag Stop | Both skates angled inward slightly | Drag toes along the ice |
Leverage the Blocking Surface
The primary objective of the blocking surface is to maximize coverage and effectively impede the puck’s path. To achieve this, adhere to these guidelines:
- Maximize Coverage: Ensure that the blocking surface is as wide as possible to cover the maximum area of the net. Spread your legs wide and angle your pads towards the puck’s trajectory.
- Seal the Five-Hole: The five-hole, located between the legs, is a common vulnerability. Position the toe of your pads snugly against the ice to prevent the puck from slipping through.
- Butterfly Position: When facing quick shots or rebounds, drop into the butterfly position by bending your knees and bringing your pads together to form a tight seal. This minimizes the gaps between your legs and arms.
- Proper Angle: Angle your pads slightly towards the puck’s path to deflect it away from the net. Avoid facing the puck directly, as this reduces your blocking surface and increases the chance of the puck going through.
- Active Movement: As the puck moves, adjust your blocking surface accordingly. Move your pads and legs in sync to maintain coverage and prevent the puck from finding an opening.
- Effective Pad Technique: Utilize the inside of your pads to absorb the impact of the puck. This creates a larger and more stable surface, reducing the chances of the puck bouncing or slipping past.
| Blocking Surface Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Spread legs wide | Maximal coverage |
| Seal five-hole | Prevent pucks from passing between legs |
| Butterfly position | Minimize gaps and deflect pucks away from net |
| Angle pads towards puck | Deflect shots and reduce chances of pucks going through |
| Active movement | Follow puck’s trajectory and adjust blocking surface accordingly |
| Use inside of pads | Creates a stable and effective blocking surface |
Time the Save
Timing the save is crucial for executing an effective hockey stop. Here’s how to do it:
- Read the puck’s trajectory: Observe the puck’s path, speed, and angle to anticipate its direction.
- Position yourself: Place yourself in the path of the puck, allowing time to react and adjust.
- Drop to your knees: Bend your knees to lower your center of gravity and enhance stability.
- Extend your leg: Raise the leg closest to the puck, extending it towards the ice.
- Swing your leg: Sweep your leg across the ice in a semi-circular motion, aiming to make contact with the puck.
- Angle your pad: Position your pad to deflect the puck away from the net, angling it slightly downwards.
- Use the blocker: If the puck is moving too high for your pads, use your blocker to intercept it, guiding it away from danger.
- Follow through: Continue the leg motion after contact, ensuring the puck is cleared away securely.
Timing is the key to success here. The ideal time to initiate the stop is just before the puck reaches your leg extension, allowing you to intercept it without hesitation. Good timing also involves anticipating the puck’s speed and angle, enabling you to adjust your positioning and leg action accordingly.
Here’s a helpful table to summarize the timing steps:
| Timing Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Read the puck’s trajectory | Observe the puck’s path, speed, and angle to anticipate its direction. |
| Position yourself | Place yourself in the path of the puck, allowing time to react and adjust. |
| Drop to your knees | Bend your knees to lower your center of gravity and enhance stability. |
| Extend your leg | Raise the leg closest to the puck, extending it towards the ice. |
| Swing your leg | Sweep your leg across the ice in a semi-circular motion, aiming to make contact with the puck. |
| Angle your pad | Position your pad to deflect the puck away from the net, angling it slightly downwards. |
| Use the blocker | If the puck is moving too high for your pads, use your blocker to intercept it, guiding it away from danger. |
| Follow through | Continue the leg motion after contact, ensuring the puck is cleared away securely. |
Recover and Reset
Once you’ve executed the hockey stop, it’s important to recover and reset your position quickly to anticipate the next play. Here’s a step-by-step guide to recovering and resetting:
- Transfer your weight back: Shift your weight to your back foot, pushing through your heel to regain balance.
- Glide forward: Use the momentum from the stop to glide forward a few steps, keeping your feet wide apart for stability.
- Bend your knees: Lower your upper body by bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
- Extend your arms: Reach your arms forward for balance and to prepare for the next play.
- Look up: Keep your head up and scan the ice to assess the situation.
- Be ready to react: Anticipate the potential next move and be prepared to react quickly.
- Maintain a good stance: Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and stick on the ice ready for action.
- Follow the play: Continuously monitor the flow of the game and adjust your position accordingly.
By following these steps, you can effectively recover from the hockey stop and maintain a strong position to contribute to your team’s success.
Train Footwork and Flexibility
Footwork and flexibility are essential for effective hockey stops. Here’s a detailed guide to train these crucial aspects:
Footwork Drills
1. Side-to-Side Skaters: Practice moving side-to-side quickly, mimicking the movement of a hockey player in the butterfly position.
2. Forward-to-Backward Skaters: Transition smoothly between forward and backward skating, simulating the push-off motion.
3. Crossover Starts: Focus on powerful crossovers to accelerate from a standstill into a glide.
Flexibility Exercises
1. Hamstring Stretch: Sit with legs extended in front and lean forward, reaching towards your toes.
2. Calf Stretch: Stand with feet flat on the ground, step forward with one leg, and bend your front knee, keeping your heel on the ground.
3. Hip Flexor Stretch: Kneel on one leg, step forward with the other, and push your hips forward while keeping your back straight.
4. Groin Stretch: Sit with legs spread apart, bend forward from the hips, and reach your arms towards your toes.
5. Butterfly Stretch: Sit with soles of your feet together and press your knees towards the ground.
6. Quad Stretch: Stand with one leg behind, bend your front knee, and grab your foot with your hand.
7. Ankle Dorsiflexion Stretch: Sit with legs extended, pull your toes towards your shin, and use a resistance band to gently increase the stretch.
8. Plantar Fascia Stretch: Stand with feet flat on the ground, roll your feet back and forth, and press down on the balls of your feet.
9. Comprehensive Flexibility Routine: To enhance flexibility in multiple areas, follow the table below:
| Exercise | Hold Time | Sets |
|---|---|---|
| Hamstring Stretch | 30 seconds | 3 |
| Calf Stretch | 20 seconds | 4 |
| Hip Flexor Stretch | 25 seconds | 3 |
| Groin Stretch | 30 seconds | 2 |
| Butterfly Stretch | 60 seconds | 1 |
Practice Consistently
10. Focus on repetition and muscle memory: Hockey stopping is a highly technical skill that requires precise timing and muscle coordination. Consistent practice is crucial for developing the necessary muscle memory and coordination to execute the stop effectively. Aim for regular practice sessions where you focus on performing the technique repeatedly, paying attention to proper form and body mechanics. By repeating the movement numerous times, you’ll strengthen the neural pathways and create ingrained muscle patterns that will help you perform the stop seamlessly during game situations.
Establishing a regular practice routine is essential for developing proficiency and confidence in hockey stopping. Consider incorporating the following elements into your practice plan:
| Practice Frequency | Aim for at least 3-4 practice sessions per week, with each session lasting approximately 30-60 minutes. |
|---|---|
| Practice Duration | Focus on quality over quantity. Dedicate 10-15 minutes of each practice session to specifically working on hockey stopping technique. |
| Drill Progression | Gradually increase the difficulty of your drills as you improve. Start with stationary puck stops and progress to moving puck stops and eventually incorporate game-like situations. |
| Video Analysis | Record yourself practicing and analyze the footage to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your body position, balance, and overall technique. |
By following these guidelines and committing to consistent practice, you’ll significantly improve your hockey stopping abilities and enhance your overall performance on the ice.
How To Hockey Stop
To perform a hockey stop, you will need to:
- Bend your knees and widen your stance so that your feet are shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your back straight and your head up.
- Push off with your outside leg and simultaneously bring your inside leg forward.
- As your inside leg comes forward, plant your toe on the ice and push down with your heel.
- Continue to push down with your heel until you come to a stop.
It is important to practice this technique regularly in order to improve your balance and coordination. Once you have mastered the basic hockey stop, you can begin to experiment with different variations, such as the backhand stop and the crossover stop.
People Also Ask
What is the most effective way to stop in hockey?
The most effective way to stop in hockey is to perform a hockey stop. This technique allows you to stop quickly and efficiently without losing your balance.
How can I improve my hockey stop?
You can improve your hockey stop by practicing regularly and by experimenting with different variations. Once you have mastered the basic technique, you can begin to add your own personal style.
What are some common mistakes people make when performing a hockey stop?
Some common mistakes people make when performing a hockey stop include:
- Bending their knees too much
- Not keeping their back straight
- Not pushing off with enough force
- Not planting their toe on the ice correctly
