Keep feet moving by Steve Serdachny 02/12/2005 - A player뭩 ability to explode and pull away from his opposition is essential for high performance hockey. Explosive speed is a dynamic skill that requires refined technique, quickness, strength and balance. All these characteristics must work together like a close-knit family in order to achieve maximum performance. Players like Vincent Lecavalier, Jarome Iginla and Jay Bouwmeester all possess these attributes. They can explode away from their opposition both on and off the puck. When watching players of this calibre you must realize that they are at the pinnacle of the game and in order to get there you must learn, listen and work harder than everybody else. Understanding Mistakes When players are skating they typically lose momentum and speed with several common errors. This errors are very counter-productive to developing explosive speed. Players must maintain speed and specifically accelerate on demand in order to be totally effective. Players often make the mistake of not moving their skates enough when they are off the puck. This means they are gliding and not physically prepared to accelerate on demand. The second error is players inefficiently using their upper bodies. This is typically evident is inefficient side to side motion. This motion is not only counter-productive but drains valuable energy that could be used to pull away from your opposition or score the big goal. Speed Techniques The primary rule that players must consider in developing explosive speed is develop proper technique. Proper body position is key for efficient skating technique. This cannot be attained without professional instruction by a qualified skating coach. If a reputable skating coach is not available, you can watch television shows like Hockey Academy or buy Instructional DVDs, which can be valuable resources. Key Thoughts Something important to consider is you need to maintain a low centre of gravity from the hips down. Ensure you do not wide-track when accelerating or striding forward. This means you want your ensure your power base is available for efficient and powerful skating. Something to work on immediately is to keep your skates moving. Using momentum to your advantage is key to explosive speed. A player in motion tends to stay in motion. Stay Low to Go: When you are skating off the puck you must be ready to accelerate at all times. I always tell my students, 봜ou have to stay low to go??it is a simple idea that can dramatically improve your skating ability and speed. Drive Forward: Use your body to propel yourself in the direction of travel. Help yourself develop speed, use the energy that you work hard to create in a positive way. Eliminate side to side motion that wastes your momentum and energy. Speed Drill We are going to start with a great drive drill from my new DVD Explosive Speed for Hockey Volume 2. This drill can be practised alone or in pairs. Players will practice accelerating toward the net from various distances. In the next step, the players will add the puck with both one- and two-handed skating on the puck techniques. Make sure to practice both the Crossover and Velocity starts when accelerating. Ensure player work from various distances starting at 20 metres and working in15, 10 and 5 metre increments. You can add a partner to add a competitive dimension to the drill. Become Quicker,Stronger and Faster. Work on your skating to dominate. Practise and have some fun. (Steve Serdachny is the Skating coach for the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Roadrunners. He conducts Power Skating and Hockey Schools worldwide. His power skating and skill systems are highly effective in developing maximum performance on ice. You can catch Steve on the national television show?Hockey Academy?on the NHL Network. For more information on camps, schools and DVDs, visit www.elitepowerskating.com or call 1-877-30-SKATE)