HOW IS YOUR OUTSIDE EDGE?

EDGEWORK

There are two edges along the length of each hockey skate blade. The inside edge and the outside edge. When a player leans to the right or left they end up cutting into the ice with the edges of their skate blades. The force into the ice and angle of each edge will allow a player to control their path on the ice. Players that can apply more force and angle with their blades can create one of the most critical elements to success in the game of hockey. SPACE AND TIME

In our clinics we explain, to every player, the importance of edge control. Our players know that if they can get their legs at a 45+ degree angle to the ice when making a hockey maneuver they will be able to create space from an opponent. Easier said than done. Space equals time in this game and time allows a player to make more plays and better plays.

A players inside edges are relatively easy to control. However, the outside edges are a whole different story. Outside edges are extremely difficult to control because when a player leans the center of gravity of the body is outside the skates. The further a player leans the further the center of gravity moves outside the skates. This is a most uncomfortable feeling for many players. The player that can control their outside edge while leaning to extreme angles has a distinct advantage. This type of extreme angle control takes a great deal of proper training. In this article we will discuss a couple of the most critical edgework moves needed to be a great hockey player.

TIGHT TURNS. During the course of a hockey game a player will perform dozens, if not hundreds, of tight turns. All of these turns will need to be performed at various radiuses. If a player is attempting to escape from an opponent, a tight turn might be a good option. If the players turn radius is better (tighter) than their opponents than they create time and space. If their turn radius is worse (bigger) than their opponents than that player loses space and therefore time. There have been many successful hockey players at the highest levels that may not have been the fastest skaters on the ice but they were successful because they controlled their edges better than their opponents. Our strong advice is to not underestimate the need for a great outside edge!!

CROSSOVERS. A study was taken several years ago that determined the top NHL hockey players performed more crossovers while carrying the puck during a game than the average NHL player. The top players like Patrick Kane, Sidney Crosby, Nate McKinnon, etc. had a crossover ratio of 3 to 1. This means that on average these players performed one crossover for every 3 strides taken. The average NHL player had a crossover ratio of 14 to 1. This means these players only averaged one crossover every 14 strides. It is very clear that adding more crossovers while carrying the puck makes a player infinitely more dangerous. Ask any defenseman who they would rather face, a player that just skates straight or a player that can move laterally as well. The biggest issue with most players crossovers is that even while performing a crossover they aren’t moving laterally enough. A player must be taught how to drive their non-crossover skate deeply under the body to create sufficient lateral movement. To be able to drive this skate under the body far enough the player must have excellent control of their outside edge.

At Pro Performance Hockey we work diligently on each players outside edge control which allows for excellent tight turns and crossovers. We help them understand the importance and work ethic needed to gain just a few feet of space on the ice. We have all heard that sports can be a game of inches. We teach our players through our innovative drills and techniques to gain the advantage of time and space.

Thank you,

PRO PERFORMANCE HOCKEY STAFF