THE IMPORTANCE OF PIVOTING IN HOCKEY

PIVOTING

There are basically 4 types of pivots used in hockey:

1) Forward to backward (continuing in a straight line)

2) Backward to forward (continuing in a straight line)

3) Forward to backward (changing direction)

4) Backward to forward (changing direction)

Being able to transition (pivot) from forward skating to backward skating and backward skating to forward skating is critical in this game. It is important to both forwards and defenseman but it is absolutely imperative that a defenseman can pivot quickly and with fluidity. At Pro Performance Hockey we believe that one of the foundations of a great pivot is the ability to mohawk turn. We will begin our discussion on pivots with an explanation of the mohawk turn.

MOHAWK TURN. The mohawk turn is the ability to skate with both skates pointing outward. This positioning of the feet is a move that is very common in ballet. Typically a hockey player will use the inside edge of both skates at the same time. To do this move properly it takes excellent ankle flexibility along with sufficient knee bend. The torso will also have a slightly tilted angle to achieve proper balance. Great players will be able to skate at various radiuses and will also be able to skate in a straight line while having both skates pointed out. The ability to execute the mohawk turn at a high level will allow a player to perform pivots at a high level.

For the purpose this article we will discuss the following 2 pivots.

BACKWARD TO FORWARD PIVOT (straight line). This pivot is used extensively by defensemen. It can be used when retreating from the offensive end of the ice, it can be used when retrieving a puck that has been dumped in, etc. Being able to turn out both skates (mohawk turn) will greatly improve a players ability to pivot in this way. The best players will be able to pivot quickly and seamlessly and typically possess excellent hip fluidity. If you watch cornerbacks in football you will see that the best players will be able to swivel their hips to the left or right without breaking stride to keep up with extremely fast receivers. The same holds true for defenseman in hockey. If a d-man is not proficient in pivoting than they wind up giving the forward way too much space and time which, as we know, is great for the player with the puck and not so great for the defender.

FORWARD TO BACKWARD PIVOT (change of direction). This pivot is often used during transitions from offense to defense. It can also be used to “close the gap” on an opposing forward. This pivot will not involve a mohawk turn but instead use a stopping motion with a quick backward crossover to transition. We have previously talked about the best players having a great outside edge during skating. This is another case where it is absolutely imperative to drive off the outside edge of one skate while crossing over backwards with the other skate. If a defenseman has a weak outside edge it will take too long during transition to keep up with the attacking forward.

The best skills coaches know the importance of the individual parts of any skating maneuver. An attention to every detail is necessary for the player to achieve their potential.

Thank you,

PRO PERFORMANCE HOCKEY STAFF