All ice hockey players must be able to stop. This article gives information on basic hockey stopping skills.
Ice hockey players must be able to stop quickly, so practicing stopping on the ice is an essential skill. Before doing advanced ice hockey stops, players should master the basic snowplow stop technique. Stops on the ice are done by using the flat part of the blade. In fact, an ice skating blade won't scrape the ice if it is on an edge; stops must be done with flats.
A useful exercise is to hold onto the rail and to practice scraping the ice to produce some snow with the blades. Both feet should be used to produce snow. Start with the feet together and push the feet apart horizontally by using the flat part of the blades. Both feet can be pushed apart at once or one foot at a time can scrape the ice. Some pressure should be applied as the blade scrapes the ice and snow should be produced as the blades push out. There should be slightly more pressure towards the front of the feet in order to produce snow. If the weight gets over the heels the player may go into the splits or fall backward.
Next move away from the ice arena's rail and continue to practice scraping the ice. After practicing this scraping technique while holding onto to the rail, move away from the rail and practice scraping the ice after doing a very slow two-foot forward glide. Next, build up some speed.
Practice these slow scraping stops over and over again. Make sure to practice scraping the ice with both feet. Players that favor stopping only with one foot will be hindered during hockey practices and during games. Bending the knees will make stops easier. Also, if a fall does occur, bending the knees will help ease the fall. Don't settle for stopping halfway. Players must be able to come to a complete halt.
Players should practice starting and stopping over and over again. It is useful to take one or two quick strides and to stop and start again and again. It may be useful for a parent or coach to blow a whistle to signal starting and stopping times. Practicing stopping will improve basic hockey stopping skills. If possible, practice stopping while skating with and without a stick. Good stopping skills will make better hockey players, so players should practice stopping on a regular basis.
