Skating technique question

[martywest 0]

I know that technique questions have been covered in depth on this forum, but every situation seems a bit unique. I've just started playing mens league hockey. I used to skate pond hockey when I was in college, but that was more than 15 years ago. My skating is coming along pretty good, with the exception of stopping leadng with my right leg. I can feel my self getting more comfortable with left over right crossovers, backwards, backwards crossovers both directions, and stopping with my left foot forward. However, I'm still struggling with stopping leading with my right foot. I can stop that way, but I just do not feel comfortable with it, and I'm not confident enough to use it too much in game situation because I'm afraid I'll fall. When I stop left foot forward, I can feel both skates stopping, with only a slight difference in the front doing a little more of the work. However, stopping right foot forward, I can feel about 90 -95% right (front) foot doing the work. That is where the lack of confidence in stopping on this side stems from. Can anyone shed some light on the subject or offer any tips that can help.

[biff44 0]

Dude, just keep practicing.

The only things that could hold back your stopping are if you have a weak ankle on one side, or if you have skates that are too big and wobble about as you try to do any edge work. Barring that, it is just a feel you have to learn by practice.

[DamnLocust 0]

next time you have open ice or a stick and puck, just try to work on applying even pressure on both skates. Like biff said above, practice is really the only way to get this down.

Everyone has a strong side for cutting/stopping, it's the ones who work on their weak sides that come out as the really good skaters.

[B-Nads 0]

I agree - I have always been stronger on my right foot, but I worked at it a lot and got things balanced out well. After smashing my left ankle pretty badly a couple years ago, I have tended back towards a right foot dominance. Practice.

[trox_355 0]

Same thing...practice. If you have the right technique in mind, just keep doing it until it comes easier. I've been working on the same stop myself (left foot forward) for the past two weeks and was finally able to actually use it at a stick & puck today.

[SirJW 207]

Consider taking a power skating lesson next time they are in you area, it's usually a little pricey but IMO worth every penny.

[Sven 1]

Dude, just keep practicing.

Thats it... maybe its not the advice that you were looking for and it does sound very odd, but thats all you can say.

When i started i also was pretty bummed when people said "Just skate." but if you really want it, and i mean REALLY you can do it. I know that it sounds like in some sort of B-Movie but thats just the way it is.

Good luck, my friend.

[sonsplayhockey 0]

Your opposite most people. Most people feel comfortable doing everthing to the left (right leg leads stop).

More you do it, more you'll be comfortable. I still stop to the left during non-game situations. In a game, I don't think about it and stop in the direction needed. Stand up, and put weight on your left leg, then start pushing your right leg straight to the side. (Shaving ice). Get comfortable on it and shave more and more ice, gradually putting more weight instead on the right leg as you push. Take one stride then push out with that right leg. Do it gradually and keep doing it. Work on your stopping for an hour during a public session starting out slow and you'll become more comfortable. Don't try it full speed at first, just short strides, stop, stride, stop.

[pisani34 10]

i've got the same problem here as this is basically the first year i've ever taken up hockey as something more than going to my local outdoor rink once a month, i've got basically all the same abilities as you, but i can't do the left foot forward stop, it just seems like my right foot does not want to shave the ice using the outside edge, and its all because its in my head. I try to make it to as many free open ice skates to just work on that one thing because hey, thats all i really can do is practise

[xMenace 0]

Try putting the weight more toward your heels.

[RadioGaGa 162]

Try putting the weight more toward your heels.

I thought the rule of thumb was turn on your heels, stop with your toes?

[trox_355 0]

Stopping on your toes is the same thing I've heard. It's hard to think about it when you're learning, but once you get the technique down, it's easier to put in practice so you can get better.

Martywest,

It sounds like you've got the idea down. If you're unweighting your skates before you flip directions, it's just a matter of keeping the edges parallel with the ice before you put your weight down again. If you can stop already on one foot, it's just a matter of practice before your confidence kicks in and you can start using the outside edge of the trailing skate.

[evor1 6]

anyone know how i can help practicing one footed outside edge stops. im starting to get the hang of it with my right foot but my left is much harder for me. is there any other skills i can do that will indirectly help with this.

[GSHL99 0]

Here's what you do:

Stand at the goal line facing the opposite side of the rink. Start skating and get going at a quick rate. When you reach the red line stop with your right foot forward. You'll do it because you'll let your body's muscle memory take over and ignore your mind's questioning of your abilities.

[bulletproof_funk 0]

anyone know how i can help practicing one footed outside edge stops. im starting to get the hang of it with my right foot but my left is much harder for me. is there any other skills i can do that will indirectly help with this.

I'll admit it took me a while to stop on the outside edges well with both feet, still a bit better at one than the other but anyways... I found it helped to just not be apprehensive about falling or whatever. Just keep your leg bent, relax your upper body so you don't tense up and stand up just as you're about to go into a stop, and just "sink" your weight into your stop. That, and play around with your centre of gravity over your foot. I too put more weight on the middle to toe of the blade as I'm digging in.