wetwilly17 6 Report post Posted February 7, 2008 i'm 29 and i've been playing nothing but beer league hockey for the last 7 years, so i don't have any coaches to help me out (and i don't want to pay for lessons). basically i've always felt that when i skate forward in a straight line, i don't thrust as hard with my left leg. it don't have the problem doing crossovers or skating backwards. i'm sure if i could improve on this, i'd gain a little speed and acceleration.however, i'm confused about how to improve. all my friends say i have a really nice stride and good mechanics. they can't see any problem. but i can feel it...slightly. whenever i try to emphasize using my left leg, i don't feel as fluid. i've checked and i believe my left leg is a mirror image of my right leg so its not a physical issue.is this a common problem such as how most people feel a little more comfortable stopping on one side compared to the other side? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jordan 13 Report post Posted February 7, 2008 It would be really hard to address without seeing you skate. If you could post a video, I am sure that there are people here who could make some reasonable suggestions.BTW, if you did have a small leg length discrepancy (very common) you wouldn't likely be able to tell by looking in the mirror. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wetwilly17 6 Report post Posted February 7, 2008 i'll see if i can find someone that video'd one of our games. however, i don't think its anything that can be seen. i've asked several people to watch me to see if they can see anything, but noone can.i didn't mean that i actually looked at my legs in the mirror. what i meant was that i compared the lengths, foot size, foot/ankle orientation, knee orientation, etc... and the two legs appear to be mirror images of each other.i guess i was mainly wondering if this sensation was common, such as having a stronger stopping side. or if there is anything i can do about it other than lots of skating. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ktang 34 Report post Posted February 7, 2008 Maybe your skate blades' profiles don't match up 100%? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wetwilly17 6 Report post Posted February 7, 2008 Maybe your skate blades' profiles don't match up 100%?nope, i've already checked that. i guess i'll try to get a video to see what the experts say. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hockeydoc 0 Report post Posted February 8, 2008 It is quite normal to have a strong side, and a week side. If others say it is not noticeable to them it may only be in your head. Which is normal as well.I always have had a strong side, but with experience I've learned to skate properly with both sides, but I still feel more confident with one over the other.At practices and Pick up I go out of my way to work on my seek side to not only improve basic skill, but to psycologically feel secure with both legs...I hope that makes sence and helps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
krwwc6 0 Report post Posted February 8, 2008 I completely agree with hockeydoc. When I played competitively I never noticed any dominant side, but now, I feel much more comfortable with crossovers one way as compared to another when it comes to turning. Going straight I don't notice any differences though. . . . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
