Skating forwards to backwards - facing same direction

[Hockeydog 8]

I am not sure what the offical term for this skating maneuver is, but it's where you skate forward, then pivot your feet and end up skating backwards but still facing the same direction. There is a drill where you skate straight forward to a cone, then go around the cone and skate straight back facing the scoreboard, flag etc the entire time. I suck at it so was looking for tips or maybe a link to a video. When I get to the cone I end up going into a hockey stop then try to backwards crossover around the cone. Some players I watch look like they start the turn going forward and transition backwards halfway thru. My way has me ending up at almost a full stop. Thanks for any help on this one!

[romdj 26]

If you want to practice that, just have 2 cones and 2 a figure 8 always facing in the same direction.

If you don't want to end up breaking too much, make sure your skates are sharpened, that you anticipate your pivot and most importantly, bend your knees in order to keep your edge and have a smooth transition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rpf6p99vmU0

That's my 2c, hope that helps!

[Buzz_LightBeer 969]

I grew up calling it a "Russian Circle"

Keep in mind you need the right angle of attack, depending how fast you're traveling. YouTube is your friend finding drills.

[Chadd 916]

It's hard to describe without being on the ice, but as you go into the hockey stop, transfer your weight to the outside of the cone and backwards. Make sure the stop itself isn't too quick or you will come to a complete stop before you can transition.

[romdj 26]

it's unbelievable how much you can learn by filming yourself playing.

[Speedz98 15]

To maintain momentum after making the pivot you have to cross over into your backwards stride. I may not have phrased that correctly but that's the general idea.

[romdj 26]

To maintain momentum after making the pivot you have to cross over into your backwards stride. I may not have phrased that correctly but that's the general idea.

absolutely, and your hip really has to get down low

[Chadd 916]

it's unbelievable how much you can learn by filming yourself playing.

It's a fantastic reality check too

[romdj 26]

It's a fantastic reality check too

exactly

[Hockeydog 8]

Thanks for the tips, they are all very helpful. Video is spot on what I needed. I see my mistakes! I also think I need to film myself skating/playing. I know it's gonna be ugly but the reality check Chadd mentioned will be good. I've been told I skate too upright, yet I feel like I'm getting low.

[Chadd 916]

Thanks for the tips, they are all very helpful. Video is spot on what I needed. I see my mistakes! I also think I need to film myself skating/playing. I know it's gonna be ugly but the reality check Chadd mentioned will be good. I've been told I skate too upright, yet I feel like I'm getting low.

The first time we taped a game, I kept trying to figure out why it was on slow-mo. After that, the only thing I could say was "well, at least I'm in a good position."

[romdj 26]

Thanks for the tips, they are all very helpful. Video is spot on what I needed. I see my mistakes! I also think I need to film myself skating/playing. I know it's gonna be ugly but the reality check Chadd mentioned will be good. I've been told I skate too upright, yet I feel like I'm getting low.

I've heard that as well. One time I was doing slideboard exercises and thought that I was really low, and as soon as I taped myself, I realized I was way more upright than I thought I was. Same goes for skating.

[MyBoxersSayJoe 133]

Swing the hips, sometimes people tend to concentrate solely on what the legs are doing.