Many practices start with players lined up in lines on the goal line to work on skating and edge work fundamentals: long strides, inside edges, outside edges, c-cuts, etc.
While I support the idea of regularly working on fundamental skating drills, sometimes it's nice to change it up for the players and kick up the tempo with Overspeed drills. The Overspeed drills can include core edgework fundamentals, but the pace of the Overspeed drills gets players playing fast and engaged right off the bat. We want players to practice as they play, and the game is fast, so getting them in some Overspeed drills off the bat sets the tempo for the rest of the practice. In these drills, we want players up on their edges and moving their feet fast to increase their speed and agility.
Below are a few Overspeed drills to kick off practice and boost players' energy.
The order of the drills does not necessarily matter; we leave that up to your discretion. Special thanks to Ice Hockey Systems and their drill maker app that allows for easy drill visualization creation. It's an excellent site for both free and paid applications.
Neutral Zone 4 dots
I love this drill because it gets players playing fast and works on the inside edges, outside edges, and agility all in one drill. It requires players to get up on their edges and move their feet quickly.
As illustrated in the image below, line the players up in the corner and have them skate with pace around the four neutral zone dots. To keep players from cutting corners, I like to put tires (or cones) on the dots. This drill is to be performed at top speed, so players should skate hard as they approach the first dot (tire). It is also important to get players to pick up their feet quickly on their crossovers (agility) as they circle the dots. Upon completing the drill, run it back. Completing two rotations of the drill will ensure each player gets a rep on their inside and outside edge.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
3 Circle Edge Skate
In this drill, we focus on hitting both the inside and outside edges and that transition from one to the other. Again, these drills focus on getting the feet moving fast.
As illustrated in the image below, line the players up in the corner and have them skate with pace around the two circles in the zone. Ensure players stay on the outer circle line, so they don't cut corners. After hitting the end of the 2nd circle and heading to the center ice dot, they should go full speed with long strides. Again quick feet and up on their edges as they go 1/2 way around the center ice dot. Players should finish the drill with top speed, long strides into the goal line.
Repeat the drill by starting in the corner they finish.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
2 Circles with 3 quick diagonal crossovers
This drill works inside and outside edges but then incorporates quick feet and diagonal crossovers (also referred to as linear crossovers).
As illustrated in the image below, line the players up in the corner and have them skate with pace around the two circles in the zone. As they come off the 2nd circle, have them take three forward (diagonal crossovers) to the left and then to the right. They continue with those diagonal crossovers down the ice. There is no traditional stride; it's all three crosses left and three right down the ice.
This drill is excellent for agility building and helps players develop quick feet and change of direction skills.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Pure Speed
This drill works inside and outside edges but then incorporates long strides and long speed.
As illustrated in the image below, line the players up in the corner and have them skate with pace around the two circles in the zone. As they come off the 2nd circle, it's a pure sprint into the goal line.
In this drill, we want players to focus on speed and extending their stride length.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Adding these Overspeed drills into your practices can still accomplish your edgework and skating objectives. You also provide the players with a change of pace and give them game-speed-orientated drills that will benefit them in the long run.
To add a progression to these drills, add a puck. However, ensure the players aren't overhandling the puck and letting their legs do most of the work.
Happy Skating!
Coach Kevin
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