Need Ice Skating Advice!

[canadaski]

I'm probably the shittiest canadian ever.:D I never played hockey and now I'm thinking I'd like to start.

Anyway, I bought some skates on sunday and went skating with a friend that's played hockey for about 10 years. Wow, i was truly impressed by his skill. He's a really nice person so he didn't laugh at my helmet and falls.

I went over to the local rink that night and last night to practice and have finally got crossovers down and almost have the power stop.


What moves do I need to learn after these? I'm interested in power skating and all the cool moves, I might work on them over the summer and play recreational hockey next winter.
What's the best way to work on edge control?
When I do the crossovers, sometimes the skates start slipping. How do I fix this?
I've been told my knees should be bent all the time, does this give you more control?

[hockeykid19]

Hey dude I've been playing hockey since I was 4 and played Junior A hockey the beginning of this year.

Best way to work on your edge control is just cross overs around the circles or simply put 2 cones or gloves down about 10 feet apart and do a figure 8.

As for the the skate slipping when you're crossing over that's just because you need more work on your edges and in time this will go away. Make sure you're skates are sharp enough as well.

Keeping your knees bent at all time just makes you a lot stronger on your skates and gives you way more balance. Imagine standing straight up without skates on and someone pushes you. Then do the same thing but with your knees bent and you'll understand how much harder it will be for that person to push on you. When your knees are bent on the ice you have a lot more power when skating and a lot better balance.

Just keep practicing and the more you're on the ice the more comfortable you'll become. Hope this helps dude let me know if you have any other questions :)

[Thanatos]

Definitely everything he said, I never tried for Juniors so he's got me beat on the experience level. Anyways for Edges do Exaggerated Crossovers, basically crossovers in a figure 8 or around a circle, but try to cross as far as you possibly can. The more you do this, the more innate taking bigger crossovers will become.

Also before you get into all the technical stuff, have your friend watch your basic stride. Thats where a lot of people screw up and if you don't fix that it will be detrimental to all your other skills.

The slipping will stop with Ankle Strength, Edge Control and sharp blades

ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS keep your knees bent. Standing up straight is the enemy of skating power. :P

[CollegeHockey]

yeah these guys know what they are talking about. I had to teach myself how to play last spring, Everything they said is good advice. New learner tip that I found to be important, is push yourself. Falling can help you understand your limits and push them, it may look embarrassing but its not when your working hard at it.

[canadaski]

Falling can help you understand your limits and push them

Yeah, the last time I remember skating years ago, people would show me how to do everything but I was afraid to try it and fall. I don't have that fear now and even though I've got some bruised up bodyparts, I feel like I'm making an inch of progress.

Would it be a bad idea to go out every night and practice or should I allow time in between?

[hockeykid19]

Yeah, the last time I remember skating years ago, people would show me how to do everything but I was afraid to try it and fall. I don't have that fear now and even though I've got some bruised up bodyparts, I feel like I'm making an inch of progress.

Would it be a bad idea to go out every night and practice or should I allow time in between?

No way dude skate as much as you can unless you feel too sore to go skate. Definitely get on the ice as much as you can :)

[canadaski]

No way dude skate as much as you can unless you feel too sore to go skate. Definitely get on the ice as much as you can :)

Thanks for the tips. I was out today and something just clicked with the crossovers, my balance and edging all of a sudden got better.

What's it called when people do that spinny thing and then change direction quickly? When is the best time to try skating backwards?

[hockeykid19]

I have no idea what people call that to be honest but learning to skate backwards I would just start whenever you feel comfortable enough on your skates. Remember skating backwards you don't want to lean forward you're gonna want to sit back and bend your knees just like skating forward. All I can say is the more you practice the better you'll become and the more comfortable you're going to be on your skates and there really isn't a "best time" to start trying to skating backwards just go for it :)

[canadaski]

I have no idea what people call that to be honest but learning to skate backwards I would just start whenever you feel comfortable enough on your skates. Remember skating backwards you don't want to lean forward you're gonna want to sit back and bend your knees just like skating forward. All I can say is the more you practice the better you'll become and the more comfortable you're going to be on your skates and there really isn't a "best time" to start trying to skating backwards just go for it :)

Haha, sorry. I meant what is it called when people all of a sudden transition from skating forwards to backwards or vice versa?

Also, how much does it cost to get hockey gear and what kind of equipment would I need? Are there any leagues for beginners of my age? Could I maybe join a rec league in the 2012-2013 season?

[hockeykid19]

Ohh okay they just call that a pivot.

Not gonna lie gear is pretty expensive. You're gonna need everything from helmet, gloves, pants, shoulder pads, elbow pads, jock, shin guards, skates, and stick. I think that covers everything :) I know at my rink they have all levels of adult leagues from rookie to elite so you can definitely play in the 12-13 season. You're gonna have to talk to the people at your rink to see how it works there but I know here they have 4 different seasons during the year and anyone can sign up. Hope this helps :)