This video demonstrates the "Crosby Turn" or heel-to-heel turn, focusing on opening up the hips to maintain puck protection, create time and space, and apply deceptive movements in-game situations.
Coaching Points:
- Emphasize Hip Flexibility and Inside Edge Control: Encourage players to keep toes pointed outward, engaging both inside edges to maintain control and smooth transitions.
- Add Deceptive Head and Stick Movements: Players should turn their head and angle their stick as if preparing for a pass or shot, increasing the effectiveness of the fake.
- Stay Low with Shoulders Over Knees: Maintaining a low stance with balanced weight ensures stability and enhances mobility through the turn.
- Apply in Situational Drills: Practice turns in realistic settings, like puck retrievals on the wall or faking a cycle, to improve adaptability in-game.
- Protect the Puck While Turning: Ensure the puck remains on the outside of the body and away from the defender’s reach while executing the turn, reinforcing puck security.
These tips help players develop quick and controlled directional changes that add layers of deception, making it challenging for defenders to predict their next move.
