This video presents a glide turn drill focused on helping young players maintain balance, proper body alignment, and edge control, with progressions that incorporate puck handling, passing, and speed increases.
Coaching Points:
- Two Feet on the Ice: Emphasize keeping both feet on the ice, with the inside foot slightly ahead to maintain balance.
- Head and Shoulder Lead: Players should lead with their head and shoulders, initiating turns by looking in the direction they want to go.
- Stick Position: Keep the stick out in front to aid control and balance, avoiding the habit of dragging it behind.
- Edge Control: Encourage players to glide with weight over their edges—inside foot on its outside edge, outside foot on its inside edge.
- Add a Crossover for Speed: As players gain confidence, incorporate a crossover after each glide turn to help build speed into transitions.
- Focus on Under-handling: For puck control, keep the puck on the backhand without constant stick handling to focus on body positioning and turn control.
