This video breaks down the progression of teaching players how to stop effectively, emphasizing the importance of proper body positioning, gradual practice, and mastering both inside and outside edge stops.
Coaching Points:
- Body Positioning: Ensure players are in a proper hockey player position with head up, shoulders aligned, and weight on the balls of their feet before attempting a stop.
- Slow Practice: Start slow, focusing on smooth transitions into stopping with head, shoulders, and feet turning sequentially.
- Ball of the Foot Glide: Teach players to push to the side on the ball of their foot, avoiding inside edge stalls that can hinder sliding.
- One-Foot Stops: Challenge players to perform stops on one foot using inside or outside edges to improve balance and edge control.
- Stopping Drills: Use cones or markers to cue players to glide into their stops, promoting proper preparation for stopping while maintaining body control.
- Dual-Side Stops: Encourage players to practice stopping efficiently on both sides to stay engaged in the play, regardless of positioning.
