Attacking 8 Skate

Aug. 17, 2020 at 4:18 p.m. MDT

"Attacking 8 Skate " is a warm-up drill that will kick off your practice with many different skills and tactics. On the whistle, the first player in each line skates two complete revolutions of the figure 8, then picks up the spotted puck on the dot and attacks the goaltender. The next players in each line begin once the previous player has completed the two revolutions. Options for progressions can include a heal to heal pivot as players complete the figure 8.


Teaching Points

Tight Turns: Level shoulders versus tilting, inside foot is the steering wheel and goes around the cone first, stick on the ice and in front of the body leading the skater around the cone, weight balanced on mid-front of foot versus heals.

Heal to Heal Pivot: Attempt to bring the heals together. Balance evenly on two feet, force yourself onto those inside edges.

Net Attacks: Alternate between shot and deke each repetition. Don't give players a choice. Force them to leave their comfort zone.