How To Do A Hockey Stop Infographic
If you want to learn how to do a hockey stop effectively, follow these five crucial steps:
1. Bend your knees: To initiate a hockey stop, begin by bending your knees to get low to the ice. This will provide stability and control while executing the stop.
2. Shift your weight: Next, shift your weight onto your front leg while keeping the other leg slightly back. This weight distribution will allow you to control the stop and maintain balance.
3. Turn your hips and shoulders: As you shift your weight, turn your hips and shoulders towards the direction you want to stop. This motion helps to create the necessary friction between your skate and the ice surface.
4. Dig into the ice: Once you have shifted your weight and turned your hips and shoulders, dig the inside edge of your back skate into the ice. The deeper you dig, the quicker and more effective the stop will be.
5. Apply pressure: Finally, apply pressure to the inside edge of your back skate and allow it to slide outwards, perpendicular to the direction you were previously moving. This action will create a stopping effect, allowing you to come to a rapid halt.
FAQs about doing a hockey stop:
Q1. How long does it take to master a hockey stop?
A1. Mastering a hockey stop can vary from person to person. Generally, it takes several weeks of dedicated practice to become proficient, but it can take longer depending on your skill level and commitment.
Q2. Should I practice the hockey stop on both sides?
A2. Absolutely. It is crucial to practice the hockey stop on both sides to maintain balance and control in any situation during a game or practice.
Q3. Will my skates make a lot of noise when executing a hockey stop?
A3. It is normal for skates to make some noise during a hockey stop. The friction between the ice and skate blade will result in a scraping sound, but if your blades are properly sharpened, the noise should not be excessive.
Q4. How do I prevent falling while attempting a hockey stop?
A4. Falling while attempting a hockey stop is common, especially for beginners. To minimize the chances of falling, make sure to distribute your weight evenly, keep your head up, and maintain a firm grip on your stick for balance.
Q5. Can I slow down using a hockey stop?
A5. Yes, a hockey stop is an effective and quick way to slow down while playing hockey. It allows you to come to a complete stop or significantly reduce your speed without losing control.
Q6. Do I need a specific type of skate to perform a hockey stop?
A6. While it is possible to perform a hockey stop with any type of hockey skate, skates with a deeper hollow (around 7/16″) tend to provide better grip and control, making it easier to execute the stop.
Q7. Are there any alternative methods to do a hockey stop?
A7. Yes, there are variations of the hockey stop that players can use depending on their style and preference. Some examples include the snowplow stop, powerslide stop, and the T-stop.
BOTTOM LINE:
Mastering a hockey stop takes time and practice. By following the steps outlined in this infographic and dedicating regular time to perfecting this essential skill, you will become a more confident and effective hockey player on the ice. Remember to be patient with yourself and keep practicing, and soon you’ll be executing a perfect hockey stop with ease.
