Laura Stamm Power Skating Canada

Defensemen struggle in the new NHL, because for their entire life they could use their stick illegally -- to a greater or lesser degree. Now they can't at all. They have to play the opposing forward as if they have no stick in their hands so they are required to mirror him perfectly. Actually, they must also learn to poke-check again, something that's been missing for thirty years.

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By Jack Blatherwick, Ph.D. / Physiologist, Washington Capitals Hockey Team.

After pushing off, fully extend your pushing (left) leg and drag the first two or three inches of the left inside edge (called "the toe") on the ice for about two seconds. In order to drag the inside edge of the toe your left leg and skate must be turned outward. If they are turned straight downward you will be dragging the "tippy toe" of the skate, with the leg now in a walking-running position (a "no-no" for skating).

After dragging the toe, now drag the heel of the returning skate back under your body until that heel (left) touches the heel of the gliding (right) skate. Your feet should now be in a "V" position (heels touching, toes apart). If your knees are well bent, the shape between your thighs, knees and ankles will form a "diamond" shape. I call this recovery position the "V - diamond" position.

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