The Overspeed Agility Drill brings in many different skating elements!
I’ve mentioned before that technical skating drills can be boring and monotonous for many youngsters. The problem is that skating ability is SO essential… you HAVE to find ways of developing it! One method I’ve found to work with youngsters––and older players too :)–is to add a shot at the end of a skating drill. This tactic turns it from a skating drill into a shooting drill, and is much more fun and motivating for the players.
Start with no pucks. As your players progress, add a puck, then start making them do 5 push-ups for each time they lose the puck. Players must be able to execute these skating maneuvers at full speed without mishandling the puck. Add more pressure by assigning push-ups if the next player in line catches you. FULL SPEED IS THE KEY HERE – PUSH YOUR PLAYERS OUT OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE!! Here’s the diagram and explanation:
Overspeed Agility
First player from each line go at the same time
1. Player starts at the edge of the circle and side steps to the center ice faceoff dot.
2. Player stops at the dot, then sidesteps back to the edge where he/she started and quickly crosses over around the circle (feet moving quickly – focus on overspeed here).
3. Player continues around the circle, then skates out to the neutral zone faceoff dot, pivots and skates backwards to the opposite faceoff dot.
4. Player pivots forward and takes a shot on net.
Note: drill can be done with or without a puck
Enjoy!
USE THIS DRILL IN YOUR OWN PRACTICE PLAN:
