A quick tip for better hockey skating skills

The wrong and the right way to wear skates.

A common problem I have noticed in my years of coaching has to do with painful crossover or problems with stops. Many players tend to avoid doing either because it causes discomfort in the ankles.  This tip is a quick fix if you or your player is having a hard time stopping, crossing over or their ankles bend inward. A quick look at the equipment can fix a lot of wasted time, pain and un-necessary wear and tear on your skates.

Figure 1.

         If you or your players is experiencing any of the three problems I’ve mentioned, this tip is for you. Instead of wearing your shin pads on the inside of your skate tongue, try putting the shin pads on the outside. (see figure 1.)  As a player becomes more advanced, they can decide whether to continue using this technique.

Figure 2.

 When the tongue is on the outside of your shin pad, (see figure 2.) it pulls the slack out of the skate laces after they have been tied. It’s very important for players to wear their skates tight around the ankles for maximum support. When skates are loose, certain skills can be painful, like stopping or crossing over. To avoid this, ensure the skates are tied tight and to the top.  Don’t miss any eyelets; the tighter the skate, the more control the player will have. Without the correct amount of support for the ankles, players will tend to favor stopping on one side or have a difficult time finishing crossovers.  The ankles bend inward, thus utilizing only the inside edge of the skate. This makes it almost impossible to perform the crossunder part of a proper crossover.  Successful stopping is also affected.  A good stop begins on the flat surface of the skate; without the ankle support, the blade will grip the ice and the player will fall.  Placing the shin pads on the outside will ensure a tight and controlled ankle and improve your game greatly.  There are many factors to consider when learning the skills that we have mentioned here. (Be aware that if the problem still exists after trying this technique, it may be because the hockey skate has broken down too much.) Checking for this problem first helps eliminate equipment as a possible source for you or your players slower hockey development.   For more information on hockey stops, hockey crossovers and other quick tips, visit bradperryhockey.com.

Taking killer slapshots

Sidney Crosby taking a slapshot

         One of the biggest reasons hockey players are inconsistent with their shots is their hockey stick. The sticks that come without grip on the shafts tend to slip in their hands when the stick makes contact with the ice. Here's a great tip to help fix that.

         It doesn’t matter how old you are or what your skill level is, there has been a time when you feel the stick moving in your bottom hand as you shoot. A tight grip is often overlooked by instructors but plays a major role in perfecting a more powerful and accurate shot. The slapshot, in particular, not only requires precise technique but a stable grip. If you or your player is having a problem with shooting, especially with the slapshot, check the grip.

         As a player takes a shot, resistance is created by the ice and the puck. If the grip on the stick isn’t tight enough, the force generated by the stick hitting the ice will cause the stick blade to open up.  Without this control, you lose your accuracy. If you’re using a stick without grip, it’s very difficult to maintain an accurate shot because the stick moves in your hands on impact. There are a couple products on the market that you can buy. Look for A&R wax-on stick wax, Mueller stickum grip enhancer powder spray or, choose a stick with grip on it.  If you find a great deal on a stick without grip that you can’t pass up, you can create your own grip at home. 

Figure 1

         The next time you cut your hockey stick save the end piece or just ask the people at your local hockey shop for one. The “butt end” piece should be about 6 – 12 inches long (see figure 1).  Tape the extra piece like you would tape a regular hockey stick, except tape it “sticky side up”.  Make sure you don’t add the grip lines that a lot of players use under the final tape job  (see figure 2). Continue to wrap the stick 4 – 5 inches down the extra piece. Now, with your stick in one hand and the end piece in the other, rub your grip with the adhesive handle starting from the bottom up. Make sure you pay special attention to the areas where your bottom hand grips when your shooting and stick handling. After you’ve finished one side, rotate both sticks and repeat the process.

Figure 2.

Bradperryhockey.com

         Of course there are a ton of other techniques to help improve your shot. This technique is very helpful for any player who is trying to add extra flex in the shaft as they take a shot. With flex and correct technique the puck will explode off of your stick. I have seen huge improvements in hundreds of players after the grip has been corrected. Maybe it will help you or your players. Visit bradperryhockey.com for complete video tutorials, articles and more on taking killer slapshots. 

What are the best hockey skates for ice hockey?

I've worn many pairs of hockey skates as a skating coach and high-level hockey player over the last 24 years. A pair of hockey skates usually lasts 3 months for me, which is very unusual for most hockey players. I’m in my skates sometimes as much as 8 hours a day, which can destroy even the strongest boot. Skates have come along way, but I've still had some great skates and some that have destroyed my feet. In this article, I'll help guide you on finding the best pair for you.
Hockey skates may look very similar but they are as different as the feet wearing them. When looking for a pair of skates you first have to assess the sizes of your ankles and the widest part of your foot. Many people don't realize that you can custom order skates from most hockey companies. It does cost extra but if you’re having a hard time getting the right fit this may be the way to go. I've had custom skates for the last several years through our hockey schools’ sponsorship and it has made a difference for me. I have a wide foot and small ankles so I order an EE width and an A ankle. It is possible to find skates without ordering a custom pair but the only way to do this is by trying on different pairs until you find the right fit.
Here is a break down of the most popular brands of skates on the market today. I have worn and played with all of the brands listed below but keep in mind that my feet are different than yours. The information I provide is based on the general experience of other players, hockey pro shop owners and hockey equipment representatives. Not all of the skates in each brand listed have the features I cover in their description. All of the skates on this list come with lace bite or skate bite protection. Lace bite happens to the front of the ankle when too much pressure is applied to the anterior, or front part of the ankle, and it is extremely painful. Skates with felt tongues, in my experience help relieve or eliminate this problem.

Bauer Vapor APX

Bauer skates are probably the most widely used skates by both amateurs and pro hockey players. A common favorite among many players are the Tuuk blades that come with all Bauers. These skates tend to be a better fit for those with narrow feet. Bauers form fit 3 felt tongues come with a metatarsal guard that helps with compression of the tongue. When the tongue of a skate compresses it becomes harder which is one of the contributing factors in skate bite. Bauers new X-rib feature creates a lighter skate and also helps with speed and turning. The new hydra max 2 liners help keep your foot from moving around in the boot, thus preventing blisters. The ergotoe footbeds protect your feet from abrasions from the toe box.

CCM U+ Crazy Light
 'Ovi Special Edition

CCM skates are a little more on the narrow side. These skates are pretty stiff, so the break-in time might take a little longer than usual. I had a pair of the U skates which are made on the same last as the previous vector model (which I also wore). CCM’s are right in the middle of the pack as far as width is concerned. The stiffness of the boot is great for longevity. These skates come with vector armour for protection on the on the outside and U foam on the inside for added strength. The skate has an exhaust system to help your feet breath and they also come with a felt tongue. I would recommend buying a skate blade tightening kit, as I have found that the E pro performance is great for a quick blade change but sometimes comes loose.

Easton Synergy EQ50

Easton skates generally are a wider skate so if you have a wide foot like I do and you don’t want to custom order skates, I would definitely try a pair of these on. Watch out for the inner part of your foot, as these skates tend to be a little uncomfortable for a player with a high instep. Keep in mind that they also have a narrower toe than other wider brands. I liked the pair I had because it was very easy on my wide foot. Easton skates come with felt tongue for skate bite protection. They also come with coil technology, which is a black glass composite material that the boot is made of with dry flow, which helps the skate dry quicker. Stealth pad-lock is a feature that helps hold your heel in place.

Graf G35 Ultra X

Graf skates are a highly customizable skate. There are many different models so if you're thinking of buying this skate make sure you try on as many as you can. Most players that wear these skates enjoy how snug they are without hurting their feet.

Remember that any skate that allows your foot to move around will cause you problems in the long run. Graf is made with the v2 corboframe chasis and the micro poly monocoque extra stiff boot that is surprisingly comfortable. Graf also has created a footbed that you can get custom fitted at certain pro shops. I had a pair of the footbeds and they were great.

Reebok 11K Pump

RBK skates (Reebok) are the only skate on the market to contain an     airbladder that you pump for extra support in the ankle area. With the exception of the 2k skate, the whole line comes with the pump. RBK’s come in several different widths so there is a great chance that your local hockey  shop might have a pair that will fit a wide range of feet. They also come with  a lace locking mechanism called skatelock, which allows you to tighten the top three eyelets separate from the lower half, I really enjoyed having this feature. RBK has pushed the air bladder back a bit to help air flow into area where gaps had previously been created. The boot is lined with pro armour which helps with protection, stability, durability and comfort. The skates come with abrasion zones which protects against shots and skates blades. RBK’s also have the E pro performance blades so you’ll need the skate blade tightening kit I recommended for the CCM’s.

What pair of hockey skates are the best for you? When buying a pair of skates make sure you try on as many different skates as it takes until you find the right pair. Always make sure that your toes can touch the front of the toe box. For youth hockey players make sure there is a little room in the skate to allow for growth. A great way to test out the size without even putting your foot in the boot is to simply remove the insoles and stand on them. An adult should be even with the insole while a child should have a little room.
Once you put your foot in the skate, lift your foot up with it in the boot and hit the heel of the skate blade on the ground. This will make sure that your foot is where it needs to be. After you tighten them up, pay close attention to the areas of your foot where you feel pressure. If you feel any pain or discomfort while trying on a skate, move on. Remember, most new skates will feel stiff. Stiffness equals support and protection for your feet and ankles. If you're overweight, it is important to invest in a stiff skate. A quick test to check for stiffness is to simply hold the hockey skate around the ankle area like you're holding a cup of water. Squeeze as hard as you can. You may have to use both hands. I've coached thousands of hockey players whose skates can’t support their weight. The ankle needs support to learn and master skills such as stops and crossovers. The opposite is true when a player is too light and their skates are too stiff, preventing them from getting the proper bend they need.
If you plan on buying skates online, make sure you try the skates on at a pro shop first. Let the shop employee know that you plan to buy online and they may be able to match the deal. Additionally, it will cost anywhere from $20 to $50 dollars to heat up a pair of skates to mold to your feet. It also costs as much a $30 dollars to sharpen skates for the first time. Sometimes a hockey shop will wave all of those fees and add extra sharpening’s if you purchase from them.
Skates are the most important piece of hockey gear you can buy. I have taught over 30,000 students and have seen first hand what players go through when their skates don’t fit properly. When you find the pair of skates that are right for you, it makes the whole experience that much more enjoyable.

Amazing hockey stickhandling trick shot

Ice hockey gear for beginners

                 Ever wonder how much it would cost to go out and buy the hockey gear pro hockey players are wearing? Over $2,200 dollars is what you would have to pay to suit up like a pro hockey player. That’s the average cost of hockey equipment for an adult hockey player. Younger players would be less than half of that. There is a lot of gear to consider, especially when compared to other sports. The majority of the gear is for protection, while some of it’s used to perform a certain hockey skill better e.g. hockey sticks for shooting or passing and skates for skating. If your thinking about playing hockey, there are also other costs you have to consider like ice time. It’s roughly $10 for an hour or so of practice time a day. In most rinks it’s called “stick time” or “stick and puck”. You also have the option of joining a recreational league. A “rec league” can cost you anywhere from $150 - $700 dollars a season. Factor in paying for broken sticks or hockey tape to hold your shin guards in place and you can see that ice hockey is not a cheap sport.

                  Here’s a checklist of the pieces of hockey equipment a beginner will need. Everything listed is a requirement, as most ice arenas won’t even let you near the ice without them. This is not only for your protection but for the ice rinks as well.

EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST:

Hockey skates: $200 to $800 dollars.

Hockey stick: $30 to $250 dollars.

Shin guards: $30 - $100                                                                    

Ice hockey Jock strap: $10 - $60                                                                                      

Hockey pants:  $30 - $160                                                                                                

Optional neck guard: $9 - $20                                                                                     

Hockey elbow pads: $15 - $80                                                                                   

Hockey gloves: $35 - $150                                                                                               

Hockey helmet:  $30 - $110                                                                               

Mouth guard: $1 - $150 (custom)                                                                                      

Hockey tape: $2 - $5

Shoulder Pads: $30 - $110

Hockey socks: $10 - $25

Garter belt: $6 - $12

Hockey face shield: $20 - $60

Hockey jersey: $10 - $30

Hockey Back: $20 - $100

Stick and Puck: $10 - $15 a day

Recreational hockey league: $150 - $700

                  So, what do I buy first? Your hockey skates are the most important piece of equipment you will purchase. To find the best pair for you, it is important to try on as many different pairs of hockey skates as possible. Some hockey store employees will tell you what skate is the best, but at the end of the day your feet will tell you which pair are the best fit. If the skates are comfortable right out of the box, they’ll be a perfect fit when the hockey shop heats them up in an oven and molds them to your feet.

                  If your hockey skates don’t fit properly, It’ll take you longer to improve. That frustration usually ends with you quitting all together. Also the amount of pain and irreparable damage to your feet will be severe.  Break in times for hockey players vary. Plan on a couple of days to several months.

            If you’ve skated a couple times and decided that you want to play hockey, the next thing you may want to buy is your hockey stick. You don’t have to buy the most expensive stick. Inexpensive composite hockey sticks or even the sticks that are made out of wood and fiberglass are a great way to start when making your first purchase. A lot of hockey stores have "Pro Stock" models at a considerable discount. This option will give you the top of the line brands for cheaper hockey stick prices. It's important to measure cut your stick as if you had your skates on. The length of the stick should be below your chin on skates. Ask the pro shop to cut it for you.

                  In some recreational hockey leagues, a full-face shield is required on all hockey helmets but some allow visors or no face protection at all. I suggest using some form of face protection if you’re just starting out.

                  There are a lot of great deals online but be careful, especially when it comes to the skates you choose. If you decide to buy something online, visit your local hockey shop and try it on first, before you make your final purchase.

                  There is one more thing to remember when you're buying hockey equipment. Make sure everything fits perfectly. If you’re unsure, ask the people at your local hockey shop. If you stick it out and continue playing, you’ll see that the price you paid for your hockey gear, pales in comparison to the satisfaction you’ll get from playing the greatest game on earth. 
For more information, advice and video lessons, please visit bradperryhockey.com