Last Updated on Tuesday, 26 November 2013 16:46
By Diane Ness
In the previous articles, I explained how to execute a proper quick start, as well as some drills that can help accomplish that skill. I do prefer the straight-ahead start, though there are many situations in which the skater is facing the play and has to do a crossover start to get going.
Whether it’s getting started from a breakout position against the boards or moving around in the slot (like the photos), skaters will use this start all the time. Again, a straight-ahead start is preferred, but due to situations in a hockey game, the crossover start is a must to learn. The basic difference is that the skater is turned to the side and will execute a crossover before moving into their start. You can see the skaters in the photos standing in the slot, moving laterally and using a crossover start.
A good lean the direction the skater wants to travel is the first thing that should happen before using a crossover start. Once leaning, the skater can perform one crossover, trying to get as much distance as possible. The more skater leans, the more distance the outside foot will get. If a skater is straight up and down, the skater will not be able to get any distance and the crossover will basically be a wasted step.
Once the skater gets their outside foot all the way over the inside foot with some distance, the skater will then use the inside leg (outside edge) to get a powerful underpush. Notice in the photos how Zach Parise and Kyle Okposo are driving off their outside edge to get more explosiveness.
Another thing to remember is that heavy feet will kill quickness, so it is important that the skater should be light on their feet. Once a crossover is completed, the skater should rotate their upper body around and finish with a normal quick start.
I think a skater is able to have each step travel with more distance if they are facing straight ahead while doing the basic quick start. However, skaters will use a crossover start in game settings much of the time; that is why it is essential to practice it the right way.
Remember that a skater should try to only do one crossover then get moving with a regular start. Too many crossovers will prohibit the skater from traveling with any kind of distance. Speed and distance are the most important elements in any kind of start the skater is working on.
Keep working and good luck.
Diane Ness has been a full-time professional skating coach for over 35 years. She has coached both figure skaters and hockey players alike and is a former U.S. gold medalist in figure skating. She is the Director for the Pro Edge Power hockey camps and the Learn to Skate program at Highland Park Arena. Ness is the skating coach for the New Jersey Devils, the University of Minnesota men’s and women’s hockey teams and the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team. She has trained players in the NHL, AHL, NCAA, USHL and NAHL.
