Forward Stride Basics
Skating
Legend
- player
- coach / parent
- movement path
How it works
Teach the fundamental forward skating stride mechanics, knee bend, push, and glide, through a simple rink-width exercise.
What you need
- hockey stick
- ice
Your focus
The forward stride is the single most foundational physical skill in hockey , without a correct push-and-glide pattern, all subsequent skating development is limited. Teaching proper knee bend, full blade push, and glide recovery at age 6-9 establishes the neuromuscular patterns that develop into powerful, efficient skating at older ages. Good early mechanics prevent bad habits that are extremely difficult to correct later.
Start at one blue line facing the opposite boards.
Focus on the stride: bend knees, push from the full inside edge, glide on the other foot, alternate.
Skate slowly across the ice focusing purely on the push-and-glide rhythm.
Complete 4 width-crossings, checking your knee bend and full-extension push each time.
Goal
You've got it when you can feel yourself pushing and gliding, each stride has a clear push and a clear glide, not just shuffling feet.
Helpful cues
- Bend your knees, sit down as you skate
- Push all the way through your toe, full extension
- Hold your glide, count to 2 before pushing again
Adjust the challenge
Make it easier
Strip it back
Allow players to hold the boards briefly for balance confidence before attempting unsupported strides.
UpLVL it
Add the next challenge
Add arms: opposite arm swing with each stride push, coordinating upper and lower body.No account needed
Build a practice plan
Add drills, keep the plan in this browser, then share a link with your staff or parents.This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.
This library helps you find the right drill. Inside UpLVL the right drill finds the player.After every practice, UpLVL automatically surfaces the drills each player needs to work on most. See it for yourself.