Top Side Stitch

PURPOSE

Quick, tight, controlled turns while maintaining or generating speed.

HOW TO

• Players start in one corner and skate towards the far face off dot. They make a tight power turn around the far side of the dot and come back to the near face off dot.
• Skaters repeat the zig-zag pattern all the way down the ice, always on the “top” side or far side of the dot.

FOCUS

• Roll ankles into the turn, keep a solid base with deep knee bend, drive around with hands/stick, and exit with a cross over to regain speed.
• Keep as tight to the dot as possible. If the player is taking a wide berth, look at how far they are rolling their ankles and their hockey stance basic stance. Strength, balance, and confidence all play a roll as well.

VARIATIONS

• With pucks
• Always backwards
• In transition