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aimée ricca - figure skating coach
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Hockey Skating

Skating, for some strange reason, has remained the most neglected factor among all hockey fundamentals. Time and time again it has been demonstrated that the best skaters are the best players.


Laura Stamm, first woman to coach in the NHL

Hockey Skater Development

There is more to hockey than running around the rink!

You need a strong skating stride with edge control to stop, turn, and change direction. Powerful crossovers, both forward and backward, provide you with the ability to skate fluidly. 

Long-range athletic development in hockey is significantly different than in figure skating.

Hockey skaters often have a different coach each year and are exposed to various coaches through camps and clinics. Exposure to so many coaches adds to the player’s experience base.

However, long-term goals, multi-year plans, and continuity of technique are often overlooked.

Hockey team coaches may promote a philosophy that team play and the team’s record are more important than individual skill development. This may be especially detrimental to skater skill development in the younger divisions.

Hockey skating lessons are designed to focus on individual development.

Getting on the ice is nice, but you can only focus on so much in team practices.

Getting on the ice is nice, but you can only focus on so much in team practices.

Private hockey skating lessons assist hockey skaters with skill progression and provide a support structure for parents who want to jump their skaters into travel hockey. 


Typically, a handoff happens after a skater completes Learn to Play. That’s a critical point in the development process where the skater may stop working on skating development. 

Getting on the ice is nice, but you can only focus on so much in team practices.

Getting on the ice is nice, but you can only focus on so much in team practices.

Getting on the ice is nice, but you can only focus on so much in team practices.

The focus often shifts from developing individual skills to team systems. Hockey skaters need more individual attention and instruction to focus on techniques for skating and individual skills.


I continue to build hockey skater skills alongside the systems taught in travel programs and house leagues. 

Often hockey organizations cut players because of skill disparity.

Often hockey organizations cut players because of skill disparity.

Often hockey organizations cut players because of skill disparity.

It's common for skaters to struggle with their edges, backward crossovers, and turns. Those are things that team coaches can’t go over in regular team practices!

I aim to work to improve your skills to keep you on the team!

Often hockey organizations cut players because of skill disparity.

Often hockey organizations cut players because of skill disparity.

  I can help you initiate a two-fold training program that includes consistent skating lessons coupled with long-range goals and individualized off-ice training programs.

Skating is the No. 1 criteria. It's mandatory. If you can't skate, you're not even going to be a draft consideration. That imperative trickled down to scouts, agents, and junior teams.


Dan Marr, Director of N.H.L. Central Scouting

How I Can Help You:

Wingers (Forwards)

Wingers (Forwards)

Wingers (Forwards)

You're constantly moving laterally, accelerating off the boards, and trying to create separation from defenders. You're also weaving and changing lanes constantly to create frequent opportunities. 


So, your top priority should be quick bursts of acceleration with edge control from both standing starts and with speed. 


I will help you to dev

You're constantly moving laterally, accelerating off the boards, and trying to create separation from defenders. You're also weaving and changing lanes constantly to create frequent opportunities. 


So, your top priority should be quick bursts of acceleration with edge control from both standing starts and with speed. 


I will help you to develop proper mechanics and teach you to find that “next gear,” accelerating at speed, by working on your stroke frequency, timing, and rhythm using superior edge control in tight areas both around the net and the corners so that you can move efficiently with strength even under pressure. This will also assist you in your ability to change direction quickly and handle the puck smoothly.

Defensemen

Wingers (Forwards)

Wingers (Forwards)

 You spend most of the game with the play in front of you. So, you need to be able to skate backward and transition

smoothly to retrieve pucks, play one-on-one situations, and make outlet passes.


Backward starts are critical! 


You must accelerate backward

to defend rushes on almost every shift.


I can show you how to square up your hips quickly

 You spend most of the game with the play in front of you. So, you need to be able to skate backward and transition

smoothly to retrieve pucks, play one-on-one situations, and make outlet passes.


Backward starts are critical! 


You must accelerate backward

to defend rushes on almost every shift.


I can show you how to square up your hips quickly to avoid getting twisted up by oncoming forwards. I will also show you how to use both feet evenly and avoid crossovers in one-on-one situations. While improving transitions with as few unnecessary movements for more efficient footwork to eliminate defensive breakdowns..

Centers

Wingers (Forwards)

Centers

 You're often referred to as the third defensemen in the defensive zone and the third forward in the offensive zone. It is not uncommon for a center to touch all four corners of the rink during a shift. You really need to do everything well!


You have so many

responsibilities, so it's critical for you to be extremely proficient skaters.


I wil

 You're often referred to as the third defensemen in the defensive zone and the third forward in the offensive zone. It is not uncommon for a center to touch all four corners of the rink during a shift. You really need to do everything well!


You have so many

responsibilities, so it's critical for you to be extremely proficient skaters.


I will help you to improve your overall skating efficiency such as having a long, powerful stride to forecheck and backcheck more effectively. 


I will also train you for efficient stopping, starting, and transitions.

Goalies

Wingers (Forwards)

Centers

You are perhaps the most under-valued skaters on the team! In reality, you need to be just as strong (if not stronger!)

then every other player! 


You have two major disadvantages when it comes to skating: 


  1. Extra cumbersome equipment.
  2. Your skates. 


This means that you must have different techniques

to skate smoothly. 


I can help you with goalie-s

You are perhaps the most under-valued skaters on the team! In reality, you need to be just as strong (if not stronger!)

then every other player! 


You have two major disadvantages when it comes to skating: 


  1. Extra cumbersome equipment.
  2. Your skates. 


This means that you must have different techniques

to skate smoothly. 


I can help you with goalie-specific skating skills such as T-pushes, shuffle pushes, and butterfly pushes. But I will ask you not to wear your leg

pads for lessons so that we can 

focus on edges, turns, and other skating skills that will enhance your overall agility and

quickness on the ice.

My son has worked with Coach Aimée on his hockey skating skills. Over the last 2 years, his improved skating ability has given him an edge. He made the upper-tier team because he skates well! It’s wonderful to watch him grow and progress, knowing that he wouldn’t be where he is without Aimée’s help.


Dennis Okala, Hockey Dad

You are a human first, an athlete second, and a hockey player third.

Power Skating

What is power skating?

Power skating means utilizing proper edges so that movement becomes intuitive. This allows you to gain natural speed, agility, power, and endurance, ultimately resulting in tight, quick movements.


Many hockey players learn most of their skills through trial and error. Unfortunately, this method often results in lacking fundamental skating skills. Skaters often reach a plateau where there is no improvement. 


Coach Aimée works with beginning hockey skaters as well as strong, advanced elite players and can help rebuild their skills with sound fundamental theory and progressive training to ensure consistent skill development. 


This approach provides the skating foundation on which all other hockey game skills can be built. 


Aimée aims to establish the biomechanics of proper muscle movement with intentional skill drills so that skaters can embody these attributes as they develop and evolve as hockey players and the elements become second nature.


Hockey players that have mastered critical skills have the edge over their competition! 


In addition to skating skills, Aimée can also help hockey skaters prepare with strategies to succeed in tryouts and periodized training plans on and off the ice!

Hockey Skating Lessons

Hockey skating lessons are usually at least 45 minutes in length (60 mins is recommended) and offered to skaters that have mastered baseline skating skills necessary from Learn to Skate Basic 3 or Hockey 2.


Please Note:

  • Aimée works with hockey players on Freestyle and Public skating sessions at SportsCare Arena (Aspen Ice) and Ice Vault Arena. 
  • While skaters should wear their hockey skates, helmets, and desired gear - no sticks or pucks are used!
  • I do not currently teach hockey skating sessions at Mennen Arena. 
  • Off-ice and dryland training may be conducted virtually or in person.


Book Your Lessons!

Coach Aimée Holds a PSA Registered Rating in Skating Skills & is PSA Certified in Hockey 4

Proud Member

Coach Aimée Works with Hockey Skaters on Critical Skills:

Edge Quality

Edge Quality

Edge Quality

  • Proper body alignment 
  • Correct posture 
  • Stable core muscles 
  • Proper placement and pressure on the blade

Power

Edge Quality

Edge Quality

  • Deep knee bends 
  • Acute ankle bends 
  • Long pushes- full extension
  • Toe snaps 
  • Rhythm 
  • Equal bilateral strength and technique 

Extension

Edge Quality

Extension

  • Stretch up core 
  • Lift head 
  • Stretch arms 

Quickness

Continuous Flow

Extension

  • Reduce upper body movement 
  • Correct body alignment 
  • Falling steps (running) 
  • Correct direction of pushes and free leg returns 
  • Full commitment to a direction (all-out forward- no side motions) 
  • Cadence 

Turn Execution

Continuous Flow

Continuous Flow

  • Wider base for stability after the turn 
  • Good posture 
  • Clean edges in and out of the turn 
  • Accelerate out of turns 

Continuous Flow

Continuous Flow

Continuous Flow

  • Constant pressure through the foot 
  • Returning free leg without tension 
  • Setting the returning free foot down, skate not hitting the ice 
  • Skating a straight line between transitions 
  • Send momentum, don’t control it 
  • Rhythm 

Acceleration

Acceleration

Acceleration

  • Hockey players must be able to go from a standstill to full speed in just a few strides or gain speed as they finish most moves. 
  • Quick free leg returns 
  • Rhythm 
  • Arm swings (done correctly) should adjust to the length of the strides. 

Agility

Acceleration

Acceleration

  • The core and glutes isolate the upper body from the lower body 
  • Good posture 
  • Proper body alignment (factoring stick handling)

Stability

Acceleration

Stability

  • Wider or narrower base as needed 
  • Proper body alignment 
  • Good posture 
  • Low center of gravity 
  • Good knee and ankle bends 
  • Proper placement on the blade 
  • The constant pressure of the blade into the ice 

Balance

Directional Change

Stability

  • After contact, a hockey player must regain their balance quickly to: avoid more contact, shoot the puck, pass the puck, catch a pass, or give a check. 
  • Strong core muscles 
  • Avoid a twisted body 
  • Head up—keep a panoramic view 
  • Lower the center of balance 

Directional Change

Directional Change

Directional Change

  • In a hockey game, the direction of the play, offense to defense and defense to offense, often happens multiple times per shift. 
  • The ability to move laterally and change direction rapidly are mandatory skills for hockey players. 
  • Fully use the entire rock of the blade 
  • The stick often leads a rapid direction change 

Backward Skating

Directional Change

Directional Change

  • Many players get to the higher levels when the inability to master the art of skating backward 
  • Progression to the highest levels is limited

Coach Aimée Helps Even Advanced Skaters Correct Errors:

Pitchforking Arms & Shoulder Rotation

Poor Extension & Lack of Follow-Through

Poor Extension & Lack of Follow-Through

Use better technique to generate speed rather than more effort from your arms!


Learn how to work smarter, not harder!


Shoulder rotation causes a twist in your back that reduces stride length, restricts breathing, and limits your stick-handling movement.

Learn how to keep your shoulders square when striding!

Poor Extension & Lack of Follow-Through

Poor Extension & Lack of Follow-Through

Poor Extension & Lack of Follow-Through

The second half of your push produces most of your speed.


If you push rapidly to make up for weak pushes, your stamina will suffer!


Continue stretching your leg after extension to allow your knees and ankles to bend deeper.


Learn how to get deep knee and ankle bend to increase your speed and more efficient glide!

One Foot Skating & Bilateral Movements

Poor Extension & Lack of Follow-Through

One Foot Skating & Bilateral Movements

Many advanced hockey players often cannot skate well on one foot.


Are you hiding your inability to skate on one foot by using quick pushes?


Don't let the opposition exploit your weak side!


Learn how to to skate equal quality on both sides of your body!

Poor Posture

Stance Too Wide | Predictable Rhythm

One Foot Skating & Bilateral Movements

Are you breaking at your waist to stay low? This causes weak extension, poor glide, deficient stick handling, restricted breathing, and sluggish transitions. 


Learn how to use your knees and ankles to stay low instead!

Toe Snaps & Heel Pushes

Stance Too Wide | Predictable Rhythm

Stance Too Wide | Predictable Rhythm

Are you lifting your foot off the ice in a flexed position? If so, you are not leveraging the power of toe snaps!


Learn how to use toe snaps for longer pushes that maximize your speed! 


The unique shape of your hockey blade allows powerful pushes from the heel.


If you're not using heel pushes for quick directional changes, your missing a valuable tool!

Stance Too Wide | Predictable Rhythm

Stance Too Wide | Predictable Rhythm

Stance Too Wide | Predictable Rhythm

Yes, you need a wide stance. 


But, too wide of a stance on breakaway or transitioning can reduce your stride length and make turning difficult!


The ability to vary your stride rate can help your game by allowing you to change from very slow to very q

Upper Body Tension

Poor Free Leg Return

Poor Free Leg Return

Are you holding constant tension in your chest, arms, shoulders, and neck?


You must learn to relax before you can react!

Poor Free Leg Return

Poor Free Leg Return

Poor Free Leg Return

Do you often have a wiggle in your glide?


Learn how to get back to the ready position using the same path as your push for better efficiency!

Lack of Pressure

Poor Free Leg Return

Lack of Pressure

Pressure in the skating foot increases glide, adds stability, and can be useful in changing direction.


Learn to improve your skating by using the pressure of your skating foot!

Outside Edges

Skidding and Scratching

Lack of Pressure

Even many of the most advanced hockey players can be weak at skating on their outside edges!


This can result in weak crossovers and turning ability. 


Learn to have strong outside edges!

Skidding and Scratching

Skidding and Scratching

Skidding and Scratching

Skating clean provides control but many hockey players rely on the stick for their balance and use skidding and scratching.


Mastering the art of edges and balance will help you progress to higher levels.

Check out this great video of a young hockey player learning One-Foot 360 Turns!

Instagram

Coach Aimée Skating Academy is a PSA Excellence on Ice awarded and U.S. Figure Skating registered Aspire Program.

Offering ice skating learn to skate, figure skating, hockey skating lessons, and off-ice training in Morristown, Wayne, and Randolph, NJ.


This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. 

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