FORWARD HOPS

A Forward Hop is performed on a single leg, landing on the same leg in a Linear direction. Proper arm and leg exchange during the hop is critical to both body control relative to balance and ability to generate power. Distance traveling either vertically or linear is never really an issue. Because a skate blade/runner has a radius, typically only one inch of steel is contacting the ice at any time. You must always be balanced over the mid-line of your foot throughout most of your skating stride. Control of your center of gravity (Balance) dictates where you can apply force on your skates relative to which direction you wish to go. Getting too far out over your toes or too far back on your heels when skating can be a disaster. This Forward Hop Series will reenforce balance over the mid-foot through proper body control and loading of the hip during foot contact.

FORWARD HOPS w/ 5 MINI HURDLES (LINEAR/DIAGONAL)

Forward Mini Hurdle Hops are part of our Forward Hop Series and are taught in a specific progression. Forward Hops / 5 Mini Hurdles (Linear/Diagonal) combine both the linear and lateral emphasis hops making for a very advanced and effective progression. Line 5 Mini Hurdles end to end in a straight line.

Forward Hops w / 5 Mini Hurdles (Linear/Diagonal): Touch / Pause

Adding a Touch / Pause to this drill helps the athlete focus on the Transition Phase of the skating stride. The focus is a smooth and powerful transition in change of direction

• Begin, in single leg stance, on your lead leg, behind the first mini hurdle
• Drop and load your lead hip with your trail leg bent at 90° and slightly behind you
• Your arms are also bent at 90° with lead hand near your waist and trail hand extended forward
• Hop forward and 45° over the first hurdle, landing on the opposite side next to the second hurdle
• Drive your trail knee and lead arm upward to help generate vertical power as you hop
• Getting your hands coordinated opposite with your feet is another important focus
• Upon landing immediately hop back to the other side of the hurdle working on power transition
• Pause for 2 sec upon your landing and repeat in a linear direction
• Upon completion, repeat in the opposite direction starting with the opposite foot