| If you have been searching the net looking for a | | | | We are all built differently, so we all skate somewhat |
| magic pill to make you a better skater than the bad | | | | differently, however the key is that physics is a |
| news is that you won't find it here...either! Becoming a | | | | science and gravity is a law. Harness the power of |
| great skater still requires a great deal focus and hard | | | | both, imitate greatness and you will become faster. |
| work. | | | | 4. Stop trying so hard! |
| However in this article Steffany Hanlen, passes on | | | | Many players believe that you have to SKATE |
| some fundamentals that will help you to begin to | | | | HARD, all the time. In Quantum Speed we say , |
| create a great skating foundation. | | | | "Work less get MORE!" Proper technique makes your |
| 1. Always buy skates that fit. | | | | skating stride more efficient, the result is that the |
| You don't need to purchase the most expensive | | | | power from the muscles you use for skating move |
| skates, however, the skates you purchase have to | | | | you faster. Work smarter not harder!! |
| fit! You will only ever perform to the level that your | | | | 5. Set goals then find programs that will support you |
| equipment allows. Your skates are what actually | | | | in attaining them. |
| transfers the power from your legs and hips to the | | | | Choose instrution and development coaching based |
| ice. If your skates are too big, or even too stiff, you | | | | on YOUR needs and personal goals. Do your |
| are leaving a ton power and speed on the ice. | | | | homework, to be certain the program supports your |
| 2. Don't Bend your knees!?!? | | | | goals. The good ones create programs for YOU- you |
| Every skating coach says "bend your knees" and we | | | | don\'t do their program...get it? |
| all know that we have to do this... but it hurts. Our | | | | 6. Be the 'I' in team during your training cycles. |
| saying is "Load your Legs". Then we teach you how | | | | When you join a program, participate fully for your |
| to do this based on the proper mechanics of your | | | | own reasons. Sure, it is fun to go with a friend to |
| body- and we insist on it. Loading your legs teaches | | | | work out, however, eventually you have to start |
| your body and your mind what it is supposed to feel | | | | getting better as an indivdual. Ensure the people you |
| like to get into the 90 degree knee bend we all | | | | train with are as commited to their training as you |
| require in order to increase speed. So STOP bending | | | | are. Be a focused training partner and as a result you |
| your knees...! Load your legs! | | | | both win. |
| 3. Watch and imitate players that are better than | | | | 7. Decide!! |
| you. | | | | 'Decide' to become a better skater, and commit to |
| You can learn so much by watching great skaters, | | | | what ever it takes to do so. Being a great skater is |
| teammates or even pro's on televison. Visualize | | | | possible for anyone. See and treat yourself as an |
| yourself moving the same way your favourite player | | | | athlete, stay on a training path, and practice stride |
| moves on the ice and see if you can create the | | | | and style repetitions correctly. |
| feeling in your own body that you think they have. | | | | |