7 Jan
Skating backwards is one of the most challenging things a hockey player faces. Manoeuvring, accelerating and balancing yourself while skating backwards can be tough as most hockey players do not adjust easily to changing body mechanics or even reacting to different directions when skating backwards. This happens when your body moves up when you change or adjust directions and also when skating backwards.
When you start skating backwards, the first things you lose are balance and speed – making it more difficult for you to react to a different direction of skating. This is all based on your hips which act as your centre of gravity. When you change direction, they rise and this equalizes out speed, power and balance.
Here is how hockey players skate backwards effortlessly:
Their posture rises up, which puts a stop to bent knees.
This immediately slows down the speed of skating.
This means, the action slows down which means reaction time is longer and is better, enabling them to attain a good balance and start moving faster.
If you have problems with skating backwards, here is how you can get rid of it:
Press your shoulders down tightly. Do not stiffen your shoulders – you should simply press them downwards and firmly.
Once you press down your shoulders properly, this connects your upper torso with your hips, the centre of gravity.
Once you have attained this balance, then you can skate backwards flawlessly maintaining good speed, power and balance along with fast reaction times.