THE POWER OF THE GLIDE LEG!

At the heart of it all hockey skills is the technique of skating! While it might seem like a simple act, mastering the art of skating is essential for any hockey player looking to elevate their game. In this blog post, we'll delve into the critical role of the GLIDE LEG - the front foot - in creating stability, balance, and direction on the ice. We often cover details of a *long stride* or as I call it an EXTENDED STRIDE, which is our pushing foot! BUT, the glide leg plays just as an important role! Let's dive into it ... 

The Power of the Glide Leg!

When it comes to hockey skating, the glide leg, or the front foot, is the unsung hero that keeps players balanced and in control. Proper technique involves understanding how to tap into the core and quad muscles, creating a foundation of stability and balance. This muscle engagement serves as the anchor that keeps a skater connected to the ice, enabling them to maintain their desired direction and speed!

Stability and Balance!

By activating the core and quad muscles, a skater essentially roots themselves to the ice. The core muscles, including the abdominals and lower back, play a pivotal role in stabilizing the skater's upper body. Simultaneously, the quad muscles in the front leg provide the necessary support to keep the skater's weight balanced. This combination of core and quad engagement ensures that the skater remains steady and in control, reducing the risk of wobbles and falls on the ice! 

Creating a Load & Explode!

The magic of the glide leg doesn't stop at stability and balance. As the skater glides forward, building energy within their core and quads, they are preparing to release that energy in a powerful burst of motion. This explosive potential is vital for transitions and acceleration. When the skater decides to switch to their pushing leg, their core and quad muscles are already loaded, ready to transfer that energy into the ice!

Maximizing Power and Speed!

As the skater pushes off with the back leg, they simultaneously fire their quads and glutes, transferring the energy stored in their core and quad muscles. This power surge translates into maximum force exerted against the ice, resulting in significant acceleration + increased speed, which equals more ice coverage! The greater the engagement of these muscles, the more powerful and effective the stride! 

Understanding the pivotal role of the glide leg, with its core and quad muscle engagement, is fundamental to achieving stability, balance, and power. When harnessed effectively, these muscles serve as the skater's secret weapon, allowing them to explode into the next stride, cover more ice, and ultimately dominate the game. So, the next time you step onto the ice, into the gym, or (MORE EFFECTIVELY) onto your STRYDE PowerSkater, remember that you are training your glide leg to play a pivotal role not only on a stride, but on every skating skill that one may use in the sport of ice hockey! 

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