Ice Skaters
For this drill, agility rings or cones may be used as markers to dictate the starting positions of the outside leg or the distance of the jump; otherwise the focus of each jump can be maximum distance. Start by dropping into a ¼ squat and driving forcefully off the leg opposite of the direction to be jumped laterally. Land with the hips facing in the same direction (and in the center of the agility ring if utilizing them) on the opposite leg and absorb your body weight in a ¼ - ½ squat. The ‘stick’ is essentially a single leg ¼ -1/2 squat, and then that leg is used to propel the body back to the initial position. If going for maximum distance the stick can be held for a moment; if utilizing it as a plyometric exercise the ground contact time should be as short as possible.
- Failing to ‘stick’ the landing or landing on both feet
- Neglecting to maintain an upright torso during the landing
- Allowing the knees to protrude beyond the toes during the landing
- Neglecting to utilize the arms for additional lateral propulsion
- Speed Training: