This drill lets players work on both forward and backward lateral movement to both the left and right as they skate the perimeter of the ice.

How it works: Players skate the perimeter of the ice, facing one end (such as toward the score clock) of the rink for the entire drill. Skaters move at an angle laterally three strides right and three strides left as they progress forward going down one side of the ice, and then three strides right and three strides left as they skate backward up the other side of the ice. Halfway through the drill, change directions. You can add pucks in this drill when skill execution allows.

Coaching pointers: Always check that players maintain good skating posture. Specifically, check that they keep a good bend at the knees so that their bodies aren’t moving up and down during the crossovers.

Skate the circles

This drill is to help players become proficient at skating both right and left on forward turns. This skill is essential for overall skating efficiency.

How it works: Using the two circles in each end zone, have players skate a figure-eight pattern around the outside of each circle. Emphasize that they must keep striding as they skate the turns. See the figure below for the skating pattern. Use neutral zone dots for a third group if necessary.

Coaching pointers: When turning, check that players keep their sticks on the ice and to the inside of the circle. This means that one hand is on the stick on one turn and two hands on the other. Also make sure that players push from the hip as they skate the turns. See that players continuously stride all the way around each circle.