Amy Brolsma, Videos

Crossover Drill with Stick (Amy Brolsma)

Amy starts off by saying that crossovers need to be taught from day one. Tilting into a crossover is key.

First, she has her skaters lay their hockey stick on the ice. While they stand next to their stick, they tilt toward it, cross over, then step over to the other side. After trying this, she adds a slide. Skaters should avoid turning their toes but to feel the edge tilt instead. Skates should stay parallel to the stick.

Amy then challenges the skater to stand cross footed over the stick. Coaches can have them bounce too if they want.

Amy has the demonstrator bend their knees as she discusses how, just like on a car we don’t want a wobbly tire, a hockey player doesn’t want a wobbly edge. Wiggly equals slow. Having the athlete hold a cone or put arms in a crosscheck position can help stabilize the shoulders. Skaters should remember to lead with the hip.

Adding speed is next – Amy wants them to push themselves to the point of losing control. Hockey players are well protected so they can “let lose” and get out of their comfort zones.

Building on the crossover stance from earlier, she has them hold that position while gliding over the stick. This “airplane” move teaching kids to use both feet and skate in a cross-legged position.