Kalli’s video focuses on the “most underestimated techniques of skating” – skating backwards. With much emphasis on forward skating, backwards skating cannot be overlooked to allow for better transitions and seeing the game better.
Beginner skaters can begin by standing on the ice and wiggling their butt with bend knees. Next small c-cuts can be added (keep the shoulders and chest up.) Hopefully they will start to feel their edges and the general backward motion.
A very common error is when the skater begins to bend forward too much. Shoulders need to be square and stay still. This will also aid in preventing flailing arms.
Once this step is completed, the c-cuts can be lengthened to glide down the ice more instead of going across. Athletes should feel a little more push with their blades.
Backward crossovers can be added in. Remembering the three components of a crossover – initial push, cross, and undercross and recovery. Kalli says she finds keeping the front foot on the ice during the move can be helpful. Shoulders need to stay square, and can open up to keep a visual behind the skater.
Combining the crossovers and backwards skating strides, Kalli then has the skaters cross all the way down the ice. This will teach a gain in power and an increase of speed.
Lastly, Kalli reminds us that knees need to be bent as if about to sit in a chair with a straight back. Eyes up help the chest to stay up as well.
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