Katrina is working with a U8 hockey player on agility drills during a private lesson. Their focus is jumping and balancing skills.
First, the athlete has to hop back and forth over the line, utilizing her blade edges. The skater is challenged to keep her feet together as she jumps.
This works on blade control, balance and strength, as well as leg extension.
As the student tries to speed this drill up, Katrina observes that she wants to start pushing off the front of her blade. Ideally, she would use her edges more and push off the middle of the skate.
The next layer to this jumping drill is to try it on one foot. Katrina points out that even if the athlete falls, this helps to establish balance and control in the long run. Plus, it helps the student not be afraid to fall when trying hard skills.
Katrina reminds the athlete to use her edges by bending her ankle in and out during the jumps. The goals is not speed, but mastering balance and agility.
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