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Acceleration / On ice

Crossover start choice

Choose a lateral exit from a stationary stance and connect the first crossover to forward acceleration.

10U · 12U · 14U+Intermediate6 minutes2–2 players
Original drill diagram
Crossover start choice: player positions and movement 12LR
1 starts facing caller 2. Only one branch is used per repetition. Left and right cones are exits, not turning obstacles. Original schematic; not to scale. Circles with numbers or letters mark players. Other markers and arrows are explained in the caption; some diagrams show puck or ball movement instead of skating. Red arrows show shots. Follow the written setup for spacing.

How to run it

Equipment: Skates, Hockey protective equipment, Cones

  1. Put a start cone in the middle and two exit cones 12 feet to its left and right. Player 1 faces player 2, who stands 10 feet in front as the caller.
  2. The caller points toward one of the exit cones. Player 1 looks toward that exit, takes one crossover toward it, then turns into forward skating.
  3. Take three forward strides toward the exit and coast beyond it. Return to the start at an easy pace outside the two exit routes.
  4. Make six starts with the caller mixing directions, then swap roles. Repeat once if time allows within six minutes.
  5. Score a start when the first movement goes toward the called exit and the player connects it to three strides without a pause.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “See it, cross, go.” Choose the exit before committing the feet.
  • The crossover begins sideways travel; the following strides carry the player toward the cone.
  • Have the caller wait until both skates are still before the next signal.

Common mistakes

  • Player guesses the direction. Try: vary the pause before pointing.
  • Player makes several sideways steps. Try: rehearse one crossover followed by forward strides.
  • Player stops after the crossover. Try: count the next three strides aloud as one sequence.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier: announce the direction before the player takes the starting stance.
  • Harder: use a hand signal only and delay it slightly longer without changing the distance.
Research context & source notes

Background sources for this drill’s skills and teaching principles.

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