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Figure-eight turns

Link two broad turns in opposite directions without rushing the change of edge at the middle.

8U · 10U · 12UIntermediate6 minutes1–4 players
Original drill diagram
Figure-eight turns: player positions and movement 1AB
Start/finish at 1 in the middle. Follow the arrows around A, cross the middle, then around B. Only the skater moves; there is no puck. Cone spacing: about eight meters, adjusted by the coach. 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: Cones, Skates, Hockey protective equipment

  1. An adult sets two low cones about eight meters apart, with room for wide loops and a clear stopping area. Use one skater at a time; up to three wait outside the route.
  2. Start at the middle (1). Glide toward the upper side of cone A, circle its outside, and return through the middle. Continue around the lower side of cone B and back to the start: one figure eight.
  3. Keep knees softly bent and look along the next curve. Let the skate nearer the inside of each turn lead slightly; keep both skates on the ice. This is a broad glide turn, not a crossover drill.
  4. At the middle, come upright enough to change the direction of lean smoothly. Complete two comfortable eights, stop in the clear area, and rest while another player takes a turn.
  5. Repeat with the first turn reversed. Count controlled loops rather than racing; the six-minute station includes setup, turns and rest.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “Look around the cone, soft knees.” Turn your gaze toward the exit instead of staring at your feet.
  • Cue: “One curve, then the next.” Allow space to change direction at the middle; do not force a sharp edge change.
  • A skate edge is one side of the blade. Ask a qualified coach to demonstrate the edge change; this diagram shows the route, not blade angles.

Common mistakes

  • Clipping the cone or losing balance. Try: slow down and draw a wider loop; do not demand a deeper lean.
  • Looking down at the crossing. Try: point out the next cone before the skater starts and have them look toward it.
  • Standing stiff-legged through both curves. Try: pause and reset with soft knees before another slow attempt.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier: for a newer 8U skater, use one wide circle around one cone, then practice the other direction separately.
  • Harder: for a confident 10U/12U skater, link the loops without a pause. Keep the same controlled speed; no timed race.
  • Readiness: use the full pattern only when the skater can glide, turn both ways and stop in the available space. Age alone is not enough.
Research context & source notes

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

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