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Edge control / On ice

Wide slalom

Link four broad alternating turns while keeping both skates on the ice through each curve.

6U · 8U · 10U · 12UBeginner6 minutes1–4 players
Original drill diagram
Wide slalom: player positions and movement 12ABCD
1 starts two meters before A. Four cones A–D are in a straight line, three meters apart. Follow the solid arrows above A, below B, above C and below D. Stop beyond D, then use the lower outside return route. 2 represents waiting players. Reverse the first side on the next attempt. 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. Place four cones A–D in one straight line, three meters apart. Allow about two meters on either side for the curves. Start two meters before A and leave at least four meters beyond D to finish and stop. The cones mark the middle of the course, not the points to touch.
  2. For 1–4 players, one skates and the others wait beside the start. Begin with two gentle strides. Pass above A, below B, above C and below D, as shown in the overhead diagram; make each change of direction gradually between cones.
  3. Glide through each curve on two skates. Add a gentle push between curves only if needed to keep moving. This version uses broad turns without crossovers or a puck.
  4. After D, straighten out, finish the glide and stop. Return along the outside of the course. Release the next skater after the returning player reaches the start.
  5. On the next attempt, pass below A first and reverse the pattern. Use the six-minute station for a demonstration and short turns; aim for four attempts each if time allows, two with each starting direction.

Key teaching points

  • Cue: “Look through the next gap.” Let the head and shoulders guide the turn, with knees bent.
  • Cue: “Round the corner.” Aim for a smooth arc beside each cone, not a last-second sideways dodge.
  • Count a successful run when all four cones are passed on alternating sides without stopping in the middle. A slower complete run is more useful than a rushed partial one.

Common mistakes

  • Skater arrives at the cone before starting to turn. Try: point out the next gap as soon as the previous cone is passed.
  • Skater makes abrupt zigzags or steps across the feet. Try: spread cones to four meters and rehearse two broad turns before using all four.
  • One starting direction is repeatedly skipped. Try: alternate the first side every run and count each side separately.

Make it fit the player

  • Easier for newer 6U/8U skaters: use two cones four meters apart and two gentle curves. Begin only once basic gliding and stopping are familiar.
  • Harder for ready 10U/12U skaters: add a puck after two smooth runs in each direction. Keep the original spacing and match the skating speed to the puckhandling.
Research context & source notes

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

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