Edge work separates good skaters from okay ones. Young players at this age can learn to use edges intentionally instead of just shuffling.
Equipment needed: 8 cones, no puck.
Setup: Create a circle with cones about 15 yards in diameter. Skaters line up outside the circle.
How to run it:
- Skater skates around the circle using only their outside edges (right edge on the right side, left edge on the left side). This feels like leaning into the turn.
- Complete one lap, then switch: use only inside edges (right edge on the left side, left edge on the right side). This is harder and slower.
- Do 2 laps each direction at controlled speed, then repeat at game speed.
- Rest.
What to look for:
Outside edges should feel smooth and fast. If a skater is rough or bouncy, they’re fighting the edge. Inside edges are harder because the skater has to lean more. If a skater falls or loses balance on inside edges, they’re not ready for this yet. Don’t push it. The skater should feel like they’re carving the turn, not shuffling around it.
Variation: Add a straight-line acceleration. After one lap of edge work, skater accelerates straight 10 yards using the technique they just worked. This teaches how edges carry into straight-line speed.