Edge of Excellence

6. Wide Stride

he fastest skaters push wide. Players that on extension push their legs more directly behind them tend to push more off the toe of their blade rather than their full blade. These skaters are also pushing against ice that is moving more quickly away from them compared to players who push against ice more to the side of them. Players who push wider are less likely to have a high heel kick compared to players who drive their legs more directly back. The exception to pushing wide is on quick take-offs where for the first three or four strides the player should push directly back.

Push More Directly Behind Illus.

Another very important factor, which I will address in a minute, is finishing each stride with a plantar flexion or a driving extension of the ankle and push off the toe. Players that push more directly behind them have a much less effective drive off their toe and ankle than they do when they push wider. Players who push wider are much better able to grip the ice with the inside edge on completion of the toe and ankle extension.