How to Fix Your Hockey Stop for Better Control and Speed

How to Fix Your Hockey Stop: Step-by-Step Guide

The hockey stop is a solid way to come to a quick, controlled halt on the ice, but it can feel awkward if your technique is off. Fixing it usually involves fine-tuning your edges, stance, and timing. Here’s a straightforward approach to get your hockey stop working better.

Step 1: Check Your Stance and Balance

Start with your knees slightly bent and your weight centered over your skates. Avoid leaning too far backward or forward. Think of keeping your body like a well-balanced skier—ready to shift weight but stable.

Mental cue: Imagine you’re sitting on an invisible chair, keeping your hips low and your core engaged.

Step 2: Engage Your Edges Properly

The key to a hockey stop is digging your inside edges into the ice. If you’re slipping, you might not be pressing hard enough on your edges or your skates aren’t angled sharply enough.

• Turn your toes slightly inward.
• Apply pressure on the inside edges of both skates.
• Keep your weight mostly on the outside skate to control the slide.

Step 3: Use Your Hips and Shoulders to Guide the Stop

Your upper body should rotate slightly in the direction of the stop, helping your legs follow through smoothly. Avoid stiff arms or shoulders—let them help balance and guide your movement.

Step 4: Practice Controlled Slides

Start slow and focus on feeling the edges bite into the ice. Try small stops first, then increase speed as you gain confidence. Don’t rush the stop; timing is everything.

Step 5: Review and Adjust

Record yourself or get feedback from a coach. Look for:

• Are your knees bent enough?
• Is your weight centered or leaning too far back?
• Are your skates angled properly?

Additional Tips

• Wear protective gear while practicing.
• Warm up with some easy turns before attempting stops.
• If you’re struggling, try breaking the stop into parts: first practice edging, then body rotation.

For more detailed drills and coaching, check out Turn Lab’s intermediate hockey stop guide and their edge control exercises.

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Fixing your hockey stop is about small adjustments that add up. Focus on balance, edge pressure, and smooth body rotation. With consistent practice and the right cues, your stops will feel sharper and more controlled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common mistake when doing a hockey stop?

Many skaters lean too far back or don’t engage their edges properly, which reduces control and can cause slipping.

How can I build confidence in my hockey stop?

Start slow, practice on softer edges, and focus on body alignment. Gradually increase speed as you feel more balanced.

Should my knees be bent during a hockey stop?

Yes, keeping your knees bent helps absorb pressure and maintain balance, making the stop smoother and more controlled.