Pure Skating Camp
Rebuild stride power and posture through repetition, resistance, and pro video breakdowns.
Skill Pillar
Physical Play
Being physical means winning space—finishing checks legally, battling for loose pucks, and maintaining strength deep into the third period.
Snapshot
Definition
Physical players use leverage, core strength, and fearless habits to make the ice smaller for opponents. It’s not reckless—it’s controlled pressure that wears teams down.
Key Behaviors
- Leads with hands and hips
- Keeps knees bent on contact
- Wins net-front position
- Recovers quickly after hits
- Finishes every check legally
- Owns corners and walls
Safety First
Always check shoulder, lead with your hands, and bend through contact—protecting yourself and opponents keeps you on the ice.
Training Blueprint
Strength & Power
- Lower-body: squats, trap-bar deadlifts, split squats—focus on 3-5 rep power sets.
- Core anti-rotation: pallof presses, suitcase carries, plank pulls.
- Plyometrics: skater bounds, lateral hops, single-leg jumps twice per week.
Contact Fundamentals
- Partner “contact walk” drills—push, absorb, and roll off along the wall.
- Net-front seal battles: 4-second fight, whistle, rotate.
- Practice angling with half-speed hits before ramping up.
Recovery & Durability
- Mobility: thoracic opener, hip flexor stretch, adductor rocks post-session.
- Soft-tissue work: foam roll quads/glutes, lacrosse ball for shoulders.
- Sleep 8+ hours—physical players can’t afford fatigue.
Peer Review Checklist
Ask a linemate or coach to complete once per month.
- Arrives at contact under control (no reaching or hitting from behind).
- Wins 60%+ of wall battles and keeps puck moving.
- Protects teammates after whistles without taking penalties.
- Resets body position quickly after hits.
- Delivers or absorbs contact every shift when needed.
Video Study
Watch technique closely—notice edge work, hand position, and timing.
How to Give & Receive Body Checks. Review safe contact mechanics and positioning. Open on YouTube
Checking Drills. Quick drill ideas to add contact reps into practice. Open on YouTube
Explosive Power Workout. Off-ice plyometrics that translate to stronger hits and battles. Open on YouTube
Cutting Edge Ice Academy
Level Up Your Skating Engine
Stay explosive with progressive edgework and stride mechanics tuned for the Physical pillar.
Elite Skating Skills Camp
Explosive edgework, acceleration ladders, and crossover patterns to keep your feet live all game.
Skating Technique Camp
Detail-oriented instruction on balance, knee bend, and recovery that creates efficient movement.
Additional Resources
Checklist
USA Hockey Body Contact Curriculum
Teaches legal contact progression from 12U through junior hockey.
Review curriculum
Strength Plan
In-Season Maintenance Template
Two 30-minute lifts to stay powerful without overtraining.
Download PDF
Recovery
Contact Recovery Protocol
Step-by-step routine for cold therapy, stretching, and refueling.
Read article