Game version
Shadow skate: stay between your partner and the net with your stick on the ice, with no contact. Swap often.
Pivot and Close the Gap
Skate backward, pivot to forward and close on a puck carrier who cuts wide.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Skate backward from the blue line.
Core: Skates. Beat your own run of steady shadows.
- Ages
- 11 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Skates, ice, stick, cones
- Level · skill
- Developing · Defense
The steps
How it works
- Skate backward from the blue line.
- On a coach signal, pivot toward the boards.
- Close at an angle and set your stick on the puck line.
- Do 8 each side.
Coaching point
Pivot early, stick leads.
Safety: Wear a helmet with a full cage, a neck guard, a mouthguard and full gear on the ice.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (partner glides), Core (skates), More (changes direction). Beat your own run of steady shadows.
Story
You are a shadow that sticks to its owner.
My best
Beat your own count
Beat your own run of steady shadows. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
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