Game version
Skate-or-run follow-the-leader: one person leads a movement and the group copies. Swap the leader each time.
Contact Confidence: Strong Base
Hold a strong, low base while a partner leans on a pad, the first step of contact confidence.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Stand in a low, wide stance holding a pad to your shoulder.
Core: As written. Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
- Ages
- 14 and up
- Time
- 10 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Yard or field
- Bring
- Coach, partner, soft pad or shield
- Level · skill
- Developing · Puck Battles
The steps
How it works
- Stand in a low, wide stance holding a pad to your shoulder.
- Your partner leans in slowly with steady pressure for 3 seconds.
- Hold your ground with bent knees, then relax.
- Do 8 leans each, then swap.
Coaching point
Wide feet, bent knees, head up.
Safety: For ages 14 and up. Only with a coach, in full gear, with a partner of similar size, at walking or gliding pace. Body checking is not allowed in games before 14U, and never in girls' and women's hockey; these drills teach legal body contact only. Never hit from behind or near the head.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a level: Less (slower or smaller), Core (as written), More (one extra twist). Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time.
Story
You are an explorer crossing the ice like a frozen lake.
My best
Beat your own count
Aim for smooth form and compare only with your own last time. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
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