Speed on the ice is one of the most valuable assets a hockey player can have. Whether you’re a forward breaking away for a scoring chance or a defenseman closing in to stop a rush, being faster than your opponent can be a game-changer. But speed isn’t just about raw skating ability—it’s about technique, power, and efficient movement.

This article covers proven hockey skating drills for speed that will help you improve your acceleration, top-end speed, and overall skating performance. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking to get faster, these drills are designed to boost your quickness and agility on the ice.

1. Importance of Speed in Hockey

Speed affects every aspect of your game:

  • Faster breakouts and transitions

  • Better defensive positioning and gap control

  • More opportunities to create scoring chances

  • Increased ability to recover and support teammates

To improve speed, focus on building explosive power, efficient stride mechanics, and quick starts.

2. Key Components of Hockey Speed

  • Acceleration: How quickly you can reach top speed.

  • Top-End Speed: Your maximum skating velocity.

  • Agility: Ability to change direction quickly and smoothly.

  • Stride Efficiency: Using your energy effectively for powerful, consistent strides.

3. Warm-Up (5-10 minutes)

Begin every session with a proper warm-up to prepare your muscles and reduce injury risk.

  • Easy laps around the rink

  • Dynamic stretches: leg swings, lunges, arm circles

  • Light skating drills such as backward skating and crossovers

4. Hockey Skating Drills for Speed

A. Acceleration Sprints

Objective: Improve quick starts and explosive power.

  • Start from a standing position at the blue line.

  • Sprint full speed to the opposite blue line.

  • Focus on powerful, short strides during the first 5-10 feet.

  • Rest and repeat 5-8 times.

Tip: Use your arms to help generate momentum and keep your head up.

B. Flying Starts

Objective: Enhance your ability to quickly reach and maintain top speed.

  • Skate a few strides at a moderate pace, then explode into a full sprint.

  • Focus on maintaining strong, long strides after the acceleration phase.

  • Repeat across the rink 5 times with rest in between.

C. Crossover Sprints

Objective: Develop lateral speed and powerful crossovers.

  • Start in one corner of the rink.

  • Perform continuous crossover strides while skating at full speed to the opposite corner.

  • Focus on pushing hard with your outside leg and keeping your body low.

  • Rest and repeat 4-6 times.

D. Stop-and-Go Drill

Objective: Build quick acceleration from stops and improve transition speed.

  • Skate at full speed from one end to the other.

  • Come to a controlled, quick stop at the goal line.

  • Explode back to the starting point.

  • Repeat 5 times each way.

Tip: Practice different types of stops—hockey stop, T-stop, and snowplow—to build versatility.

E. Agility Cone Drill

Objective: Increase quickness, change of direction, and edge control.

  • Set up 4-6 cones in a zigzag pattern.

  • Skate through the cones using tight crossovers and quick stops.

  • Focus on quick footwork and staying low.

  • Repeat 4-6 times with rest intervals.

F. Stride Length Drill

Objective: Maximize power in each stride to increase overall speed.

  • Skate from one blue line to the other focusing on long, powerful strides.

  • Push off harder with each leg extension.

  • Keep your torso low and arms engaged.

  • Repeat 5-7 times.

5. Off-Ice Training to Support Speed

Off-ice strength and conditioning play a vital role in improving skating speed. Incorporate:

  • Plyometric exercises like jump squats and box jumps.

  • Lower body strength training: squats, lunges, and deadlifts.

  • Core strengthening routines for stability.

  • Sprint intervals and agility ladder drills.

6. Tips for Improving Skating Speed

  • Maintain a low center of gravity for better balance.

  • Keep your knees bent and body leaning slightly forward.

  • Use strong, explosive pushes from your legs.

  • Pump your arms in rhythm with your strides.

  • Practice regularly and focus on technique over just skating fast.

Conclusion

Increasing your skating speed requires dedication to both on-ice drills and off-ice training. By incorporating these hockey skating drills for speed into your routine, you’ll develop faster acceleration, improved top-end speed, and better agility. Speed is a game-changer—commit to training smart, and watch your performance on the ice soar.

Ready to hit the ice and get faster? Lace up, focus on technique, and skate your way to success!