Hockey Skating

Elevate hockey players to the highest level of performance with NHL skating techniques.

As hockey evolves, players require more strength, power, and agility to keep up with the fast-paced game. If they cannot combine skating skills with endurance and efficiency, they will be left behind. Hockey Skating breaks down vital skating techniques into their simplest form so players and coaches can build a strong foundation and dominate on the ice.

By honing their skating skills, players can improve their overall in-game performance. Sharing techniques taught in the NHL, this book helps players and coaches assess strengths and weaknesses, then tailor their training to ensure continued development. The book includes the following:

• A drill finder organized by skill level and areas needing improvement
• Quotes from pro hockey players emphasizing the value of skating skills
• Coaching tips, technique tips, and common mistakes to look out for
• Variations to change the difficulty level of drills

Skating for hockey is unlike any other form of skating; it requires a unique set of skills and techniques to keep players powerful and efficient as they navigate the ice. Guidance from the pros will push players to challenge themselves and focus on weak areas that need attention.

Hockey Skating is a key resource for both players and coaches. With a strong skating foundation, players can build their repertoire of skills and execute each one with precision when the puck drops.

Audience

Hockey coaches and players, both male and female. Also a resource for parents of youth players and inline hockey players.

Drill Finder
Foreword

Chapter 1. The Power of Skating
Chapter 2. The Right Gear for On-Ice Excellence
Chapter 3. Understanding Skating Mechanics
Chapter 4. Evaluate Your Technique to Refine Skills
Chapter 5. Master Forward Skating
Chapter 6. Backward Skating for Dominance
Chapter 7. Explosive Starts and Stops
Chapter 8. Edge Work for Efficient Turns and Transitions
Chapter 9. Accelerate With Crossovers
Chapter 10. Develop Power and Agility to Reach Maximal Potential
Chapter 11. On-Ice Conditioning
Chapter 12. Off-Ice Conditioning
 

Danielle Fujita has been working for the Calgary Flames since 2018 and has over 30 years of experience, having coached thousands of players. She specializes in developing speed, first-step explosiveness, transitional quickness, and the ability to change gears efficiently under pressure. From first-time skaters to professional athletes competing in the NHL, AHL, NCAA, CHL, and numerous leagues across North America, players of all different backgrounds and skill levels have benefited from Fujita’s techniques. She takes a no-nonsense approach to her teaching and yet has a unique ability to truly connect with her athletes. She believes that progress comes from effective teaching, accurate communication, and creative problem-solving.

“I recently started working with Danielle and saw immediate progress from the first skate. She has broken down many different things for my skating and continues to help me improve as a player. Hockey Skating will help you do the same.”

—Nate Danielson, Canadian Professional Ice Hockey Player

“Danielle has an exceptional ability to implement the details of skating with applicable hockey skills, providing the player with all the tools necessary to reach their maximum potential as an athlete. This makes Hockey Skating a must-read for coaches and players alike.”

—Glen Gulutzan, Head Coach of the Dallas Stars

“Skating is a hockey player’s greatest weapon. Skills in skating don’t just make you faster—they make your entire game faster. Hockey Skating will help you hone those skills.”

—Ilya Solovyov, Pittsburgh Penguins Defenseman

“Danielle is the absolute best at teaching the mechanics of skating. Hockey Skating is proof of that. Whether you’re a player or coach, you’ll truly gain an understanding of what it takes to be a great skater.”

—Cassie Campbell-Pascall, Olympic Gold Medalist and IIHF Hall of Fame Member

“Danielle Fujita has adapted her on-ice expertise and techniques into a book, Hockey Skating, which will become the leading manual for skating improvement. We’ve witnessed the results firsthand in Calgary, and now every player at any level can benefit from Danielle’s skating principles.”

—Craig Conroy, General Manager for the Calgary Flames