For our first video of 2011, we wanted to go over a topic we covered at one of our recent holiday camps - backward quick starts. The backward quick start is an often overlooked skill essential for both defensemen and forwards.

Key Teaching Points:

• Low, powerful stance
• Don't stand up when you cross over
• Start perpendicular to the direction you want to go
• Load the weight to your front leg and push powerfully, driving your toe into the ice (weight on the balls of your feet)
• Generate power with your under-leg by pulling with the outside edge
• Listen for two distinct pushes
• Keep your head and chest up
• Keep your stick in front of you

Stay tuned - tomorrow we'll post a quick video outlining a couple practice drills for the backward quick start.