why is edge work important?

If you've ever seen me at one of my son's games, you've probably heard me yell "USE YOUR EDGES!" But why is having great edge work important? (And why do I have to remind him!?)

Guys like McDavid, Marchand, Kaprizov, Q. Hughes, Crosby (still!) and especially Makar make professional hockey players look silly on a nightly basis. Their pivots, escapes, lateral moves and elusiveness at full speed are all a product of elite edge work.

Sometimes new hockey parents can get frustrated while watching me focus on edge work with their child. While it may not look exciting, it is a pivotal piece of my on-ice lessons and a foundation for many more important aspects of your child's future in ice hockey. Here are a few areas that benefit from strong edge work:

Balance and Stability

Developing strong edge control improves balance and stability on the ice, allowing you to maintain control while maneuvering at high speeds or in tight spaces.

Agility and Maneuverability

Effective edge work enables players to make quick turns, tight cuts, and intricate movements, allows them to evade opponents, create scoring opportunities, and defend against attacks.

Speed and Acceleration

Proper use of edges enhances a player's ability to accelerate quickly and maintain top speed while navigating the ice. This is essential for chasing down loose pucks, breaking away on offense, or catching up on defense.

Puck Control

Edge work goes hand in hand with puck handling skills. By mastering edge control, players can execute advanced stickhandling moves while maintaining their balance and agility, leading to better puck control and manipulation during gameplay.

Versatility

Players with strong edge work are versatile assets to their teams, capable of adapting to various situations and playing styles. Whether it's weaving through traffic, executing precise turns, or making dynamic defensive plays, proficient edge work allows players to excel in different aspects of the game.

Overall, incorporating edge work into hockey training programs enhances a player's overall skill set, making them more effective and impactful on the ice.