Skating Drill For Defensemen: Open Hip Extension

Open Hip Extension

The open hip movement shown above is one of the most important skating movements for defenseman to master. A defensemans ability to open up their hips, load and recover allows them to stay in front of opponents on a rush or angle and rub out a player skating along the wall. Instead of crossing your feet this open hip movement allows you to be more efficient, balanced and increase glide.

Keys To This Drill

• Upper body leading the way, turn head and shoulders first.
• Master the mohawk heal to heal first to able to open hips and extend.
• Weight shift and loading legs.