3 Keys to Mackinnon's forward stride!! (How to)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the three keys to Nathan Mackinnon's powerful forward stride, as demonstrated by the Downhill Skater. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player looking to enhance your skating speed, these techniques and drills will help you improve your forward stride. By following these steps and practicing the recommended drills, you can elevate your skating performance.

Step 1: Focus on Knee Drive

To maximize your forward stride, emphasize driving your knees effectively.

Practical Tips

• Keep your knees high during strides to generate more power.
• Avoid letting your knees drop too low, as this can reduce your stride's effectiveness.

Drill

• Knee Drive Drill:
  • Find a flat surface or a smooth area to practice.
  • Start skating slowly and focus on lifting your knees high with each stride.
  • Gradually increase your speed while maintaining proper knee drive.

Step 2: Emphasize Full Extension

A strong forward stride requires full leg extension to produce speed.

Practical Tips

• Ensure that your back leg fully extends behind you after each push.
• This extension helps in maximizing the distance covered with each stride.

Drill

• Full Extension Drill:
  • Skate at a comfortable pace.
  • Concentrate on fully extending your back leg with each stride.
  • You can place cones or markers to help you gauge your distance and extension.

Step 3: Combine the Techniques

Once you have practiced the first two keys, it's time to integrate them into your stride for maximum effectiveness.

Practical Tips

• Focus on coordinating your knee drive and leg extension simultaneously.
• This combination will enhance your overall skating speed and efficiency.

Drill

• Combination Drill:
  • Skate at a moderate speed.
  • Implement both knee drive and full leg extension in a fluid motion.
  • Record yourself to assess your technique and make necessary adjustments.

Step 4: Record and Assess Your Performance

To truly understand your progress, filming your skating can provide valuable insights.

Practical Tips

• Use your smartphone or a camera to record your full-speed forward stride.
• Analyze the footage, paying close attention to how well you implement the three keys.

Adjustments

• Based on your assessment, return to the feel or implementation drills for any areas needing improvement.
• Focus specifically on any key that feels less effective during your stride.

Conclusion

By mastering Nathan Mackinnon's forward stride techniques, you can significantly improve your skating performance. Focus on knee drive, full extension, and the combination of both, then assess your progress through video recordings. With consistent practice, you'll notice enhanced speed and efficiency in your skating. Keep refining these skills, and don’t hesitate to revisit the drills as needed to achieve your goals. Happy skating!