STOP. START. GET THERE.™ Stop and Start when a looping turn would waste time. Coach Joey™ teaches Players to change direction with balance, strong edges, and quick acceleration.
COACH JOEY™ BY AGE
U5-U7 • U8-U10 • U11-U14 • U15-U18 • Junior
U5-U7 + U8-U10 — Stop and Go
When the play changes direction, practice stopping and starting instead of making a huge circle.
U11-U14 — Use the Shorter Route
Recognize when a stop-start gets you to the next job faster than a looping turn.
U15-U18 + Junior — Match the Movement to the Play
Use stop-starts when direction changes sharply, but use transitions or crossovers when maintaining momentum is better.
Why Circles Cost Time
A long turn adds distance. In a fast game, those extra metres can turn good position into late position.
Stay Balanced Through the Stop
Keep your chest controlled, knees bent, and weight centered. A strong stop should prepare the first stride in the new direction.
Do Not Stop Automatically
Sometimes a transition or crossover preserves more speed. Read the play and choose the fastest useful route.
5 Smart Ways to Stop and Start in Hockey
Stop and Start skills matter because Hockey changes direction constantly. A Player who can stop under control and accelerate quickly can recover position, support the puck, and stay connected to the play.
1. Stop Under Control
A useful stop is balanced and ready for what comes next. Bend the knees, use both edges, and finish the stop in a position that allows immediate movement.
2. Point the Body Toward the Next Job
Do not stop facing away from the play if you can avoid it. Finish the stop so your hips, shoulders, and first stride can move toward the next responsibility.
3. Win the First Three Strides
After you Stop and Start, the first strides matter most. Push hard, keep the body forward, and build speed quickly instead of standing upright after the stop.
4. Use Stops When They Save Time
Not every change of direction requires a full stop. Crossovers, pivots, and transitions can preserve speed. Choose the movement that gets you to the useful space fastest.
5. Connect the Skill to the Play
Practice stopping after a pass, after a shot, during a backcheck, and while changing support lanes. The skill becomes valuable when Players recognize why they are using it.
Practice Stop-and-Start Hockey
Use short races that require one or two direction changes. Keep the distance small enough that acceleration matters more than top speed. Then add a puck or decision cue so Players learn to stop and start in response to the play.
Continue with Backcheck Better and Short Shifts. For additional skating-development resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Joey’s Takeaway
Change direction with purpose. STOP. START. GET THERE.™
Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
STOP. START. GET THERE.™
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.
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