Iron Cross Drill

Purpose

This drill builds agility, develops quick crossover starts and improves reaction time on the skates.

Setup

• This drill can be done in each of the five circles in the rink, with four coaches (or players) at the ‘corners’ of each circle.
• The skater will start on the dot in the middle of the circle.

How it Works

1. Each of the four players or coaches outside of the circle are given a number between 1 and 4.
2. Coach blows his whistle or says, “Go” and then shouts one of the four numbers.
3. The player in the middle of the circle must skate to that position.
4. Coach continues calling numbers and player continues skating to the appropriate position until coach says, “Stop.”
5. Have each player complete two reps or run the drill for a set time period – like 5 minutes.

Coaching Tips

• In this drill, skaters should be using crossover starts and then quick stops when they reach a player or coach.