Tag: skating balance

What Is Tripping in Ice Hockey?

IHM Knowledge Center

What Is Tripping in Ice Hockey?

What is tripping, and how do officials determine when a player illegally causes an opponent to fall?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: February 21, 2026

Short Answer

Tripping is a penalty assessed when a player uses stick, body or leg to cause an opponent to lose balance and fall.

Full Explanation

Tripping commonly occurs when a player places their stick between an opponent’s skates or extends a leg to disrupt balance.

Even accidental contact can result in a penalty if it clearly causes a fall.

Officials focus on whether the defender’s action directly led to the opponent losing skating control.

Tripping is typically penalized with a two minute minor.

Why Tripping Is Penalized

The rule protects skating integrity and prevents dangerous falls at high speed.

Key Takeaways

  • Stick or leg causes opponent to fall.
  • Accidental contact may still be penalized.
  • Focus is on loss of balance.
  • Usually a two minute minor.

How Do Ankle Guards Protect Without Affecting Skating?

IHM Knowledge Center

How Do Ankle Guards Protect Without Affecting Skating?

How do hockey ankle guards protect the ankle and Achilles area from pucks and sticks while preserving skating balance and edge control?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: January 14, 2026

Short Answer

Ankle guards protect vulnerable areas using cut resistant materials and flexible padding while low profile design preserves skating mechanics.

Full Explanation

The ankle and Achilles tendon are exposed to skate blades, sticks and deflected pucks. Ankle guards add protection in areas not fully covered by skates.

Modern guards use cut resistant fabrics combined with thin impact foams to absorb contact without creating bulk.

Elastic construction allows full ankle flexion and extension, preserving edge control and stride efficiency.

Low profile shaping ensures the guard fits seamlessly with the skate, preventing interference during turns and transitions.

Why Ankle Mobility Matters

Edge work and balance depend on unrestricted ankle movement. Protection must secure critical zones without limiting flexibility.

Key Takeaways

  • Cut resistant layers protect Achilles.
  • Thin padding absorbs impact.
  • Flexible design preserves edge control.
  • Low profile fit avoids skate interference.

How Can You Tell If Hockey Skates Are Too Big?

IHM Knowledge Center

How Can You Tell If Hockey Skates Are Too Big?

How can you tell if hockey skates are too big, and what performance problems are caused by oversized skates?

Editor: Coach Mark • Updated: December 17, 2025

Short Answer

Hockey skates are too big if the foot moves inside the boot, the heel lifts during strides, or edge control feels delayed and unstable.

Full Explanation

Oversized skates allow internal foot movement, which reduces stability and makes skating movements less precise. Players often feel late response when turning, stopping or accelerating.

Heel lift is one of the clearest signs of skates being too big. When the heel rises during forward lean or push-off, power transfer to the blade is weakened.

Extra space inside the boot also causes players to over-tighten laces in an attempt to compensate. This leads to restricted circulation, discomfort and reduced ankle mobility.

Many beginners mistake oversized skates for comfort, but this choice slows development and increases the risk of poor skating habits.

Why Oversized Skates Hurt Performance

Skating requires precise edge engagement. When the foot shifts inside the boot, control is lost and balance becomes inconsistent, especially during stops and tight turns.

Key Takeaways

  • Heel lift indicates skates are too big.
  • Foot movement reduces edge control.
  • Over-tightening laces is a warning sign.
  • Correct size improves stability and confidence.