Footwork is one of the most important skills that a player can practice and try to improve upon (especially for defensemen).  Footwork is the ability to move the feet independently of each other. It is the ability to go forward to backward, backward to forward, or side to side while maintaining speed and control. The game of hockey changes direction so quickly that a skater seems to be in constant motion. The better the skater’s footwork, the easier everything becomes.

We took some photos during some offensive zone work that the defensemen were doing at our camp. If you look at all three photos, you will notice all the skaters have their feet in an open position. The photos were taken while each skater was going from backward to forward and then taking a shot. As we examined these defensemen’s pictures frame by frame, we were able to see that their feet were at a 10 and 2 position (toes facing out) a majority of the time while “walking the blue line.” The same was the case when they worked on defensive zone drills as well.  

Taylor Chorney, Alex Goligoski and Ryan McDonagh (from the photos) all have excellent footwork and are able to do this while maintaining speed, controlling the puck and keeping their head up.

Some of my favorite drills to work on is to have a skater hold a heel-to-heel position (toes out on inside edges) from one side and switch and hold on the other side. Also, a skater can use the faceoff circle with a coach in the middle on the dot. Every time the coach says “turn,” the skater turns from edge to edge (forward to backward or backward to forward) towards the coach, avoiding skidding or scraping of the blades. Finally, just have the skater go up and down the blue line while transitioning with a puck while facing the net. Again, notice in the photos how these NHL defensemen keep their head up while controlling the puck.

There are many drills that can be done to work on footwork and transition, but the basic idea is to make sure the skater’s feet are not parallel as he/she turns from front to back or back to front. If the skater transitions from front to back with their feet parallel, he/she will come to a stop or scrape their blades on the ice, causing them to slow down.  

You may also see the skater catch an edge if transitioning with the feet parallel. This will no doubt cause the skater to either fall or stumble, almost like they tripped over their own feet. 

Remember, footwork can always get better, and in turn, will help you become an overall better skater.

Andy Ness is the head skating and skill coach for the Minnesota Wild. He has also been an assistant skating instructor for the New Jersey Devils, the University of Minnesota men’s and women’s hockey teams and the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team.