SKILLS & DRILLS CLINICS
CYCLE 3 – WEEK 2

INSTRUCTION - AT HOME PREPARATION

Skill Learning Video

VIDEO OVERVIEW

Skill Chunk: Twist the torso as you transfer it over the bent stride knee  
Core Element: Controlled T-Push Core
Technical Skill: T-Push Transition

This instruction video will zoom in on the ‘skill chunk’ of a technical ‘Core Element’ and analyze the Body Alignment and Muscular Engagement needed when setting up and executing the ‘whole’ Technical Skill.

PRE CLINIC LEARNING PREP

Challenge yourself to mentally download the information by watching the video several times with the intention of understanding the activation and configuration lines needed to correctly execute the skill.

This understanding of the skill will better allow you to be guided by the instructors and correct yourself with a ‘deep thinking’ awareness during training clinics, team practices and in-game performance.

MORE AT HOME PRACTICE RESOURCES

‘HIPS ON A PARALLEL PLANE’ PLAN

THIS PLAN WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH 3 PRACTICE DAYS TARGETED TO UNDERSTAND AND IMPROVE THE CORRECT WAY TO T-PUSH THRU THE TRANSITION WITH LEVEL HIPS

If you already are a member of the Goalie Toolbox just press LOGIN and get started on this weeks recommended Skill Build Plan. If you are NOT YET A MEMBER, click the JOIN link and get access to more resources that will allow you to practice any place, any time and on any device.

BECAUSE YOU ARE A VALUED ACTIVE MEMBER, ENTER PROMO CODE GTB2024 TO GET 50% OFF 

PART A - ON ICE DRILL

Foundational Skating

Watch the video several times with the intention of understanding the foundational skating drill patterns so you are better prepared for when you practice it on the ice.

Estimated At Clinic Practice: 5 – 10 minutes

PART B - ON ICE DRILL

Functional Movement

TECHNICAL SKILL
Single Leg Recovery Into A T-Push Separation

CORE ELEMENT
Active Single Leg Base

AT HOME PRACTICE TIPS

• Visualize from a neutral, high crouch stance into a smooth butterfly with torso control.
• See yourself anchoring the recovery leg foot placement under your hips for maximum power and stability.
• Feel yourself engaging your core and edge control during push leg separation.
• Feel yourself moving at a slow flow speed (60–70% game pace) to master mechanics.
• See yourself performing the complete place → recover → separate → stop sequence with proper form.

ON-ICE COMMON MISTAKES TO WATCH FOR

• Dropping into butterfly with collapsed chest or rounded shoulders.
• Placing the recovery foot too far outside the hip line, limiting leverage and risking injury.
• Skipping core activation, which leads to imbalance during push-off.
• Lifting hips too high or rotating torso during push leg separation.
• Rushing visualizations instead of focusing on clear, detailed execution.

COACHING FEEDBACK CUES YOU WILL HEAR

• “Chest UP, torso FORWARD through the transfer.”
• “Land the foot under your center—load the skate, don’t float it.”
• “Strong ankles, strong push—press before you separate.”
• “Keep your basket hands OUT FRONT—don’t let them collapse inward.”
• “Slow is smooth—smooth is fast.”

PART C - ON ICE DRILL CIRCUIT

Drill 1: T-Push to Butterfly Stick Save

• DRILL COMPONENTS
• 1. High Crouch Stance
• 2. T-Push transition to centre on puck
• 3. Transition to Butterfly
• 4. Controlled Stick Save

*Primary Focus Point

Drill 2: Single Leg Recovery Technique

• DRILL COMPONENTS
• 1. Post Side Stance
• 2. Transition to Overlap position
• 3. Shuffle to strong side defence angle
• 4. Transition to butterfly
• 5. Single leg recovery*
• a. Look
• b. Pivot (rotate)
• c. Power Leg Engage (toe-knee-shoulder alignment)
• d. Push
• 6. Set center on puck in Overlap position
• 7. Shot

*Primary Focus Point

Drill 3a: Dynamic Transitional Movement

BASELINE PERFORMANCE FOCUS
Executed at ‘Slow Flow Tempo’ (50% to 60% Speed) with a focus on mindfully executing the skill keys when dynamically transitioning thru each technical movement into position

NOTE: Tempo, technical skills and transitions can be adjusted according to the student’s training profile.

Watch the video several times with the intention of understanding what is involved in executing so you are better prepared for when you practice it on the ice.

Estimated At Clinic Practice: 6 – 12 minutes

Drill 3b: Dynamic Transitional Movement

BASELINE PERFORMANCE FOCUS
Executed at ‘Threshold Edge Tempo’ (80% Speed) that pushes explosive acceleration and transitional agility while maintaining functional efficiency when transitioning thru the movement patterns
 into position and ready to read, recognize and react

NOTE: Tempo, technical skills and transitions can be adjusted according to the student’s training profile.

Watch the video several times with the intention of understanding what is involved in executing so you are better prepared for when you practice it on the ice.

Estimated At Clinic Practice: 6 – 12 minutes