A sharp, perfectly edged skates can be the difference between a good game and a great one.
While most players understand the importance of skate maintenance, edging is an art form that separates the amateurs from the pros.
Your edges are essentially your connection to the ice—they determine how quickly you can turn, stop, accelerate, and maintain control during those lightning-fast plays.
In this guide, I’ll give you some expert techniques that will help you keep your edges razor-sharp and your skating skills at the top of their game.
Sharpen Your Ice Hockey Skates!
Getting your edges right starts with proper sharpening.
The hollow grind – that groove between your edges – determines how much grip you get.
Most players use something between 3/8″ and 5/8″ for their hollow. Deeper hollows give you more grip but make you work harder to glide.
If you’re not sure where to start, try a 1/2″ hollow – it works well for most recreational players by giving you good control without making it too hard to move.
Make sure to get your skates sharpened regularly – about every 8-10 hours of ice time keeps your edges working well and prevents any surprise slips during important plays.
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Balancing Edge Control And Speed
You need to find the right mix between having good edge control and being able to move fast.
When you use deeper edges, you get better control and can stop more easily, but you might not go as fast because there’s more friction.
Lighter edges let you skate faster, but you’ll need more skill to stay in control, especially during tight turns.
As you get better, you’ll learn when to use different edges – lighter ones when you need speed and deeper ones for quick turns and stops.
Drills To Improve Edge Work
Here are some great drills that will help you develop stronger, more confident edges:
Off-Ice And On-Ice Drills
Building edge control requires dedicated practice both off and on the ice.
For off-ice training, try balance board exercises and single-leg squats to strengthen your stabilizing muscles.
On the ice, begin with basic one-foot glides, focusing on maintaining a strong core and proper posture. Practice transitioning between your inside and outside edges while moving slowly, making sure to feel how your weight shifts.
A helpful progression is to start with straight-line gliding before advancing to gentle curves and then figure-eights.
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Circle Drills
Circle drills are fundamental for mastering edge control and building confidence.
Start with wide circles about 15-20 feet in diameter, maintaining consistent pressure on your chosen edge throughout the entire circle.
Watch the track you leave on the ice – it should be clean and continuous.
As your confidence grows, gradually reduce the circle size to about 5-8 feet, which requires more precise edge control and body positioning.
Remember to practice both forward and backward circles using both skates.
Edge Ladder Drills
Edge ladder drills help develop quick, precise edge transitions.
Begin with a simple pattern of alternating inside edges for 20-30 feet, focusing on smooth transitions. Progress to more complex patterns that incorporate both inside and outside edges in various combinations.
Try creating a rhythm to your transitions, like a dance step, to help develop muscle memory.
Advanced skaters can add speed variations and quick direction changes to challenge their edge control further.
Common Edging Mistakes And How To Fix Them
While mastering edge work takes time and practice, being aware of these common mistakes can help you progress faster and develop proper technique from the start.
Here are some of the most common mistakes:
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Improper Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is crucial for effective edge control, yet it’s one of the most common issues skaters face.
Many skaters make the mistake of leaning too far forward onto their toes or back onto their heels, which compromises balance and control.
To correct this, practice standing in place with your knees bent at about a 120-degree angle, keeping your shoulders aligned over your hips and ankles.
A good drill is to practice small knee bends while maintaining proper alignment – you should feel your weight centered in the middle of your blade, about 1-2 inches in front of your ankle.
Switching Edges Too Quickly
Rushing edge transitions often leads to unstable skating and poor technique.
Many skaters jump or hop between edges instead of executing smooth transitions.
To improve, practice slow, deliberate edge changes, counting to three on each edge before switching. Focus on feeling the gradual roll from one edge to the other through the flat of your blade.
As you practice, pay attention to keeping your upper body quiet and letting your ankles and knees do the work.
Neglecting The Use Of Outside Edges
Outside edges are often underutilized because they feel less natural and secure.
However, they’re essential for advanced skating skills and maneuverability.
Dedicate specific practice time to outside edge work, starting with simple forward and backward glides on your outside edges while holding the boards if necessary.
Progress to gentle curves and figures that incorporate outside edges, gradually building up to more challenging movements as your confidence increases.
Remember that mastering outside edges will significantly improve your overall skating ability and give you more options during gameplay.
Bottom Line
Getting really good at using your edges takes time and lots of practice, but it makes such a difference in how well you can skate.
Start with the basics and practice them until they feel natural before trying anything fancy.
Keep your skates sharp and well-maintained so your edges work properly when you need them.
Remember that everyone – even the pros – keeps working on their edge control throughout their hockey career. If you’re patient and keep practicing, you’ll develop the edge control you need to become a better player.
