CHANGE SPEED. CREATE SPACE.™ Change Speed because skating at one predictable pace makes a defender’s job easier. Coach Jane™ teaches girls to use changes of pace to force defenders to adjust.
Coach Jane™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™
Presenter script: “Hi, Coach Jane here. Slow enough to make the defender adjust, then accelerate into the space you create. Change speed. Create space.”
Make the Defender Adjust Twice
A change of pace forces a defender to recalculate distance and timing. Practice moving at a controlled pace, then accelerating for several strides through open ice.
The lesson is not to coast casually. The purpose is to use pace deliberately.
Use Speed With and Without the Puck
The same idea applies away from the puck. A Player can change pace to arrive in support, create a passing lane, or separate from coverage.
Coach Jane™ by Age
U5–U7 • U8–U10 • U11–U14 • U15–U18 • Junior
U5–U7 + U8–U10 — Slow, Then Go
Use a simple cue: controlled skating followed by three quick strides.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What are we teaching with slow-then-go?
U11–U14 — Create Separation
Use a pace change before entering open space or before cutting away from a defender.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
Why can changing speed create separation?
U15–U18 + Junior — Manipulate the Defender
Combine pace changes with body position and direction changes to influence the defender before attacking the next space.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
What is the advanced purpose of changing pace?
5 Smart Ways to Change Speed in Hockey
Change Speed to make defenders adjust. Skating fast matters, but skating at one predictable pace can make the defender’s job easier.
1. Slow Down With a Purpose
A brief change of pace can make a defender relax, tighten the gap, or change foot position.
2. Accelerate Into the Space You Create
The slowdown only matters if the Player uses the opening that follows. Change Speed and attack the space before the defender recovers.
3. Keep the Puck Under Control
Do not let a pace change turn into unnecessary stickhandling. Keep the puck available for the next pass, shot, or carry.
4. Change Speed Without the Puck
Off-puck Players can use pace changes to lose coverage, create a passing lane, or arrive in support at the right time.
5. Read the Defender
Use the defender’s feet, gap, and body position to decide when a pace change may create an advantage.
Practice Pace Changes
Skate through a lane at a controlled pace, slow briefly at a marker, then accelerate for three or four strides. Add the puck and passive pressure as the skill improves.
Continue with Start Skating and Protect the Puck. For more skating resources, visit USA Hockey training materials.
Coach Jane’s Takeaway
Fast is useful. Predictable is easier to defend. Learn when a change of pace can create the next opening.
CHANGE SPEED. CREATE SPACE.™
Keep Learning With Coach Jane
Continue with Start Skating Before You Handle the Puck and Protect the Puck With Body Position.
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Part of Coach Jane™ 10-Second Hockey Lessons™. Presented by The Hockey Resource™.
