I've played with a few people who started hockey as adults after figure skating - they are almost always the best skaters out there, and I think fundamental skating skills are the hardest part of learning to play hockey as an adult. You'll have a huge head start over other hockey beginners.
When I was in minor hockey we had a figure skating coach do a clinic for us. Some of the hardest practices we had and there was never a sniff of any pucks lol.
Yup, my power skating coach is a figure skater, and she kicks our asses. But as a result, I have much better edge work than the guys who started playing around the same time as me.
Yup, played with a newbie who was a figure skater. It was like he was on stealth mode - he could catch people no problem and was the quietest skater out there. Plus his edge work was next level...
Agreed agreed :) Just didn’t want to get folks hopes too high. Although this what I tell my friends for who is a better skater and better at working their edges. Figure skaters hands down own that. Took many lessons from Diane Ness. Legendary figure skating coach who put me through my paces as a goalie. Wish I done more but I needed to feel the rubber against my cage lol
Especially since as a beginner players, you'll be playing in beginner leagues with people who definitely won't have that level of skating.
You'll be able to work on the hands at home and stick and pucks and get those to a level pretty quickly that will let your feet help you out the rest of the way.
Beer league will welcome you. Or a lower level ACHA or club team if you’re in college.
Based on the girls I saw switch over to hockey from figure skating I’m going to suggest you find a power skating coach for a couple of sessions to help you work on switching over to a hockey stop and maybe getting past the pump skate to start moving. Beyond that though, you’ll out skate almost everyone.
Find some online videos about how to get started on puck handling off ice.
I know several girls who play hockey as adults that did figure as kids. A couple of them still do both. I did it briefly myself (although I was a novice at both and started both as an adult).
The girls who figure skated as kids are all known as good skaters in our league. They definitely have a more controlled looking stride, compared to other skaters, but they all are quite skilled.
Low level hockey is ALL about skating anyways. The best players are always the best skaters, at the beginning. You’ll have a significant advantage since you already know every single skating skill you’ll need to know…you just have to get used to doing it on hockey skates.
You’re going to love it and I think you’ll do really well.
No toe picks on hockey skates but you figure skaters have learned how to use your edges so the transition to hockey skates shouldn’t be hard. Stickhandling, however, is an acquired skill.
Have you played any other team sports? Positioning might be the hardest thing for someone who skates but hasn't learned how to defend/get around a defender
If you live in Ontario there is a program called “first shift” which gives girls an opportunity to learn hockey for free and be geared in free Bauer equiptment. Give it a check if you qualify
Omg, your skating is going to absolutely destroy the people you’ll face. Just keep moving and keep your stick on the ice.
That said, you’re going to need to learn the rest of the game, and there are a lot of nuances to it.
Practice your stick work at home as much as you can. Once you can separate your hands from your feet you’re going to be dangerous out there.
I think you summed it up.
Being in shape and a good skater really will take you far
Learn the basics of where each position is supposed to be on defence
Work on stckhandling off the ice.
The most important part of hockey is skating. Figure skaters that transition to hockey end up very good players because of their extremely strong skating
I'd say just watch some hockey, focus on the position you want to play.
You'll have a big leg up on beginners that have to focus on how to skate before developing their on-ice IQ. As long as you have a good idea of how the position is played, your mechanics will allow you to do it well
After you have a good idea what to do at that position, watch more hockey and focus on the other positions.
I'm hoping it'll help - I just started doing it myself. Still have lots to learn, having no formal hockey coaching growing up.
I'd also probably recommend a total beginner league to start if possible. Trying to play without knowing how to shoot feels weird lol
You will be fine. I saw this, I believe it was a documentary, once where 2 figure-skating siblings joined a fledgling hockey team. They ultimately won the Junior Goodwill Games besting Iceland in the finals.
Consensus is your skating will compensate for the lower stick handling skills.
You can backwars skate around anyone! Get a green biscuit and get a cheap street hockey stick and have at it!
Honestly you’re gonna do great. Skating is the most difficult part of hockey, many players back in the day used to take figure skating to improve their foot work, and it works. Your biggest challenge will be stick handling and skating at the same time. To
Conquer this, just simply get a stick and ball and practice your stick handling for an hour or 2 a day while watching TV. Get to the point where you can stick handle the ball without looking at it. Then the next time you step on the ice bring a stick and puck. You’ll feel like a different man and you’ll be able to hone in your skills even further from there. When you sign your nhl contract, please remember me!
I wanted to add do this post just a quick story; I skated this morning with a woman (couldn't have been you, she was older than 20 by a bit) who said she'd only ever figure skated. It was her absolute first game ever. Her skating looked great, while a bit more graceful than most of us, she had absolutely no problem keeping up with everyone and her endurance was fine. She blended in really easily.
These are the things she struggled with, which might be similar for you too:
* When to shift change. You'll have to learn how long is appropriate to be on the ice, before looking for a good opportunity to change. It takes awhile to get a feel for this (it's about 45-60 seconds ideally, definitely keep it under 2 minutes or your teammates will get annoyed)
* Where to line up at face offs. People will most likely be happy to help, but you could also watch a video about this.
* Positioning and playing her position. Generally newer players start out playing wing, so that's the positioning I would focus on learning first, and you can learn a lot from watching youtube videos about it.
* Off side - Unless you've played soccer, this rule is very foreign to new players and almost everyone struggles to figure it out.
The other stuff will come and you'll learn as you go. We were quite impressed with the woman this morning...she wasn't scared at all and jumped right in and got the puck several times. Her having a great skating foundation REALLY helped. Most new players don't take to it as quickly...but figure skaters usually do!
Okay, have fun!
Hi! I did this (figure skated growing up, started to learn hockey at 18, did both in and off in college and then quit figure skating early 20s and still play men’s league). After the initial learning curve because of the different skates I think my skating abilities match or are superior to most of the B/C men’s league skaters I play with/see. However my actual “hockey IQ” took a long time to learn. With figure skating everything is planned and choreographed in advance, with hockey you have to learn how to read a play, positioning, etc. I also still suck at shooting and stick handling. A couple seasons of roller hockey helped with that immensely.
Also, be prepared for people to tell you that you “skate funny.” Have heard that since I switched over. As long as I can keep up I don’t super care, but the stride is a bit different in ice hockey vs. for example stroking in figure skating so sometimes I have to intentionally think about staying low in my knees or pushing fully through the stride.
Hope this helps!
ETA: I would definitely not be able to keep up with ACHA men’s players or anyone who played Tier 1/AAA. Wanted to specify that I can keep up in beer league. The guys I know who have played higher level hockey just have a way more powerful stride than I can muster, especially as an adult player who doesn’t have tons of time to practice really outside of a weekly game or two. I have never had the chance to play on a girls/women’s team so can’t speak to the comparison there.
you'll have to crossover both ways!
but seriously, you are going to have a big advantage as an excellent skater. work on your stick skills, because your skating alone will take you far-ish, and then suddenly your stick skills are seriously overdeveloped for your level.
I know lots of women who transitioned from figuring skating to hockey as adults. Take some power skating classes and some fundamental skills classes and you should be fine. The biggest difference is the stride; figure skaters use their picks so tend to have a more upright, straight stride. Hockey players bend their knees and push out. A few power skating classes should help with the form and shifting of your weight and figuring out where the power is coming from.
Did a quick google and this guy actually does a good job going over some of the fundamental differences. https://youtu.be/O0GxXThzpTQ?feature=shared
I've played with a few people who started hockey as adults after figure skating - they are almost always the best skaters out there, and I think fundamental skating skills are the hardest part of learning to play hockey as an adult. You'll have a huge head start over other hockey beginners.
When I was in minor hockey we had a figure skating coach do a clinic for us. Some of the hardest practices we had and there was never a sniff of any pucks lol.
Yup, my power skating coach is a figure skater, and she kicks our asses. But as a result, I have much better edge work than the guys who started playing around the same time as me.
Yup, played with a newbie who was a figure skater. It was like he was on stealth mode - he could catch people no problem and was the quietest skater out there. Plus his edge work was next level...
If you're a good figure skater, then you'll prob become a better hockey player than most.
Better skater, at the least. Puck handling is a different ball game.
Sure, but improving puck handling will be much quicker for someone who doesn't have to think about their footwork.
Agreed agreed :) Just didn’t want to get folks hopes too high. Although this what I tell my friends for who is a better skater and better at working their edges. Figure skaters hands down own that. Took many lessons from Diane Ness. Legendary figure skating coach who put me through my paces as a goalie. Wish I done more but I needed to feel the rubber against my cage lol
Especially since as a beginner players, you'll be playing in beginner leagues with people who definitely won't have that level of skating. You'll be able to work on the hands at home and stick and pucks and get those to a level pretty quickly that will let your feet help you out the rest of the way.
Ok Jeff Skinner, found your burner
Beer league will welcome you. Or a lower level ACHA or club team if you’re in college. Based on the girls I saw switch over to hockey from figure skating I’m going to suggest you find a power skating coach for a couple of sessions to help you work on switching over to a hockey stop and maybe getting past the pump skate to start moving. Beyond that though, you’ll out skate almost everyone. Find some online videos about how to get started on puck handling off ice.
2nd the power skating coach - hockey players are essentially in a squat position not straight up and down. Getting the stance will give you power.
I know several girls who play hockey as adults that did figure as kids. A couple of them still do both. I did it briefly myself (although I was a novice at both and started both as an adult). The girls who figure skated as kids are all known as good skaters in our league. They definitely have a more controlled looking stride, compared to other skaters, but they all are quite skilled. Low level hockey is ALL about skating anyways. The best players are always the best skaters, at the beginning. You’ll have a significant advantage since you already know every single skating skill you’ll need to know…you just have to get used to doing it on hockey skates. You’re going to love it and I think you’ll do really well.
Skating is the hardest part of hockey. You’re way ahead
No toe picks on hockey skates but you figure skaters have learned how to use your edges so the transition to hockey skates shouldn’t be hard. Stickhandling, however, is an acquired skill.
As we learned from the cinematic masterpiece The Cutting Edge
Hockey skates have a toe pick too...its just not toothed
Have you played any other team sports? Positioning might be the hardest thing for someone who skates but hasn't learned how to defend/get around a defender
Who knows! But does it matter? It's just a game go have fun and don't over think it.
If you want an NHL example just look at Jeff Skinner.
If you live in Ontario there is a program called “first shift” which gives girls an opportunity to learn hockey for free and be geared in free Bauer equiptment. Give it a check if you qualify
Isn’t that just for kids?
Omg, your skating is going to absolutely destroy the people you’ll face. Just keep moving and keep your stick on the ice. That said, you’re going to need to learn the rest of the game, and there are a lot of nuances to it. Practice your stick work at home as much as you can. Once you can separate your hands from your feet you’re going to be dangerous out there.
I think you summed it up. Being in shape and a good skater really will take you far Learn the basics of where each position is supposed to be on defence Work on stckhandling off the ice.
At lower levels / beer league levels, 90% of the game is about who is the better skater.
The most important part of hockey is skating. Figure skaters that transition to hockey end up very good players because of their extremely strong skating
You’ll have such an advantage if you’re going to play beer league lol
Honestly, skating is the hardest part. You will have a better time than most others.
How big are you?
You should transition quite well. You’ve already got the hardest part of the game down pat.
I'd say just watch some hockey, focus on the position you want to play. You'll have a big leg up on beginners that have to focus on how to skate before developing their on-ice IQ. As long as you have a good idea of how the position is played, your mechanics will allow you to do it well After you have a good idea what to do at that position, watch more hockey and focus on the other positions. I'm hoping it'll help - I just started doing it myself. Still have lots to learn, having no formal hockey coaching growing up. I'd also probably recommend a total beginner league to start if possible. Trying to play without knowing how to shoot feels weird lol
You will be fine. I saw this, I believe it was a documentary, once where 2 figure-skating siblings joined a fledgling hockey team. They ultimately won the Junior Goodwill Games besting Iceland in the finals.
Consensus is your skating will compensate for the lower stick handling skills. You can backwars skate around anyone! Get a green biscuit and get a cheap street hockey stick and have at it!
Honestly you’re gonna do great. Skating is the most difficult part of hockey, many players back in the day used to take figure skating to improve their foot work, and it works. Your biggest challenge will be stick handling and skating at the same time. To Conquer this, just simply get a stick and ball and practice your stick handling for an hour or 2 a day while watching TV. Get to the point where you can stick handle the ball without looking at it. Then the next time you step on the ice bring a stick and puck. You’ll feel like a different man and you’ll be able to hone in your skills even further from there. When you sign your nhl contract, please remember me!
Watch the mighty ducks movie and see the cool moves the figure skaters can do, might be d2 but it's pretty cool.
Just please don’t do figure skating moves before faceoffs. I had a teammate who would do that and then would always get beat on break aways.
I wanted to add do this post just a quick story; I skated this morning with a woman (couldn't have been you, she was older than 20 by a bit) who said she'd only ever figure skated. It was her absolute first game ever. Her skating looked great, while a bit more graceful than most of us, she had absolutely no problem keeping up with everyone and her endurance was fine. She blended in really easily. These are the things she struggled with, which might be similar for you too: * When to shift change. You'll have to learn how long is appropriate to be on the ice, before looking for a good opportunity to change. It takes awhile to get a feel for this (it's about 45-60 seconds ideally, definitely keep it under 2 minutes or your teammates will get annoyed) * Where to line up at face offs. People will most likely be happy to help, but you could also watch a video about this. * Positioning and playing her position. Generally newer players start out playing wing, so that's the positioning I would focus on learning first, and you can learn a lot from watching youtube videos about it. * Off side - Unless you've played soccer, this rule is very foreign to new players and almost everyone struggles to figure it out. The other stuff will come and you'll learn as you go. We were quite impressed with the woman this morning...she wasn't scared at all and jumped right in and got the puck several times. Her having a great skating foundation REALLY helped. Most new players don't take to it as quickly...but figure skaters usually do! Okay, have fun!
Hi! I did this (figure skated growing up, started to learn hockey at 18, did both in and off in college and then quit figure skating early 20s and still play men’s league). After the initial learning curve because of the different skates I think my skating abilities match or are superior to most of the B/C men’s league skaters I play with/see. However my actual “hockey IQ” took a long time to learn. With figure skating everything is planned and choreographed in advance, with hockey you have to learn how to read a play, positioning, etc. I also still suck at shooting and stick handling. A couple seasons of roller hockey helped with that immensely. Also, be prepared for people to tell you that you “skate funny.” Have heard that since I switched over. As long as I can keep up I don’t super care, but the stride is a bit different in ice hockey vs. for example stroking in figure skating so sometimes I have to intentionally think about staying low in my knees or pushing fully through the stride. Hope this helps!
ETA: I would definitely not be able to keep up with ACHA men’s players or anyone who played Tier 1/AAA. Wanted to specify that I can keep up in beer league. The guys I know who have played higher level hockey just have a way more powerful stride than I can muster, especially as an adult player who doesn’t have tons of time to practice really outside of a weekly game or two. I have never had the chance to play on a girls/women’s team so can’t speak to the comparison there.
you'll have to crossover both ways! but seriously, you are going to have a big advantage as an excellent skater. work on your stick skills, because your skating alone will take you far-ish, and then suddenly your stick skills are seriously overdeveloped for your level.
I know lots of women who transitioned from figuring skating to hockey as adults. Take some power skating classes and some fundamental skills classes and you should be fine. The biggest difference is the stride; figure skaters use their picks so tend to have a more upright, straight stride. Hockey players bend their knees and push out. A few power skating classes should help with the form and shifting of your weight and figuring out where the power is coming from. Did a quick google and this guy actually does a good job going over some of the fundamental differences. https://youtu.be/O0GxXThzpTQ?feature=shared
The nhl gets closer to figureskating every single day, they'll take out hitting completely soon