In the realm of ice hockey, careful attention to blade contact area and radius of hollow (ROH) is essential for performance and injury prevention. Deep hollows with extensive blade contact can increase the risk of knee and ligament injuries while compromising gliding ability. Thus, players should aim for a shallow hollow to maintain surface contact with the ice, facilitating smooth gliding and maneuverability.
During quick pivot turns, players can shift their weight slightly backward towards the heel, leveraging the blade’s flat region for efficiency. Subsequently, weight distribution transitions forward over the flat area for powerful push-offs and increased glide. Wide-radius turns, such as those executed behind the net, necessitate utilizing the mid portion of the blades to maintain stability and control.