Many minor and adult players as well as minor parents, who lace up their kids skates, often do not realize the importance that ankle flex plays in skating.
Skates are often laced incorrectly. Also, players and parents have the bad habit of wrapping laces and tape around the skater’s ankles. The skates should support the feet, not act as a cast and inhibit good movement. Wrapping the laces and sock tape around the ankles should be avoided.
Wrapping the ankles inhibits the foot mobility needed for proper edging on the ice. Also, when forward striding to obtain maximum efficiency, it is important to begin extension from the hip through the knee, ankle joint to the toe when performing a stride. If there’s no ankle flex, a skater doesn’t have a complete and efficient stride.
For good skating performance, lacing up one’s skates properly is a top priority prior to stepping on the ice. Good lacing will firmly support a player’s feet while allowing the player to comfortably roll his or her ankles and skates inward and outward without restriction.
Unfortunately, many skaters over tighten their laces; this limits foot mobility. Boots laced too tightly may cut into a player’s flesh and a player will experience uncomfortable lace burn on the front area of their foot. If the laces are too tight at the top, bending your knees and ankles becomes difficult. In addition, circulation to the feet may be cut off, causing numbness and foot cramps.
The toe area and the area high above the ankles should be tied so they are moderately snug or even on the loose side. The tightest area of lacing should be from a point above the ball of the foot back to a point just above the ankle bone i.e. the top 2 or 3 eyelets. This is where the most support is required. Some players choose not to lace the top eyelets at all especially if their new pair skates are really stiff.
In conclusion, if you make sure you have better ankle flex; you will enhance your skating performance especially with the edges and forward striding aspects of skating.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of ice skating mechanics and performance optimization. My expertise in the field extends to the crucial aspects of proper skate lacing and ankle flex, which significantly impact a skater's efficiency on the ice.
The article you provided highlights several key concepts related to ice skating technique and equipment optimization. Let's break down the key points:
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Ankle Flex Importance: The article emphasizes the often overlooked importance of ankle flex in skating. Many players and parents are unaware of how crucial proper ankle flex is for optimal performance on the ice. Skates are not meant to act as a cast; instead, they should support the feet while allowing for necessary mobility.
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Lacing Techniques: Incorrectly lacing skates is a common issue addressed in the article. Players and parents often make the mistake of wrapping laces and tape around the skater's ankles. This practice inhibits foot mobility needed for proper edging on the ice. Proper lacing is highlighted as a top priority for good skating performance.
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Striding Technique: The article touches on the importance of ankle flex during forward striding. A complete and efficient stride requires ankle flex, and without it, skaters may compromise their performance on the ice.
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Lace Tightness: Over-tightening laces is cautioned against in the article. Tight laces can limit foot mobility, cause discomfort, and even lead to lace burn. The optimal tightness is recommended to be moderate, especially in the toe area and high above the ankles. The top 2 or 3 eyelets are identified as the areas where the tightest lacing should be to provide the necessary support.
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Circulation and Comfort: The article addresses the potential issues related to tight laces, such as cutting off circulation to the feet, resulting in numbness and foot cramps. It stresses the importance of finding the right balance between support and comfort.
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Customization: Skaters are advised to customize their lacing based on personal preferences and the stiffness of their skates. Some players may choose not to lace the top eyelets, especially if their skates are exceptionally stiff.
In conclusion, the article underscores that achieving better ankle flex is essential for enhancing overall skating performance, particularly when it comes to edges and forward striding. Properly lacing up skates and understanding the dynamics of ankle flex are crucial elements for skaters aiming to optimize their skills on the ice.
