There are many situations in a game where a “V Start” is more effective than a “Crossover Start.” The reason is that the “V Start” has the advantage of being quicker out of the gate than the crossover start. In situations where you are standing still on a face-off, or almost stopped reading the play (in front of the net, in the corner, or at the point), the “V start” will be more effective in gaining body position to win puck races in tight areas. When working on the “V start,” it is important to stay on the balls of the feet, grip the ice, and utilize the “spring” of the ankle for the first 2-3 contacts. After that, the steps will lengthen out and the blade will hit flat and have some glide. Once you have gained proficiency with the “V Start,” it is a great progression to add a reactionary element to it, as it is performed in reaction to a loose puck or to the referee dropping the puck on a face-off.