PUNCH STOPS

The "Punch Stop" or Punch Turn as it is sometimes called, is such an essential skating skill for agility. The punch stop is essentially a combination the power turn and the full stop, and once you master it, it will allow you to utilize and combine the benefits of both. It allows you to turn much tighter than a regular power turn, but it also allows you to keep more speed than just a full stop. When practicing your "Punch stops," it is important to realize that the outside foot stays on the edge, while the inside foot lifts up off the ice, and then "Punches" down as if you were stopping. While that inside foot is sliding, you can then decide how much speed to take off, before switching it over to the outside edge and exiting the move with a 2 foot turn. The punch stop has many applications, and is quickly becoming the choice of the top skaters to both escape defenders, as well as stay with attacking players while defending.