🏒 How Good Is Your Outside Edge?

Most players control their inside edges just fine. 

But their outside edges? That’s where things fall apart.

If you can’t trust your outside edge, you can’t cut hard, change direction explosively, or hold speed through turns. 

You lose space. You lose time. You lose plays.

Elite players don’t just use their outside edges, they own them. 

This is how you can too.

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Inside vs. Outside Edge – What’s the Difference?

Every hockey skate blade has two edges:

The Inside Edge:

• The easier of the two to control. Most players feel comfortable pushing off their inside edges.

The Outside Edge:

• The real challenge. When leaning onto the outside edge, a player’s center of gravity moves beyond their skates, making it much harder to stay balanced and in control.

Mastering both edges is critical, but controlling the outside edge is what separates elite players from the rest.

Why Outside Edge Control Matters

When a player leans at extreme angles while skating, their edge digs into the ice, allowing them to:

• Carve sharp turns and deceptive movements

• Explode out of crossovers and transitions

• Maintain speed and control under pressure

• Create space from defenders, giving them more time to make plays

Simply put: More space = More time.

And in hockey, time is everything.

How to Build Elite Outside Edge Control

1. Commit to the Lean

If you don’t lean, you don’t engage the edge. Simple.

• Drop lower

• Trust the lean

• Let your edge bite into the ice

2. Hit the 45-Degree Angle

The deeper the lean, the sharper the cut.

Elite players can get their skates to a 45-degree angle.

More angle = more space and time.

If you’re standing tall, you’re wasting an edge.

3. Train Edge Strength

Weak edges mean weak movement. Fix it.

•  Deep edge drills – Work on control at extreme angles

• One-leg balance drills – Strengthen stability

• Lateral cuts at speed – Make edge control automatic

The Bottom Line

If your outside edges are weak, you’re limiting your skating ability.

If you master them, you’ll be a completely different player.

A player who can cut at extreme angles, shift laterally at high speeds, and create space when others can’t.

And always remember:

"Do the common thing uncommonly well."

When you’re ready to elevate your game, here’s how I can help you:

1. Elite private training to provide the 1 on 1 attention you deserve.

2. Spring 2025 clinics for offseason skill development.

3. Summer Camp 2025 to prepare for the upcoming season.

See you on the ice,

Coach Scott Rutherford
(716) 912-4465