🏒 The Power of the Pivot

If you want to become a true two-way threat player, there’s one skill that will instantly level up your game.

Especially as a defenseman.

It’s not flashy.

It won’t go viral on TikTok.

But mastering your pivots might be the most underrated skill in hockey.

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Why Pivots Matter

At Pro Performance Hockey, we teach four types of pivots every player needs to master:

• Forward to backward (in a straight line)

• Backward to forward (in a straight line)

• Forward to backward (changing direction)

• Backward to forward (changing direction)

Being able to seamlessly transition between skating forward and backward, without losing speed or balance, is the difference between making a defensive stop or getting burned on a rush.

Defensemen, especially, can’t afford to be average at this.

If you can’t pivot quickly, you’ll end up giving your opponent way too much time and space. Game over.

The Secret Ingredient: The Mohawk Turn

Want better pivots?

Start with the Mohawk.

This ballet-inspired movement involves turning both skates outward while keeping your body low and balanced.

It’s a powerful position that engages both inside edges and helps you transition more fluidly.

We have a previous lesson on Mastering Starts and Stops, which you should check out once this lesson is completed.

Great players can skate in wide arcs, or even straight lines, with their skates turned out.

And yes, that includes your favorite NHL defenseman.

The 4 Essential Pivoting Techniques

1. Crossover to Forward
This pivot is used when you’re skating backward and want to accelerate forward quickly.

The key is to crossover with your top leg while keeping your head, chest, and eyes facing the play.

Don't turn your entire body. Keep your upper body neutral so you can read the ice as you transition.

2. Open Hip to Forward
This pivot allows for a smoother, more deceptive transition from backward to forward skating.

Instead of crossing over, you open your hips (like a mohawk turn), maintain an athletic stance, and accelerate forward.

It’s a more fluid and less predictable move.

3. Crossover to Backward
Used when transitioning from forward skating to backward.

Lead with your top leg in a crossover motion while keeping your chest facing the puck or play.

This is ideal when closing a gap as a defenseman and needing to transition quickly to backward skating without losing sight of the attacker.

4. Open Hip to Backward
Similar to the forward version, but used to pivot from forward to backward.

You’ll open your hips and rotate without crossing over.

It’s a great option when you want to maintain lateral movement or subtly change direction while staying square to the play.

And if you want to learn how to skate faster, check out The Real Formula for Hockey Speed.

Finishing Up: 

Every pivot depends on edge control, hip mobility, and great technique. Nail those, and you’ll move faster, defend better, and stay one step ahead of the competition.

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