Week Ankle...

[Roymond]

I just started ice skating a few months ago and have player skates. I have a problem turning with them, I can turn left just fine but when i try to turn right, my right foot still points outward instead of inward for the turn... so it looks like this / \, is there a way to correct this problem and make my right ankle stronger so it can turn properly? I am going to be purchasing goalie skates in a few months and want to have my ankles pretty strong so i can move quickly around the net.

To sum it up, is there any drills i can do to make my ankle stronger so i can make right turns correctly?

[Dr Dave]

Practice, practice, practice. There are people who skate for years without ever feeling comfortable turning in both directions. Given the choice, most people will turn in the direction that is most comfortable every time. This is particularly a problem for people who learn how to skate in public sessions where they almost always skate in the same direction around the rink. Even the best skaters usually have a strong side and a weaker side for turns but through constant repetition they have minimized the difference. Force yourself to practice turns to your weak side. It will take time, but you can overcome this problem with persistent work.

[TartanBill]

It is also possible that you are a pronator. This is when your ankle rolls down to the outside. The reverse is supination. In either case, the answer is to change the blade alignment. Before taking corrective action, you want to find out if the problem is your blade or your body mechanics. You will need a competent skate fitter.

If pronation or supination doesn't apply, then disregard.

[G-Man]

If pronation or supination doesn't apply...

Everyone has trouble turning right at first because all the !#$!*& rinks make you skate counter clockwise at the open skates.

But seriously, this doesn't sound like an ankle strength issue. Does your ankle twist when you try to put your skate the right way, or is your skate never getting there in the first place? If it's never getting there, it's you! You aren't shifting your weight onto the oustide edge of the blade. That could be due to your overall body position. It could also be that you don't have confidence in the support your skates give you.

Try turning left and pay attention to how your body is oriented, where your feet are in relation to your torso, how your shoulders are lined up, how much you are leaning, etc. Then try turning right and see what is different about your body positioning.

Most importantly, player skates have a lot of support. When they look like this / \ , it's usually a sign that the skates are too big or too loose and are turning on your foot. You have to fit the skates properly and tie the skates snug. Unless they are Missions, they should be about a size to a size and a half smaller than your shoe size. But that's just a rough estimate. If you aren't familiar with fitting skates you should go to a pro shop with knowledgeable sales people who can help you out.

[RedK]

Just in case it actually is ankle strength... My summers usually involve doing something stupid, hurting my ankle, and ending up on crutches for a few weeks. The physical therapists always give me the following exercise to build up the ankle strength. It also helps keep the ankle flexible.

1. Walk on your toes for 20 steps. Work your way up to 40 steps.
2. Walk on your heels for 20 steps. Work your way up to 40 steps.
3. Walk the insides of your feet for 20 steps. Work your way up to 40 steps.
4. Walk on the outsides of your feet for 20 steps. Work your way up to 40 steps.