A-Skip in Place
How to Do It
Standing tall, skip in place driving one knee to hip height while the opposite arm drives forward in a 1-2 rhythm. Stay on the balls of the feet, dorsiflex the lifted ankle (toe up), and strike the ground actively under the hip. Keep posture upright and the rhythm crisp.
Why It Works
Grooves the coordinated arm-leg sprint rhythm, reinforces dorsiflexion and a stiff, reactive ankle, and primes the stretch-shortening cycle and rate of force development in the lower leg at low intensity.
Hockey Transfer
Reinforces the knee-drive, ankle stiffness, and arm action that transfer to off-ice acceleration mechanics and stride recovery; an effective primer before sprint or jump work.
Coaching Cues
- "Tall and tight"
- "toe up, strike under the hip"
- "punch the arms"
Common Mistakes
Reaching the foot out in front; collapsing posture; lazy or mistimed arm swing
Progression / Regression
A-skip moving for distance
marching in place with knee drive
Primary Muscles
Energy System
N/A (mobility/recovery)
Put it to work
on the ice.
This exercise is part of a fully periodized 12-week off-ice program — built by a sport scientist who coaches at the national level.
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