Proper Way To Lace Hockey Skates
Are you a beginner in hockey, or do you want to improve your skating technique? Then you must learn how to lace your hockey skates properly. Lacing your skates in the right way not only enhances your overall performance but also prevents injuries.
In this guide, we will teach you the proper way to lace your hockey skates step by step, so you can hit the ice with confidence.
Step 1: Preparing Your Skates
Before you start lacing up your hockey skates, you need to make sure they are properly prepared. Here's what you need to do:
- Make sure your skates are dry and clean. Wipe off any dirt or moisture using a soft cloth.
- Loosen up the laces completely so that you can slide your foot in and out easily.
- Place the arch support in its proper place. You can buy the arch support separately or it comes with some hockey skates.
Step 2: Lacing the Bottom Eyelets
The bottom eyelets are the two holes closest to the toe of your skate. Here's how to lace them properly:
- Start by threading the lace from the bottom eyelets, pulling it tight enough to ensure a snug fit but not too tight that it cuts off the circulation.
- Thread the lace through the opposite eyelet, pulling the lace up and over the tongue of the skate. Make sure that the lace is straight and not twisted.
Step 3: Lacing the Middle Eyelets
Next, you will be lacing the middle eyelets of the skate. Here's how to do it:
- Thread the laces through the middle eyelet on both sides of the skate, then pull them tight. Make sure the lace is snug and not too loose or too tight.
- Continue lacing up the skate, crisscrossing the laces over each other until you reach the top.
Step 4: Lacing the Top Eyelets
The top eyelets are located at the ankle of the skate. Here's how to lace them properly:
- Thread the laces through the top eyelet on both sides of the skate, then pull them tight. This will ensure that the skates are snug around the ankle and provide proper support.
- Take the ends of the lace and tie them in a knot or bow to secure them in place.
- Finally, tuck in any loose ends of the lace to prevent them from catching on the ice.
Step 5: Double-Checking Your Laces
After lacing up your hockey skates, it's important to double-check to ensure that everything is in place properly. Here's what to do:
- Make sure that the laces are straight and not twisted.
- Check that the tongue of the skate is centered and not bunched up on either side.
- Ensure that the skates are snug but not too tight, and that there is no discomfort or pressure on any part of your foot or ankle.
Conclusion
Learning how to lace your hockey skates properly is essential for a successful and enjoyable skating experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your skates fit snugly and provide the necessary support to prevent injuries.
Remember, your skates are one of the most important pieces of equipment you have as a hockey player, so take the time to properly lace them up before hitting the ice.