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Whether it be hockey, figure skating, speed skating or inline skating, the basic movements are similar. The foot and the ankle are confined within the skate; the movement is sideways and the pelvis and leg muscles move in patterns very different from walking or jogging. The alignment of the knees and the mobility of the hips must be favourable in order to prevent injury and to preserve the articulations.
In the sport of hockey, many sudden stops and starts cause elevated tension on the foot, ankle and knee. In figure skating, verifying the impact of the jumps and alignment during landings maximizes physical capacities. Inline skating can be carried out on various surfaces. Asphalt is a suitable surface, unless it is wet. Great care must be taken in avoiding small obstacles and cracks on the surface which may cause falls.
To optimize your biomechanical performance, it is possible to improve the sole’s absorption reducing the risk of muscular fatigue. The skate size is often restricted therefore the orthotics must be sleek in order to offer better support, protection, performance and comfort. The choice of skates, like the one of corrections or orthotics, depends on many influencing factors: the frequency of practice, duration of practice, type of skates, position, surface, skating technique, and your priorities, stability, comfort, performance or flexibility of movements.
You must also factor in that hockey is a contact sport. Injuries associated with falls and body checks will often compromise a part of the season. The knee ligaments are often affected by a fall or collision on the side of the leg. Shoulder or back injuries are often sited by long to heal.
Alignment and shock absorption are major factors for blade positioning on the ice and increased efficiency of technical movements.
