Fundamental Skills

Stick Grip

Ringette Stance

The proper ringette stance is the foundation for balance, control, and agility on the ice. It allows players to move quickly, handle the ring effectively, and react to gameplay situations with ease.

To achieve the correct stance, players should start with their feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight evenly distributed on both skates. This low, athletic position improves stability and allows for quick transitions in any direction. The upper body should lean slightly forward, with the back straight and head up to maintain awareness of the play. The ringette stick should be held firmly with both hands—top hand near the top of the shaft and bottom hand positioned lower down.

Maintaining this stance throughout gameplay ensures players can skate efficiently, protect the ring, and stay prepared for both offensive and defensive plays. Regular practice in the proper stance will help players build muscle memory, making it a natural part of their movement on the ice.

Tight Turns

Tight turns are essential for quick direction changes while maintaining speed and control. Mastering the proper technique ensures players can navigate the ice efficiently during gameplay.

1. Body Position

   • Stay low in an athletic stance with knees bent and weight evenly distributed.
   • Lean into the turn, keeping your chest and shoulders aligned with your hips.
   • Your head should stay up, looking in the direction you want to go.

2. Footwork and Edges

   • Approach the turn with both skates on the ice.
   • Initiate the turn by shifting weight to the inside edges of both skates.
   • The inside foot should lead the turn, while the outside foot provides balance and support.

3. Stick and Arm Placement

   • Keep your stick on the ice, slightly ahead of your body for balance.
   • Arms should remain relaxed and aligned with your upper body to maintain stability.

4. Weight Transfer and Control

   • Lean into the turn while keeping your center of gravity low.
   • Apply more pressure on the outside skate to maintain grip and control throughout the turn.

5. Exit with Speed

   • As you complete the turn, extend your outside leg to push off and accelerate in the new direction.
   • Regain your balanced stance and prepare for the next play.

Cross Overs

Crossovers are an essential skill in ringette, allowing players to maintain speed and control while turning. Proper technique ensures efficiency, balance, and power through each stride.

1. Body Position

   • Start in an athletic stance with knees bent, back straight, and head up.
   • Keep your weight centered over your skates, leaning slightly into the turn while maintaining balance.

2. Footwork

   • Push off with the outside edge of your inside foot to initiate the turn.
   • Cross your outside foot over the inside foot, placing it firmly on the ice.
   • As the outside foot lands, the inside foot should reset underneath you, ready for the next push.

3. Edge Control

   • Use the inside edge of the crossover foot and the outside edge of the supporting foot for stability.
   • Maintain pressure on the balls of your feet, not your heels, to avoid slipping.

4. Upper Body Alignment

   • Keep your shoulders square and facing the direction you’re turning.
   • Your arms should stay relaxed, with your stick in front of you for balance.

5. Power and Rhythm

   • Focus on smooth, rhythmic strides rather than rushing the motion.
   • Each crossover should be powerful, propelling you forward while maintaining control.

Passing

Passing in ringette is all about precision, control, and quick execution. A strong pass not only moves the ring effectively but also keeps the play flowing and creates scoring opportunities.

1. Body Position

   • Start in an athletic stance with knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart, and weight evenly distributed.
   • Keep your head up to see your target and read the play.

2. Stick and Ring Control

   • Hold the stick with your top hand near the end of the shaft and your bottom hand lower for control.
   • Position the ring slightly ahead of your body, with the stick tip resting inside the ring’s center.

3. Passing Motion

   • Sweep the ring forward using a smooth, controlled motion, keeping the blade flat on the ice.
   • Rotate your wrists as you follow through, pointing the blade toward your target.
   • Transfer weight from your back foot to your front foot to generate power.

4. Accuracy and Follow-Through

   • Keep your eyes on your target throughout the pass.
   • Finish with your stick pointing toward where you want the ring to go.

5. Communication

   • Verbal or non-verbal communication helps teammates anticipate the pass.

Stabbing

Backwards Skating