A proper hockey stance will not only contribute to a players balance but more importantly, it will ensure their stability. Their centre of gravity needs to be properly positioned over the feet. Examining the side profile of a person standing up straight helps one understand proper weight placement. Imagine a straight line drawn from the top of the head through the centre of gravity to the ground. It goes through the back third of the foot. If the body weight or centre of gravity is shifted forward so that it is over the toes, the person could easily fall or be pushed forward. The same is true if a player shift their body weight or centre of gravity too far back on their heels. A person has maximum stability when their centre of gravity lies over the back third of the foot. The same principle exists in a proper skating stance.

A skater steps out so their skates are slightly wider than shoulder width apart, on the inside edge. It is important that the knees, hips and ankles all bend proportionally at the same time. The ankles bend so that the knees lie over the toes. The knees bend about 45 degree to shift the hips far back behind the feet. The hips should shift back to counterbalance the upper body movement. The player needs to be sure they do not round the back. The back stays straight while the hips bend forward and the upper body bows forward. The shoulders should be over the toes. In doing this you should still have your weight on the back third of your blade. The proper knee bend will give you absolute balance, stability and control of all your skating and hockey movements.