If you are a fan of the sport of hockey, then you have most likely heard of bag skating. While the concept behind bag skating is simple, executing the perfect trick can require a lot of practice! In this blog post we will explore what is bag skating in hockey and how you can learn to do it successfully.
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Bag Skating In Hockey
The term ‘bag skating’ was initially used to categorize hockey tricks performed on one skate (as opposed to two). Since then, people have started using it to refer to any kind of skating involving one or two hockey bags. The concept of wearing a bag on one’s back while skating is actually quite old, and can be traced back to the 1960s. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that people really started wearing them and using them in tricks.
Why Do People Wear Hockey Bags?
There are several reasons why people choose to wear hockey bags while skating. First of all, they are lightweight and can help you stay cool on the ice. Since the beginning of this decade, lightweight fabrics such as spandex have made their way into hockey pants and sports bras, and have caused a significant decrease in the weight of those items. This has made it possible for people to wear less clothing while actively playing sports. This has benefited both participants and spectators as they are able to enjoy the game more without feeling too exposed.
Hockey is a fast-paced game, and those who play it professionally need all the help they can get to keep up with the intense pace of the action. For those who play it recreationally, bag skating can be a great way to have some fun while keeping the puck away from the goalie’s glove. The fact that it is a one-person operation makes it easier for these players to focus entirely on the puck and not get distracted by any other aspects of the game. Finally, many people enjoy the artistry that can be seen in some of the tricks performed with a hockey bag. To each their own, I suppose!
How Do I Wear A Hockey Bag While Skating?
There are various ways in which you can wear a hockey bag while skating. For the purposes of this blog post, we will discuss two methods: the front and the back carry.
Front Carry
The front carry method is quite simple but highly effective. All you need is a hockey bag and some ice. When you are approaching the defensemen, you will want to cross your arms over your chest and throw the puck in front of you. As you bring your arms down, the hockey bag will sit on your chest and provide momentum for the throw. This technique is useful for beginners who are just getting started with bagging and does not require any special skills to perform.
Back Carry
The back carry method is a bit more advanced and can be used to execute tricky tricks. Your hockey bag will sit on your back, with your arms hanging down. As you skate, you will want to lift the bag slightly with your arm and move it around. When the bag is lifted high enough, you can perform several tricks, including twirling the puck (while still skating forward), or even throwing it to the other shoulder. This technique is useful for intermediate and advanced bag skaters who are looking to add extra flair to their tricks.
Bag Skating Stereotypes
The stereotypes surrounding bagging are just as relevant today as they were 40 years ago. While most people assume that all bag skaters are boys, the truth is that there are lots of girls who are skilled at it. The reason there are so few girls participating in this activity is because it is stereotypically associated with boys. However, this is changing as more and more girls are starting to see the sport as a way of empowerment for women, just like hockey was for many years.
Back in the 1960s, girls were discouraged from playing sports in general because it was believed that they would end up serving as “pets” or “sexual partners” for the men participating in the sport. While this may still be the case for some sports, it no longer holds true for hockey. Thanks to the growing number of female hockey players, this stereotype is slowly changing.
Is It Possible To Improve My Bag Skating?
Like any other sport, hockey is a constantly evolving game. While there are some tricks that will never go out of style, others that are only useful for certain players will become obsolete in the next update of the game. This is why it is important to continue learning and perfecting your bag skating skills.
Even the most skilled players can benefit from additional training and practice. Fortunately, with the right guidance, all it takes is a little bit of effort to ensure that you continue improving your game despite your advanced age or experience!
If you want to continue making headway in the sport and add another trick or two to your arsenal, then you should look into joining a hockey training camp. A hockey training camp will allow you to practice with professional players, and even take part in tournaments and games. The experience will be invaluable, regardless of whether you intend on continuing with the game or not.