The Train 2.0 Report
The Toe Drag is a low Probability Move
Most players practice the toe drag like it’s a go-to move. In reality, it’s a low-probability mechanic that rarely shows up in games.
In this video, I break down why the traditional toe drag fails under pressure and how elite players like Patrick Kane actually manipulate the puck using a circular pull (the Kane drag) instead.
Instead of dragging the puck deep toward the feet, this motion:
• Keeps the puck on the mid-blade.
• Uses a circular path rather than a straight pull.
• Dramatically increases the probability of control in-game.
• Shows up far more often at the NHL level.
If you want to stop training low-percentage skills and start building mechanics that translate to games, check out Precise Puck Control in the Train 2.0+ Membership.
Feature Story
The Forward Stride Fixes Most Coaches Get Wrong
Most players are still taught outdated skating methods like pushing straight back, sitting as deep as possible like in a chair and swinging the arms front to back....
In this week’s free video on YouTube, I break down the counterintuitive forward-stride mechanics used by the fastest skaters in the NHL including Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon. I also breakdown why traditional power-skating cues actually hold players back.
You’ll learn:
• Why a forward arm swing becomes inefficient at speed.
• How lateral force creates faster linear acceleration.
• Why elite skaters shift from pushing to rotating.
• The simple 10-and-2 drill that changes your stride mechanics.
• Why forward stride is only 5–10% of the game and what really matters instead.
If you want to understand the other 90–95% of NHL movement mechanics, check out the Downhill Skating free training and learn how elite players actually move in games.
What’s New For Train 2.0+ Members?
The Sweet-Spot Preload
Most players think their shot mechanics break down at the moment of release. In reality, the breakdown usually happens earlier before the shot even begins.
In this video, I explain the Sweet Spot Preload a 2.0+ members only video inside the Slingshot Shooting System. This is the position that sets up elite shooters for consistency, not because it’s flashy, but rather it organizes the body automatically.
A lot of players chase better shots by adjusting their release, changing their curves, or shooting pucks in the garage. But just like wrist pain can originate from the elbow, shooting problems often come from something happening upstream. Fix the origin, and the result changes.
The Sweet Spot Preload gives you a consistent reference point. Instead of making last-second decisions about where to pull or push the puck, you move through a familiar position and let your mechanics sequence naturally. That’s where instinct starts to replace overthinking.
You’ll notice this pattern in the games of Nathan MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, and Sidney Crosby in this video.
The goal is to remove decisions so your body can do what it already knows how to do. When the puck passes through the preload sweet spot, tension balances, options stay open, and releases become more natural.
Try it in your next practice. Whether it’s a one-timer, a quick handle, or a catch-and-shoot, guide the puck through that preload position and notice how your shot feels. Once you feel it, you can’t unfeel it.
Also, do you want to make hockey mechanics content and get paid for it? We have three opportunities for creators and editors.
First, if you are a Train 2.0 Member and you’re growing your own social channels, you can monetize your content with your own Train 2.0+ Membership Sign-Up Link. This sign-up link pays you forever as long as your sign-ups remain 2.0+ Members. You must be a current Train 2.0+ Member to get your own Sign-Up Link. If you’re ready to start getting paid for your content, apply here for your own personal Sign-Up Link.
Second, if you love editing videos and learning from the best, we are looking for talented editors who truly “get it” when it comes to mechanics. If you think you’ve got the chops, apply now by filling in this application.
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