How to Control the Puck Better: The Floating Elbow

Watch Connor McDavid or Mathew Barzal stickhandle through traffic and you’ll notice something subtle: their top-hand elbow floats away from their body, creating a pocket of space that allows their stick to move independently of their torso. This is the floating elbow mechanic — and it’s one of the most underrated keys to elite puck control.

What Is the Floating Elbow in Hockey?

The floating elbow refers to the position of your top hand’s elbow during stickhandling. Instead of pinning your elbow against your ribs (which locks your wrists and limits range of motion), you lift the elbow out and slightly forward. This creates a mechanical connection between your shoulder, elbow, and wrist that allows for fluid, full-range puck manipulation.

The floating elbow works in tandem with what we call the Crosby Crevice — the subtle pocket of space between your forearm and torso that Sidney Crosby maintains while protecting the puck. When the elbow floats, the Crosby Crevice naturally opens up, giving your stick maximum range without sacrificing body position or balance.

How to Practice the Floating Elbow

Off-Ice Drill

Stand with your stick in stickhandling position. Consciously lift your top-hand elbow away from your body — about 4 to 6 inches. Practice rolling the puck forehand to backhand while maintaining the elbow position. Use a mirror or video to check. The goal is to make this position automatic, not something you think about during a game.

On-Ice Drill

Skate through cones at moderate speed while maintaining the floating elbow position. Focus on keeping your elbow lifted even when you reach across your body. Start slow. Speed comes after the position feels natural.

Video Feedback

Film yourself stickhandling from the front and side. Compare your elbow position to NHL footage of McDavid, Barzal, or Crosby. You’ll immediately see the difference.

Common Mistakes

• Elbow dropping back to your side. This is the most common issue. Your body defaults to pinning the elbow under fatigue or pressure. Build the habit off-ice first so it sticks under game conditions.
• Over-focusing on "elbow up." The floating elbow isn’t about cranking your elbow as high as possible. It’s a subtle lift — enough to create space, not so much that you lose control or balance.
• Forgetting the Crosby Crevice. The elbow position only works when paired with the right torso angle. If you float the elbow but keep a rigid, upright posture, you lose the protective pocket. Let your body angle slightly forward and to the side.

Floating Elbow + Train 2.0+ Membership

• Full Floating Elbow breakdown videos with slow-motion NHL examples
• Crosby Crevice integration drills for on-ice and off-ice
• Progressive stickhandling programs that build the mechanic into game situations
• Access to the Train 2.0 community for video feedback and coaching