Introduction: What Is the Floating Elbow in Hockey?

If you’ve ever studied Connor McDavid stickhandling or watched Mathew Barzal dangle through defenders, you may have noticed something subtle: their top-hand elbows look different. Instead of staying locked out, their elbows seem to float naturally as they stickhandle the puck.

This mechanic is called the floating elbow, and it’s one of the cues that separates the NHL’s best from the rest. When done right, it connects directly to the Crosby Crevice posture cue and unlocks top-hand mobility, more stickhandling range and overall better puck control.

In this article, I’ll explain what the floating elbow is, why it matters, and how you can start training it into your posture as a hockey player.

What Is the Floating Elbow in Hockey?

The floating elbow is a stickhandling mechanic where the elbow feels like it’s being lifted gently by a balloon. Instead of being stiff or locked out, the elbow floats which removes tension from the arm and shoulder and gives you more range of motion with your stickhandling.

This is not a rigid “rule,” but rather a cue that supports the Crosby Crevice top-hand positioning (where your top hand sits tight to your hip/belly button area). Together, the floating elbow and Crosby Crevice create the foundation for elite stickhandling mechanics.

How to Practice the Floating Elbow

• Off-Ice Drill → Use a stick or floorball stick. Imagine your elbow being pulled up by a balloon. Compare the feel of a floating elbow (loose, free) vs. dropped elbow (tight, stuck).
• On-Ice Drill → Stickhandle at medium speed while focusing on keeping the elbow floating. Notice how much smoother your puck control feels.
• Video Feedback → Film yourself and compare side-by-side with NHL players. Does your elbow float, or does it drop?
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• ❌ Elbow dropping too low → Creates tension and restricts motion.
• ❌ Over-focusing on “elbow up” → It’s about relaxation, not lifting it high and shrugging your shoulder.
• ❌ Forgetting the Crosby Crevice → Floating elbow works best with proper top-hand positioning.
  

Floating Elbow + Train 2.0+ Membership

The floating elbow is just one mechanic we break down inside Train 2.0+. Our hockey mechanics system uses video analysis, science-based coaching cues, and step-by-step progressions to help you skate, shoot, and handle the puck like today’s NHL stars.

Inside Train 2.0+, you’ll find:

• 🔺 The Downhill Skating System (based off of McDavid’s skating mechanics)
• 🔺 The Slingshot Shooting System (highlighting multiple release options)
• 🔺 Precise Puck Control (indepth look at Patrick Kane's hands and Jack Hughes' deception)
• 🔺 Over 10+ full courses covering all hockey mechanics and in game patterns.