Explosive Power for Hockey Players
I’m cheating today, by stealing content from my colleague Kim McCullough. I came across a couple videos she put together on hockey-specific speed and power training. She primarily targets female hockey players, but I assure you that these drills are equally as effective for hockey players of both genders (I’ll speculate that Kim would agree with me here).
I want you to focus on the 1-leg medial and lateral jumps, what Kim calls jumps “in” and jumps “out”. Rarely do hockey players skate in a straight line for any extended period of time. As a result, most of the explosive movements in hockey use the patterns that these exercises train. The benefit of performing these exercises up stairs is that it cuts down on the landing impact. Start on the stairs then start incorporating some flat ground jumps.
While I don’t have any gripe with any of the exercises, I tend to stay away from ladder drills. I actually bought two ladders about a year ago, and they haven’t left the trunk of my power-packed 4-door family sedan. I find that quick foot work can be trained by other means that don’t require staring at your feet. Although, Kim does an excellent job in this video of keeping her head up. But I’ll digress to the video…
And a follow-up on the single-leg movements:
As an aside, Kim put together a great product for youth hockey players and coaches, incorporating everything from off-ice training to nutrition to mental preparation. Since I also have a similar product out, you might be wondering why I mention it at all. My three top reasons:
- Kim’s “Best Hockey Season Ever” goes into greater depth on the mental side of things, which I think is EXTREMELY underemphasized in youth hockey.
- I’m not the type to withhold valuable information, even if it costs me money in the long run.
- Why get just one? NOBODY that is serious about ANYTHING relies strictly on one resource. I suspect that those hockey players and coaches that are truly dedicated to fulfilling their potential will invest in both products.
Dig deep…Keep working hard.
Similar Posts:
- The Key to Optimal Mental Performance
- Hockey Conditioning For Goalies
- Off-Ice Hockey Speed Training
- Transitional Hockey Speed Training
- This Week at Hockey Strength and Conditioning
what advise do you hsve for squirt minor AAA
to increase speed.
Art
05.04.2010, 10:11 amHi Art-At that age I think the best thing any player can do is work with a GOOD skating coach. Perfecting the skating stride will improve skating speed AND create a foundation for fast skating for as long as he/she continues to play hockey. By “good” coach, I mean someone that is able to break down the stride and actively coach players to improve it, not just run them through drills and haphazardly watch. From a training stand point, I’d recommend doing some lunges (nothing crazy, maybe 3-4 sets of 8-10/side a couple times a week), playing other sports, and NOT distance running. Hope this helps!
-Kevin
05.04.2010, 12:25 pm