Monthly Archives: December 2021

Rate of Force Development

Rate of Force Development

See below for a quick video on rate of force development. Force output following a quick stretch (i.e. the stretch reflex) can be enhanced with INTENT and training. INTENT to move quickly recruits high force motor units earlier and leads to faster rate of force development, both in the short-term and as a result of training. INTENT… Read more

Stretch Shortening Cycle vs. Stretch Reflex

Stretch Shortening Cycle vs. Stretch Reflex

Different mechanisms. Different training implications. To your success, Kevin NeeldSpeedTrainingforHockey.comHockeyTransformation.comOptimizingAdaptation.com P.S. If you’re interested in improving your speed on the ice, check out my book Speed Training for Hockey. Enter your first name and email below to sign up for my FREE Sports Performance and Hockey Training Newsletter!

Understanding the Stretch Reflex in Skating

Understanding the Stretch Reflex in Skating

See below for a quick video outlining the influence of the stretch reflex and stretch shortening cycle in skating. Major Take-Away: The stretch reflex should primarily be trained in positions of deep hip and knee bend, with less focus on the more upright posture, short contact time exercises applicable to top speed sprinting OFF the… Read more

Core Training Exercise for Balance

Core Training Exercise for Balance

While the previous two videos (see: Integrated Core Training for Dynamic Stability and Core Training Variations for Dynamic Stability) help reinforce elements of low-position control important for skating, the Single Leg Stance Med Ball Figure 8 is more of a traditional balance exercise. The goal is to stay tall and centered over the foot. When someone… Read more

Core Training Variations for Dynamic Stability

Core Training Variations for Dynamic Stability

Following up on a previous post, over the next few days, I’ll share other core variations we use to reinforce stability across a variety of different positions. The video below is of a Split Squat Med Ball Figure 8. As with the last video, the goal is to maintain depth and a forward lean/shin angle,… Read more