Core strength is an essential physical quality from both performance and durability perspectives. Learning to generate stiffness through the torso can help athletes transfer energy from the lower to upper body, deliver/absorb contract, and prevent undesirable motion of the hips, spine, and rib cage.

 
 
 
 
 
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The Slideboard Bodysaw is an advanced “anti-extension” progression to a front plank that emphasizes generating stiffness through the core to prevent the hips from falling down or into anterior tilt.

The goal here is to actively push the chest away from the ground and keep the hips level and square to the ground while pushing the body backward. The further back you push, the harder it is.

Typically performed for 3 sets of 8-12 reps or 3-6x5s holds.

The Slideboard Jigsaw is a variation of the Bodysaw that adds a component of lateral flexion/rotation control. The coaching cues are the same (i.e. push the chest away and keep the hips level).

Typically performed for 3 sets of 6-10 reps/side.

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To your success,

Kevin Neeld
SpeedTrainingforHockey.com
HockeyTransformation.com
OptimizingAdaptation.com

P.S. If you’re interested in year-round comprehensive hockey-specific training programs for players at different ages, check out Ultimate Hockey Transformation.

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The Valslide Skate Position Circle and 2-Way Skater are two exercises we’ll integrate into our prep work or pair with main exercises to help reinforce low position stability of the stance leg.

 
 
 
 
 
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In both variations, we’re looking to keep the hip, knee and toes in a straight line throughout the movement.

In the Valslide Skate Position Circle, the emphasis is on locking out the long leg, and keeping the hips stable as the leg “sweeps” around to the back position and then back through to the start.

In the 2-Way Skater, the goal is to reach as far laterally and as far under, finishing through the toes in both, while keeping the hips facing forward.

Typically performed for 2-3 sets of 6 reps each.

Feel free to post any comments/questions below. If you found this helpful, please share/re-post it so others can benefit.

To your success,

Kevin Neeld
SpeedTrainingforHockey.com
HockeyTransformation.com
OptimizingAdaptation.com

P.S. If you’re interested in year-round comprehensive hockey-specific training programs for players at different ages, check out Ultimate Hockey Transformation.

Enter your first name and email below to sign up for my FREE Sports Performance and Hockey Training Newsletter!

 

Med Ball Throws are a great way to develop rotational power.

As the off-season progresses we’ll move from static throws, to static throws with a partner pass, to throws with dynamic starts.

 
 
 
 
 
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The goal here is to use momentum to increase the power output during the throw and to practice generating power from a changing position.

Typically performed for 3-4 sets of 3-5 reps per side.

Feel free to post any comments/questions below. If you found this helpful, please share/re-post it so others can benefit.

To your success,

Kevin Neeld
SpeedTrainingforHockey.com
HockeyTransformation.com
OptimizingAdaptation.com

P.S. For comprehensive hockey training programs to improve your speed AND repeat sprint ability, check out: Speed Training for Hockey

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One of the many differences between goalies and forwards/defensemen in hockey is that they rely more on short, powerful pushes to move around the crease, whereas skating is characterized by longer pushes.

Traditional jump training has a lot of value in improving lower body power in players at all positions, but when this work is prioritized in isolation goalies often report that they’re “over-pushing” on the ice.

Integrating some work that emphasizes short pushes from a laterally extended position can help goalies learn to maximize speed through a small range to reposition quickly without overshooting their position.

 
 
 
 
 
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The Wide Stance Lateral Push w/ Med Ball is one example of an exercise that helps emphasize these short pushes, using the med ball to reinforce a tall and quiet upper body during the movement.

Typically performed for 3 sets of 5 reps per side.

Feel free to post any comments/questions below. If you found this helpful, please share/re-post it so others can benefit.

To your success,

Kevin Neeld
SpeedTrainingforHockey.com
HockeyTransformation.com
OptimizingAdaptation.com

P.S. For comprehensive hockey training programs to improve your speed AND repeat sprint ability, check out: Speed Training for Hockey

Enter your first name and email below to sign up for my FREE Sports Performance and Hockey Training Newsletter!

 

Despite this, many athletes succeed without possessing elite speed.

Ultimately, speed serves to help create and close space.

Making fast/accurate decisions with ball/puck movement can also create space. Being in the right position can minimize the need to travel excessive distances, allow players to win races without being faster.

Speed development should be a key goal in all performance training programs, but athletes should be focusing on improving the other areas with equal emphasis.

Feel free to post any comments/questions below. If you found this helpful, please share/re-post it so others can benefit.

To your success,

Kevin Neeld
SpeedTrainingforHockey.com
HockeyTransformation.com
OptimizingAdaptation.com

P.S. For comprehensive hockey training programs to improve your speed AND repeat sprint ability, check out: Speed Training for Hockey

Enter your first name and email below to sign up for my FREE Sports Performance and Hockey Training Newsletter!