This is an exercise we integrate into our warm-ups to help reinforce a low skating position and strong push-off. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kevin Neeld, PhD (@kevinneeld) A common problem you see in less efficient skaters is that they adopt a wider stance and their stance leg collapses inward slightly,… Read more
In a previous post, I mentioned that limitations in speed development can be identified by asking the below questions: 1️⃣ Can the player get into the right positions?2️⃣ Can the player hold the right positions?3️⃣ Can the player push out of the deep positions?4️⃣ Can the player “explode” out of deep positions?5️⃣ Can the player… Read more
There are several notable differences in the stride pattern and muscular contributions of acceleration and max speed – both in running and skating. I shared some of the differences in skating characteristics in previous posts that you can find by clicking on the #SpeedTraining highlight on my instagram account. The images above are taken from… Read more
Rotational power is an essential physical quality to train in most team sports. There are a few key layers to improving rotational power: Does the athlete have the foundational capacity to effectively perform rotational patterns (i.e., do they have optimal hip and thoracic spine rotation)? Can the athlete separate/dissociate lower/upper body rotation? Can the athlete… Read more
Varying starting positions and incorporating partner chases are great ways to both teach/challenge different movement strategies and keep training engaging/fun for kids. General rule: Pick 2 patterns to reinforce for the day and put the slower start position in the back. Switch positions after each rep, and read the room to see if the kids… Read more
Kevin has rapidly established himself as a leader in the field of physical preparation and sports science for ice hockey. He is currently the Head Performance Coach for the Boston Bruins, where he oversees all aspects of designing and implementing the team’s performance training program, as well as monitoring the players’ performance, workload and recovery. Prior to Boston, Kevin spent 2 years as an Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the San Jose Sharks after serving as the Director of Performance at Endeavor Sports Performance in Pitman, NJ. He also spent 5 years as a Strength and Conditioning Coach with USA Hockey’s Women’s Olympic Hockey Team, and has been an invited speaker at conferences hosted by the NHL, NSCA, and USA Hockey.
“Kevin has been a major factor in helping me excel at the professional level.”
Eric Tangradi, Winnipeg Jets, NHL