Posts in Hockey Speed Training

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!

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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 […]

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Integrated Core Training for Dynamic Stability

Integrated Core Training for Dynamic Stability

One of the key skating characteristics of elite hockey players is that they adopt a low skating position. From an off-ice training perspective, hockey players should first demonstrate that they have the mobility and low position strength and endurance to get into and hold these types of positions. Once this has been achieved, it can be helpful […]

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Improve End-Range Stride Strength and Stability

Improve End-Range Stride Strength and Stability

In a previous post, I discussed two strategies to improve hip abduction range of motion as a means of allowing hockey players to increase stride length from a deeper skating position. A key point of emphasis from that post is that range of motion is more likely to be integrated into dynamic patterns if strength/stability are […]

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Considerations for Agility Testing in Ice Hockey

Considerations for Agility Testing in Ice Hockey

One of the things I’ve heard coaches mention frequently over the years is that a player “doesn’t move well laterally.” There are some key physical contributors to transitional patterns (e.g. range of motion, eccentric strength & rate of force development, effective use of range-specific stretch-reflex/stretch-shortening cycle), but skating technique and body control are also essential to […]

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