Maximizing intended contraction speed leads to decreased recruitment threshold of high force motor units, increased doublet firing, and increased rate of force development (ROFD). This is true even with isometric contractions, so this strategy can be used in a variety of ways – from improving strength through sticking points to maximizing ROFD in specific ranges… Read more
This is an overview of factors contributing to performance from a presentation I gave to a group of youth hockey players a few years back. The message here is that performance at any moment will be the result of how you’ve prepared yourself physically (how well-trained you are), how you’ve fueled yourself (not only the… Read more
One thing a lot of athletes struggle with is maintaining a stable pelvis while pushing laterally. It’s common to see the torso bend back toward the pushing leg in exercises ranging from Lateral MiniBand Walks to Lateral Bounds and lateral cutting in transitional speed work. While there’s a time and place for emphasizing this type… Read more
The picture below is a throwback to (2012?) USA Hockey Women’s National Team Camp in Blaine, MN. Great memories working with this group alongside @michael_boyle1959, @anthonydonskov, and @smcstrength. Yesterday I shared a quote from the @hph_podcast discussing how testing can be used to both drive and assess a groups commitment and culture. You can check… Read more
Training single-leg strength in a variety of patterns is one of the keys to having strength improvements transfer to the dynamic environment of sport. This video is of a 1-Arm DB 1-Leg Lateral Slideboard Lunge, a supplementary exercise that serves two primary purposes: 1️⃣ Develop single leg strength, with control against competing lateral forces2️⃣ Develop… 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 Neeld is one of the preeminent Strength and Conditioning Coaches in the country. I have personally benefited a great deal from his writing and educational products and much of what I do with my athletes is a direct reflection on the education Kevin provides.”
Devan McConnell, Director of Sports Performance, UMass Lowell