Tag: hockey training

Ultimate Hockey Transformation Q&A

With the release of my new Ultimate Hockey Transformation program this week, I’ve gotten a lot of questions that I wanted to address in today’s post. If you have a question that isn’t mentioned here, please post it in the comments section below!

Get your training programs today>> Ultimate Hockey Transformation

How long are the programs?

The programs for each age group are a little different. The U-14 off-season program is 12-weeks long, while the U-16, U-18, and Junior/College off-season programs are all 16-weeks. All of the in-season programs are 20-weeks, except the Junior/College one, which is 24.

What if I don’t know how to perform the exercises?

One of the best parts of Ultimate Hockey Transformation is that I have high quality videos demonstrating how to perform every exercise included in the program with perfect technique. If an exercise is new to you, you can simply pull up the specific video and see exactly how I want you to perform it. The manual also features a section on “Optimizing Movement”, which discusses common exercise flaws, including pictures of the most common mistakes, and the coaching cues I use with my athletes to make sure they’re doing everything with perfect technique. This is the closest thing to having me in the gym with you!

How do I find the videos I need?

Ultimate Hockey Transformation includes a Video Database reference sheet that lists all of the video links in alphabetical order so you can quickly find the ones you need. Better yet, all of the exercise names in the programs are hyperlinked to the video of the exercise. It couldn’t be any easier!

What if I don’t have the equipment needed to do the program?

The manual features an entire section on “Exercise Modifications” that tells you exactly what to do if you don’t have specific pieces of equipment.

Is there nutrition plan included in the system?

The Ultimate Hockey Transformation “Pro Package” features a brand-new nutrition manual from Brian St. Pierre that is AWESOME! It not only details exactly what you should be eating and when, it provides a ton of ways for you to individualize your nutrition based on your body type and goals, and strategies to maximize your recovery.

How long do I have to wait to get the program after I order?

The entire program is delivered digitally so you’ll have INSTANT access to all of the programs and supporting materials immediately after payment is processed!

The entire Ultimate Hockey Transformation package is currently being offered at an introductory rate. NOW is the perfect time to grab a quality program and start making the most of your off-season. Don’t miss out on a great opportunity to change the path of your career!

Get your training programs today>> Ultimate Hockey Transformation

To your success,

Kevin Neeld
HockeyTransformation.com
OptimizingMovement.com
UltimateHockeyTraining.com

Please enter your first name and email below to sign up for my FREE Athletic Development and Hockey Training Newsletter!

Ultimate Hockey Transformation is Here!

It’s been a long time in the making, but it’s finally ready! Since releasing my book Ultimate Hockey Training in 2011, I’ve gotten a ton of requests for training programs. Simply, people recognize that following the RIGHT training program can have an incredible impact on their career.

With this in mind, I’ve spent the last two years collecting my most effective off-ice training programs for players at different age groups. These exact programs have been used to help hundreds of players propel their game to the next level, and now they can do just that for you.

Introducing Ultimate Hockey Transformation…

Click here for more information >> Ultimate Hockey Transformation

Ultimate Hockey Transformation features:

In- and off-season training programs for players at the U-14, U-16, U-18, and Junior/College levels totaling 120 weeks of programming!
228 high quality videos demonstrating how to perform every exercise in the program with perfect technique
A 65-page manual outlining everything you need to know to successfully use the Ultimate Hockey Transformation system!
Specific warm-ups, corrective exercise, and cooldowns to help you maximize your training preparedness and recovery
A Performance Profiling Sheet so you can track your progress over time
The UHT Recovery Monitoring Log so you can prevent overtraining before it occurs!

For less than the price of a new hockey stick, you can get access to proven training programs that you can use every year for the rest of your career.

Click here for more information >> Ultimate Hockey Transformation

Hear from players that have used the system!

“Ever since I started working out with Kevin at Endeavor, I have done nothing but get better. He taught me the right way to train. Every goal I’ve set for myself to translate on the ice, I’ve hit, and I give 100% credit to my off-season program. I won’t train with anyone else!”

Anthony DeAngelo
Sarnia Sting, OHL

“After training with Kevin for several years now, I can say without a doubt that I would not be playing where I am without him. Hockey is a sport that is constantly changing and Kevin has mastered the ability to evolve his training programs to give each individual exactly what they need to perform at their best on and off the ice.

Kevin has pushed me to accomplish goals that I didn’t think possible. My speed and explosiveness, along with the conditioning on the ice were dramatically improved after starting with Kevin. Kevin’s knowledge has helped in my training in ways I didn’t know existed when first starting with him. Along with great weight lifting programs, he includes corrective exercises to meet each individual’s needs. These go a long way in keeping us healthy and injury free during a long season.”

Buddy Robinson
Lake Superior State, NCAA D1
Binghamton Senators, AHL

“As a professional athlete, training with Kevin has given me the guidance and programs to train at an elite level. Over the past 5 years I continue to learn more about my body and how far it can be pushed. Through his programs I have seen significant gains that I have noticed on and off the ice. His attention to detail has helped me maintain my body and prevent injuries. I can honestly say Kevin has been a major factor in helping me excel at the professional level.”

Eric Tangradi
Winnipeg Jets, NHL

What do coaches have to say?

“In my mind Kevin Neeld is one of the top 5-6 strength and conditioning coaches in the ice hockey world. It’s not often I turn to younger coaches for advice, but Kevin is a guy I count on to be on top of all the latest info, and to use it with his athletes. ”

Michael Boyle
Owner, Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach, United States Women’s Olympic Team
Strength and Conditioning Consultant, Boston Red Sox

“As a former Junior A, Division I, and Pro hockey player, I’ve had my fair share of strength/nutrition coaches and I can honestly say none compare to the knowledge and care that Kevin Neeld brings to a team. Having the privilege to work beside Kevin for the past 4 years with Team Comcast, both at the U16 & U18 levels, I can truly testify that I have not come across another coach who has such an impact on athletes as Kevin.

His knowledge and expertise in strength training and nutrition are second to none. During his time with Team Comcast he has undoubtedly been a major contributor to helping our players achieving their goals of playing hockey at the next level.

He is a true professional who beyond a doubt cares about the development of young athletes and providing them with the proper foundation to take their playing career to an elite level. His constant drive to develop innovative training methods will undeniably keep his programs at the top of the training spectrum. “

Jeremy Hall
Former Player: USHL, Div 1 UMass Lowell, and ECHL
Head Coach Team Comcast U18
Director of Hockey Operations

Get your training program today>> Ultimate Hockey Transformation

To your success,

Kevin Neeld
HockeyTransformation.com
OptimizingMovement.com
UltimateHockeyTraining.com

Please enter your first name and email below to sign up for my FREE Athletic Development and Hockey Training Newsletter!

6 AWESOME Nutrition Tips from Dr. Berardi

Today’s Thursday Throwback features 6 videos from Dr. John Berardi, the founder of Precision Nutrition. Dr. Berardi has been one of my go-to resources for nutrition information for the last 8 years. Not only does he stay on top of current research, but he’s the best in the industry at delivering nutrition information in a way that people will actually do it. I believe that most people have a general understanding of better and worse food choices, but few actually do. This seems to be a psychology/behavior change issue more than purely an information issue. This is really where Dr. Berardi excels. If you’re interested in learning more about Dr. Berardi’s system, check out this link >> Precision Nutrition

If you’re looking for something more hockey-specific, be sure to check out Brian St. Pierre’s Ultimate Hockey Nutrition. Brian currently works for Precision Nutrition and delivers high quality nutrition information in ways that are easy for players at all ages to implement.

6 AWESOME Nutrition Tips from Dr. Berardi

John Berardi is a brilliant nutritionist that has had a ton of success with a wide variety of people from elite athletes to non-athletes. His Precision Nutrition system is still the best nutrition product ever created. I think everyone should own a copy. For more information on Precision Nutrition, click here.

Below are 6 awesome videos of a TV interview that Dr. Berardi did with Christine Williams on the show “On The Line”. Take the time to watch these. Dr. Berardi goes through a lot of awesome nutrition strategies that will help you lose fat, and get lean and strong.

Part 1 – On The Line with Christine WilliamsAbout me, my work, about the differences between athletes and recreational exercisers, and more…

Part 2 – On The Line With Christine Williams

How much protein should we eat, the body mass index, how to gauge progress, and more…

Part 3 – On The Line With Christine Williams

Advanced nutrition, healthy food/supplements, metabolism boosting foods, cravings, and more…

To learn more about how Precision Nutrition can help you get in the best shape of your life, click here.

Part 4 – On The Line With Christine Williams

Cutting cravings, metabolic slowdown with age, healthy recipes, fruits and veggies, and more…

Part 5 – On The Line With Christine Williams

Metabolism preservation, ideal rate of progress, crash dieting, loose skin, and we take some calls…

Part 6 – On The Line With Christine Williams

How to exercise, exercise for seniors, day 1 of your program, and more…

To learn more about how Precision Nutrition can help you get in the best shape of your life, click here.

To your success,

Kevin Neeld
OptimizingMovement.com
UltimateHockeyTraining.com

Please enter your first name and email below to sign up for my FREE Athletic Development and Hockey Training Newsletter!

Get Ultimate Hockey Training Now!

“…an extremely rare comprehensive look at the present state of ice hockey training.”
“…a must-have for coaches and strength professionals at all levels of hockey.”

Johnny Hockey, Off-Season Training, Hockey Training Seminar?

It’s been an exciting few days for our staff at Endeavor, and for the hockey world in general. On Friday night, our long-time training client Johnny Gaudreau won the Hobey Baker Award, signed with the Calgary Flames, and was immediately shipped out to Vancouver to prepare for his first NHL game ever on Sunday. The next day Union, who has two players we’ve trained in the past on their team, won their first NCAA Championship in an AWESOME game. Congratulations to the Union players and staff for a memorable season with an unbelievable finish. Well deserved! And finally, on Sunday Johnny played his first game with the Flames and ended up scoring his first NHL goal in the game!

It’s been a lot of fun watching Gaudreau advanced through the ranks. When I was 13-14, I spent my Summers running hockey camps, one of which was at Hollydell, where John’s dad serves as the Hockey Director. I remember watching John and his brother Matt (along with several other players that I’ve later trained and are now playing D1 hockey) skate when they were ~3/4 years old. I don’t know why I still remember this, but John actually went inside-outside on a 1-on-1 against a kid at THAT age. I think I remember it because it was remarkable that they could even move around the ice, let alone handle a puck, and THEN have the ability to pull off an intentional move. Over 15 years later, he continues to regularly do remarkable things on the ice…

Hobey Baker Highlights

World Juniors Highlights

Endeavor HighlightJohn has had one of the most decorated Junior/College careers in the history of the sport, and accomplished everything despite being significantly undersized at every level he’s ever played at. Maybe it’s because I’m still waiting on my last growth spurt, but it’s awesome to see an undersized guy be so successful (It may be a good time to re-read this: A Letter to Parents of Undersized Hockey Players). I think it just highlights the fact that there are several ways to be successful, even at the highest levels. As I pointed out several weeks ago in this article series (See: Dissecting Performance Limitations, Assessing and Monitoring Performance Indicators, and Layers of Program Individualization), there are a lot of factors that determine performance levels, but especially at higher levels there are specific roles that need to be filled. With this in mind, it should be empowering to players to know that if you’re undersized, you still have a strategy to reach high levels (study the game, put a lot of work into developing advanced skill sets, and put a huge emphasis on preparing physically off the ice). If you’re not a goal scorer (or even a playmaker) there are roles on teams for guys that are exceptional at face-offs or big, strong, fast, and defensively sound. There is always a strategy to help you maximize your full genetic potential, which is the goal!

Training at Endeavor
A couple weeks back, I mentioned an outstanding learning opportunity for a young S&C coach that wants to gain more experience working with hockey players (Strength and Conditioning Internship). Since then, I’ve gotten an influx of emails and internship applications from some great candidates. Over the last few weeks, I’ve also gotten several emails from parents/players asking about coming into Endeavor to train and/or asking if I run any camps. We do regularly have athletes come in from out of town to train with us. We have a few kids that will move to the area and live with someone here to train over the Summer, but several others that will come in for a week or two and then do their program from wherever they’re from.

If you’re not local enough to train with us everyday, this is how it works:

Drive/Fly in for a week (or longer if you can)
Day 1: Comprehensive assessment, discussion of goals, program design
Days 2-Rest of Trip: Start training program
Return Home: Continue training through the rest of the phase, using the Ultimate Hockey Training Video Database and email support to get you through the phase.

At this point, we’ll continue to design new phases for you after each one ends. The good thing about this model is that you get to go through the assessment process, so we’re not making assumptions about your structure, movement, and performance abilities. This allows us to design more specific programs, teach you how to do everything properly, and then have a better foundation to deliver specific programs to you in the future. I know flying into Philly isn’t always cheap, so we basically set it up so the first month is $225, and every month after that is $125. I realize there is a degree of bias here, but that’s an unbelievable deal! Just call the facility (856) 269-4148 if you’re interested in scheduling a trip, and we’ll set it up!

I’m not going to have an opportunity to run a camp this Summer, but I’ve been thinking about doing a 1- or 2-day seminar in the early Fall that discusses my system for off-ice training for youth hockey players that would be geared toward youth coaches and parents to help bridge the gap between what high level hockey S&C coaches are doing with their players and what is common practice at the youth level. I’m still on the fence about whether I’ll do it at all and if I do, exactly what I’ll talk about. With that in mind, I want to hear from you! Do me a quick favor and drop a note in the comments section below about whether you’d be interested in attending a hockey-specific seminar that I run, how many days you’d prefer it to be (1 or 2), and what topics you’d be interested in hearing about.

Thanks in advance. Looking forward to a great off-season!

To your success,

Kevin Neeld
OptimizingMovement.com
UltimateHockeyTraining.com

Please enter your first name and email below to sign up for my FREE Athletic Development and Hockey Training Newsletter!

Get Ultimate Hockey Training Now!

“…an extremely rare comprehensive look at the present state of ice hockey training.”
“…a must-have for coaches and strength professionals at all levels of hockey.”

Fundamental Lower Body Movement Patterns

In this week’s “Thursday Throwback”, I wanted to share another article from 2009 that highlights the progressive differences in fundamental lower body movement patterns and how force production from the involved musculature shifts as body angles change. This idea has been described using different terminology over the last several years, including Mike Boyle’s classification as exercises being more “knee-dominant” or “hip-dominant” or what I describe in Ultimate Hockey Training, simply, as lower body pushing or pulling patterns. Terminology aside, it’s important to recognize how subtle changes in body angle changed the emphasized musculature so that you can choose exercises based on the specific result you want. If you have any comments/questions, please post them below. Enjoy!

Fundamental Lower Body Movement Patterns

This Summer I started working with a ton of new athletes at Endeavor Sports Performance. These athletes had been training, but not with me.

Part of building a solid training base is learning the three fundamental lower body movement patterns:

Stiff-Legged Deadlift
The stiff-legged deadlift (SLDL) is largely a hip-dominant movement. You’ll maintain a slight knee bend, but the entire movement involves tilting the pelvis forward, then using your glutes and hamstrings to pull yourself back upright. The emphasis is almost entirely on the glutes and hamstrings.

Deadlift
The deadlift pattern is similar to the stiff-legged version in that it involves tilting the pelvis forward as far as possible, but is different from the SLDL in that it involves a deeper bend of the knees. A bend of the knees means more force production from the quadriceps.

Squat
You’re probably picking up on the trend here. The squat pattern uses slightly less forward tilting of the hips and slightly more knee bend, which involves more force production from the quads relative to the SLDL and deadlift patterns.

These differences in loading emphasis are pretty clearly illustrated by noting the maximal forward hip/torso angle in the “down” position of these exercises. During the SLDL, the torso is almost parallel to the ground. During the deadlift, the torso is slightly above parallel. During the squat, the torso is slightly more vertical than the deadlift. And during a front squat pattern, the torso is almost completely vertical.

It generally takes less than a month for the majority of my athletes to master these movements. Then it’s time to “load the hell out of them” and get them strong!

To your success,

Kevin Neeld
OptimizingMovement.com
UltimateHockeyTraining.com

Please enter your first name and email below to sign up for my FREE Athletic Development and Hockey Training Newsletter!

Get Optimizing Movement Now!

“…one of the best DVDs I’ve ever watched”
“A must for anyone interested in coaching and performance!”

Ultimate Hockey Transformation Q&A

Get your training programs today>> Ultimate Hockey Transformation

Get your training programs today>> Ultimate Hockey Transformation

Ultimate Hockey Transformation is Here!

Introducing Ultimate Hockey Transformation…

Click here for more information >> Ultimate Hockey Transformation

Ultimate Hockey Transformation features:

Click here for more information >> Ultimate Hockey Transformation

Hear from players that have used the system!

What do coaches have to say?

Get your training program today>> Ultimate Hockey Transformation

6 AWESOME Nutrition Tips from Dr. Berardi

Get Ultimate Hockey Training Now!

Johnny Hockey, Off-Season Training, Hockey Training Seminar?

Get Ultimate Hockey Training Now!

Fundamental Lower Body Movement Patterns

Get Optimizing Movement Now!

Click here for more information >> Optimizing Movement