On Monday I posted 13 questions every hockey player and coach should have the answers to if they’re serious about training to fulfill their hockey potential.
The list is extensive, but not all-inclusive. From consulting with coaches and players throughout the years, I know considering all those forms of training can be a bit intimidating.
The most logical first question is, “Where do I start?”
The most effective first step in developing a successful hockey training program you can make is to add a well-designed dynamic warm-up before EVERY off- and on-ice session (yes, every one-this means before games AND practices!).
What’s a dynamic warm-up?
I’ll tell you what it’s not! It’s NOT a slow jog around the rink and 15 minutes of stretching. That’s similar to how I prepare for bed at night…not for high-intensity training.
A dynamic warm-up should increase your heart rate, improve range of motion around “activity-specific” joints, increase body temperature, and increase the neural drive to working muscles.
I know it’s Friday so I won’t drag on too long here. Start to think about adding a dynamic warm-up to all of your training sessions, whether they’re in the weight room, on the track, or on the ice. Start by considering the movement requirements of ice hockey. A couple hints:
Stay tuned over the next couple weeks. I’ll walk you through exactly how I design my dynamic warm-up programs.
Have a great weekend!
Use CODE: "Neeld15" to save 15%