Reaching the Next Level in Hockey Through Training the Burggraf Way

Reaching the Next Level in Hockey through Training isFocused training specific to the puck control, shooting
one of a series of articles written by successfuland stick handling skills that employ the stick stability
athletes and or trainers for Gripstik that brieflyand strength is critical for a player to develop. Quick
acknowledge the importance of work...hard work offhands, soft hands, and feathered passing with control
the court or ice in order to accomplish your goals.of the stick should be the goal of all young skaters to
These days, cross training is necessary for all sportsdevelop. The Quick Released shot, with a short
to strengthen all the "weak links" in your personaldelivery will give the skater a huge advantage in the
program. Thanks go out to Frank Burggraf fromscoring lanes.
"Buggraf Skating Skills Training School" for thisWe have found that the GripStik is unique in our
discussion.developmental programs for what it offers the skater.
To reach the next level of play in any sport takesThe workouts balance out the need for endurance
more than just practice.while working the muscle recruitment for the quick
In hockey, there are many skills to master in order totwitch muscle firing skills. It allows the extensors and
impact the game. Skating is the single most importantflexors of the forearm to be targeted with the
aspect, but forearm stability and strength on the sticksimulated muscle movements that hockey demands
are very important as well. In every game there is afrom its players. The Gripstik does not bring in heavy
battle between one, two or three skaters on the puck.resistance training. Instead, it is specific to the
The ability to exert power and strength over yourrequirements of the game of hockey and covers all of
opponent becomes increasingly more important thethe needs of the sport.
higher the level of play. A player needs to possessTo make the next level of play, a player must improve
very strong forearm strength and stability whilein all his weaknesses and improve upon his strengths.
maintaining a balance between range of motion,There is not a lot of difference between most players
endurance, quickness and speed, all while carrying theat one level. It would be in the best interest of each
puck, protecting the puck, or battling an opponent forskater to add or gain an advantage over the
the puck. Too many times we see young High Schoolopponent. We have seen great results in our clients
or junior skaters coming out of exercise programs thatusing the Gripstik. From the NHL down to the squirt
focus solely on the weight room for power andplayer, all gain from specific, targeted training and the
strength. Unknowingly, they have increased their powerGripstik is an important aspect of our ability to bring a
at the sacrifice of their "fluidity".skater to the next level of play.....