| Speed is what separates the best female hockey | | | | create explosive power without ever learning how to |
| players in the world from the rest. | | | | control that power. |
| Having a big slap-shot or great one-on-one moves are | | | | If we neglect to teach players how to control power |
| great skills, but they mean nothing unless they are | | | | properly and move directly to teaching players how to |
| coupled with breakaway speed. | | | | produce as much force as possible, they will be more |
| The fastest players in the women's game have | | | | likely to get injured (as their bodies will not be |
| developed these 3 key components of speed: | | | | adequately preparedto deal with the tremendous |
| 1) Single-Leg Balance | | | | amount of force that is produced every time they |
| 2) Lower Body Power | | | | stop, start, shoot and save). |
| 3) Foot Quickness | | | | Foot Quickness |
| Single-Leg Balance | | | | The third key component of speed - foot quickness - |
| Single-leg balance is the most fundamental component | | | | is an essential skill for every young female player |
| and is essential for the development of power and | | | | looking to take her game to the next level. |
| quickness. | | | | We've all seen those players who look like they have |
| Players often struggle with the concept of getting and | | | | tremendous speed because their feet are moving so |
| staying low. | | | | fast. |
| Girls' hockey players always seem to stand up straight | | | | However, just because a player's feet are moving |
| on the ice - a phenomenon I like to call the "flamingo | | | | fast, it doesn't mean that they are skating fast. |
| effect". | | | | A player can have very quick feet, but if they aren't |
| The sooner girls master the concepts of single-leg | | | | creating a lot of force with each 'push', they will not be |
| balance, the faster they will be able to develop their | | | | able to maximize their speed. |
| speed, which will allow them to separate themselves | | | | This is the main reason why I consider foot quickness |
| from their 'flamingo-like' peers. | | | | as the 3rd component of speed. |
| Lower Body Power | | | | Maximizing speed is NOT just about moving your feet |
| In addition to developing superior balance, players must | | | | as fast as possible. Players must focus on creating a |
| also develop their lower body power if they want to | | | | great deal of force each time they push off in order to |
| take their speed to a whole new level. | | | | move as fast as possible. |
| This means that they have to be able to CREATE | | | | The combination of having superior single-leg balance, |
| and CONTROL a great amount of force through their | | | | the ability to create and control power, and amazing |
| legs and hips. | | | | foot quickness is what will allow players to take their |
| Unfortunately, most young players are taught how to | | | | game to a whole new speed and level this off-season. |