| A good hockey training program should meet the | | | | Strength of the upper body allows players to pass |
| demands of a multi-sprint and physically challenging | | | | over a greater range of distances and shoot more |
| sport. Played for a similar duration and on a similar | | | | powerfully. The unique demands of the sport mean |
| sized pitch, field hockey has striking similarities to | | | | that explosive power is as important as important as |
| soccer in many respects. | | | | endurance. To ensure effective development of both, |
| Plan before Training | | | | careful planning is required. |
| While staying intermittent, players need to continuously | | | | Hockey training also plays a major role in prevention of |
| perform with a 5 to 10 minute interval for about an | | | | injuries. When the sport is played on synthetic |
| hour. This puts a huge demand on the aerobic system. | | | | surfaces, different strains are placed on the body in |
| Hence, to support continuous bouts of high intensity | | | | comparison to grass. |
| exercise, good aerobic endurance is important. | | | | Reduce Risks with Training |
| In elite hockey players, anaerobic endurance and | | | | Though specificity principle dictate that hockey training |
| anaerobic power places high importance. Though most | | | | program need to mirror the game as much as |
| time is spent in light jogging and walking, repeated back | | | | possible, there has to be a good cause in this case to |
| to back sprints makes speed an important | | | | argue against exclusively training on an artificial turf. |
| characteristic in players. | | | | There is also a larger risk of injury inherent in playing on |
| Strength also plays central role in hockey training. | | | | artificial surfaces, especially spine strains. Also, proper |
| Though players don't require holding off physical | | | | training can assist in minimizing risks. Focus on mental |
| challenges, power is required for quick change in | | | | and physical conditioning so that you satisfy the fitness |
| direction, speed and acceleration. | | | | requirement. To enhance all round performance, skill |
| Strength is Vital | | | | and fitness, utilize sample training plans. |