| More and more hockey players are doing a better job | | | | This is great in theory, but how is it going to work in |
| of arriving at training camp in shape. More and more | | | | practice?" |
| coaches are doing a good job of getting their team | | | | If you can run an effective on-ice practice, you can run |
| physically ready to compete once the puck drops on | | | | an effective off-ice training session. |
| the first game. | | | | There are four qualities your team and players need to |
| But what are you doing to be better once the games | | | | develop throughout the season to guarantee that they |
| start? | | | | are fitter and faster than the competition come playoff |
| It is great to be the most prepared team on the ice in | | | | time: strength, power, speed and agility. |
| September, but how do you make sure that you are | | | | For example, one partner-based exercise that will help |
| miles ahead of your competition in December? | | | | your players develop game-breaking agility is Calf Tag. |
| Developing your team's skills, strategies and fitness on | | | | Have players partner up and stand an arms length |
| the ice will only take you so far. Every team you play | | | | apart. Players are both trying to tag each other on |
| against will be making a similar commitment to on-ice | | | | their lower leg while simultaneously protecting |
| improvement. To get to, and stay at, the top of the | | | | themselves from being tagged. Once one person has |
| standings, your team must continue to get stronger, | | | | been tagged, both athletes must step back and start |
| fitter and faster off the ice as the season continues. | | | | again. Each tag is worth one point and the first athlete |
| By making a commitment to off-ice training in the | | | | to 5 points wins the game. Play 2 or 3 games up to 5 |
| in-season, you will continue to get better while | | | | points. |
| everyone else is running out of steam. If you can find | | | | The great thing about incorporating group-based |
| 30 minutes twice a week to make your team faster | | | | exercises, such as Calf Tag, into your team training |
| and stronger off the ice starting in September, you will | | | | program this season is that they don't require any |
| leave the opposition in your dust come playoff time. | | | | expensive equipment and you can so the drill |
| Now, you may be thinking to yourself, "I have no idea | | | | anywhere. And most importantly, your players will get |
| how to run an off-ice training session with my team. | | | | faster and have fun. |