| Off-Ice Training | | | | Plyometrics! I cannot stress this form of exercise |
| Many players and parents are under this impression | | | | enough for any hockey player, especially the younger |
| that becoming a faster skater can happen over a | | | | ones. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the |
| 3-day clinic. I hate to be the one to burst this bubble, | | | | term plyometrics, it is essentially a form of jump |
| but IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! As a college | | | | training; meaning it focuses on jumping patterns and |
| hockey player myself, I can vouch for all the fast | | | | explosive power. This form of exercise is sure to |
| skaters out there, speed DOES NOT HAPPEN OVER | | | | make you break a sweat- if you're not, then you need |
| NIGHT! | | | | to question yourself if you're really working hard. |
| In order to become a faster skater, you need to get | | | | The reason why plyometrics is such a great form of |
| yourself set up with a good off-ice program. This will | | | | exercise is because of the following reasons: |
| benefit any hockey player in a number of ways: | | | | 1. It gives you the explosive power you need in your |
| 1. It will help strengthen the muscles that you need to | | | | legs for a powerful stride. |
| improve your hockey speed. | | | | 2. It requires minimal (if any) exercise equipment. Even |
| 2. It will make you a stronger, less injury-prone player. | | | | if it does, most objects can be found around the |
| 3. It will get you in a good routine that will make it | | | | household. |
| easier to stay focused and committed. | | | | 3. It's safe and fun for young hockey players. |
| What I Would Recommend to Focus On | | | | |