| Hockey Speed is comprised of two elements: skating | | | | full speed make sure NOTHING changes except how |
| power and foot speed. For a hockey player to reach | | | | fast your feet are moving. Many young players lose |
| his or her full speed potential, both of these areas must | | | | their technique as they increase their speed. |
| be developed. Improving foot speed is relatively simple, | | | | 3. Increase Leg Strength and Explosiveness through |
| players can perform quick feet and agility drills both on | | | | Off-Ice Training - Few players take advantage of the |
| and off the ice. However, increasing skating power is | | | | benefits of off-ice training. This opens a door for you |
| much more complex. | | | | to gain an edge over your opponent. A well-designed |
| Skating power is a combination of stride technique and | | | | off-ice training program that includes resistance training |
| strength & explosiveness in the legs and core | | | | and plyometrics can catapult your skating speed to |
| muscles of the athlete. Therefore, in order to achieve | | | | new levels! |
| a powerful stride a hockey player must develop | | | | After power and technique have been established, |
| certain skills both on and off the ice. Here are a few | | | | foot speed can be reintroduced. Players should be |
| tips to increase skating power during practices and | | | | reminded that increasing foot speed shouldn't affect |
| off-ice training: | | | | their technique! |
| | | | Coaches should make sure to design practices in |
| 1. Slow Down - practice using slow, powerful strides, | | | | which speed and technique can be developed and |
| while focusing on executing perfect technique. This will | | | | reinforced in game situations. Skating technique tends |
| allow you to develop proper technique, balance, | | | | to get sloppy as the regular season wears on. By |
| strength and power. | | | | selecting and implementing effective hockey drills and |
| 2. Low, Powerful Strides... Then Explode! - Work on | | | | designating time to focus on fundamentals, coaches |
| transitioning from half speed to full speed. Hockey is a | | | | can help their players to maintain proper skating |
| game of quick bursts of speed. When you explode to | | | | technique throughout the entire season. |