| Speed training drills are something that every player | | | | differences. Have a coach film or analyze the players |
| should be focusing on, especially early teens. By | | | | skating in order to identify any weak points in their |
| twelve or thirteen, the learning curve that kids all share | | | | form. Another option is a skating treadmill, which some |
| when they first start playing is all but gone, and on any | | | | hockey training facilities have. These treadmills are |
| given team the skill gap will have narrowed greatly. | | | | designed to perfect stride form, and can be of great |
| This means that at this age kids can't just depend on | | | | benefit. |
| their natural talent alone anymore to ensure they make | | | | Off-Ice Training: |
| the team or stay at the top. Doing speed training drills | | | | Off-ice training is one of the best places for players to |
| to maximize on-ice speed is a necessity for players | | | | work on their speed. All great players spend as much |
| looking to differentiate themselves. Speed rules in | | | | time in the gym as they do on the ice, because the |
| hockey. It's what makes players dominant. So ignoring | | | | fact of the matter is, fitness can separate good |
| speed training at 12-14 would be a huge mistake. Here | | | | players from great players. To work on speed, focus |
| are the two main areas where players can work on | | | | on interval training and plyometrics. Interval training |
| their speed. | | | | (training briefly at high intensity followed by a rest |
| On-Ice Speed Training: | | | | period at low intensity) will let players hit their maximum |
| When it comes to on-ice training, the best thing a | | | | speed (and improve it). Plyometrics focus on explosive |
| player can do for their speed is to focus on their form. | | | | movement and are great at improving speed, power, |
| With skating, small problems with form can be a huge | | | | explosiveness and foot speed. |
| hindrance, and small corrections can make huge | | | | |