As the summer season approaches, hockey players of all ages and skill levels have the opportunity to continue their development through off-ice training.
While the ice may not be readily available during the warmer months, it is important for athletes to stay in shape and hone their skills, ensuring they are ready to hit the ground running when the hockey season resumes.
Off-ice hockey training during the summer months focuses on improving various aspects such as agility, balance, coordination, strength, and skill. Keep reading to learn more about training in the off-season!
Importance of Off-Ice Hockey Training in Summer
Summer is the ideal time for hockey players to focus on off-ice training. During this period, players can dedicate their time and effort to improving their strength, speed, endurance, and cognitive agility.
It’s important for both beginners and advanced players to take advantage of this time away from the rink, as it helps them develop their skills faster and strengthens their overall performance when back on the ice.
Off-ice hockey training in summer allows players to work on specific areas without the constraints of a formal team practice or game schedule. They can develop their hockey skills at a more rapid pace compared to only working on them during on-ice sessions. By engaging in strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and flexibility exercises, players can enhance their skating speed, stamina, and power.
Another significant benefit of off-ice training during summer is injury prevention. By committing to a well-rounded fitness program, players can reduce their risk of injuries that might occur on the ice. Additionally, focusing on areas such as core strength and balance can lead to improved stability and control, contributing to safer and more effective game performance.
The mental aspect of hockey should also not be overlooked. Off-ice training also aids in improving concentration and focus, which are crucial for players to make quick decisions and execute plays accurately. Developing mental resilience and adaptability in the summer months can pay off when it comes time for high-pressure game situations during the season.
Understanding Off-Ice Training Basics
Focus on Agility and Speed
Off-ice training should prioritize improving a player’s agility and speed to enhance on-ice performance. Incorporating exercises such as shuttle runs, jump rope, and ladder drills will help develop quickness and faster reaction times. Splitting sessions into intervals, with short bursts of high-intensity exercises followed by brief rest periods, is beneficial for building speed and agility.
Boosting Strength and Power
Strength and power are crucial components of a well-rounded off-ice training program. Start with compound exercises such as squats, deadlifts, and lunges for lower body strength while focusing on bench presses and pull-ups for the upper body. Additionally, plyometrics – involving fast, explosive movements like box jumps and medicine ball throws – are highly effective in increasing power output.
Stickhandling Skills
Off-ice stickhandling training is vital for honing puck control and hand-eye coordination. Utilizing a variety of tools like stickhandling balls, golf balls, and pucks with a smooth surface, practice a range of movements and techniques to improve dexterity and control. Drills should focus on quick hands, precision, and maintaining proper body position.
Core and Coordination
A strong core is fundamental for stability, balance, and overall performance on the ice. Incorporate planks, Russian twists, and bicycle crunches into your training regimen to build a solid core foundation. Simultaneously, balance and coordination exercises, such as single-leg stands and BOSU Ball exercises, will help enhance body awareness and control.
Recommended Drills for Training
Dryland Training
Dryland training helps to develop multi-directional movement skills, multi-directional speed, rhythm, and spatial awareness. A few drills that can be incorporated into dryland training are:
- Skater Jumps: This exercise helps to build explosiveness and improve cardio. Perform skater jumps by jumping laterally from one leg to the other while maintaining balance.
- Three-Puck Handling: This drill improves a player’s stick-handling skills. Set up three pucks in a straight line and have the player move the pucks back and forth using their stick.
Sprints and Aerobic Exercises
Sprints and aerobic exercises help to build endurance and improve cardiovascular fitness. Some recommended drills include:
- Incline Hill Sprints: Set up a 20-yard area on an incline hill. Perform 8 repetitions of 20-yard sprints, starting a new repetition every 60 seconds.
- Fartlek Training: This workout involves varying the intensity of a run by incorporating sprints, jogs, and rests. It is particularly beneficial for improving speed and stamina.
Leg Strength and Muscles Building
Developing leg strength and core muscles is crucial for hockey players to improve their power, balance, and on-ice performance. A few exercises to build leg strength are:
- Russian Lunge Jumps: Combined with stair sprints, this exercise helps to develop leg explosiveness. Start at the base of the stairs, perform 10 Russian lunge jumps, and then sprint up the stairs.
- Squats and Deadlifts: These compound lifts target multiple muscle groups and are fundamental in building lower body strength.
Basketball and Football-Specific Conditioning Workouts
Incorporating basketball and football-specific workouts can improve overall athleticism and help hockey players become more agile. Some suggested drills are:
- Basketball Crossovers and Dribbling: These drills improve hand-eye coordination and increase lateral quickness.
- Football Shuttle Runs: Incorporate shuttle runs with quick turns and changes of direction to simulate on-ice skating movements and improve agility.
Lacrosse and Ball Hockey Workouts
Lacrosse and ball hockey workouts can provide valuable cross-training opportunities for ice hockey players. They help to improve stickhandling and coordination skills. Some recommended workouts include:
- Lacrosse Wall Ball: Throwing and catching a lacrosse ball against a wall helps to develop hand-eye coordination and quick stickhandling skills.
- Ball Hockey Shooting Drills: Practicing shooting drills with a ball hockey stick and ball can translate to improved accuracy and power when shooting a puck on the ice.
Effective Warm-Up and Cool Down Routines
The purpose of a warm-up is to increase body temperature, improve flexibility, enhance muscle performance, and prevent injury. A comprehensive warm-up should take the knees, hips, and shoulders through a full range of motion and incorporate various directions of movement.
Begin the warm-up with a half-mile jog, followed by 5 to 15 minutes of off-ice stickhandling using a ball or puck. This helps activate the muscles used in hockey-specific movements while improving hand-eye coordination. Gradually increase the intensity of the warm-up by including exercises like lunges, cariocas, and inchworms. These exercises target essential muscles and joints while simulating the forward, backward, side-to-side, and diagonal movements performed on the ice.
In addition to the dynamic warm-up, stretch hip flexors and focus on core stability. A strong core can help prevent low-back injuries that are common in hockey players due to the flexed posture of skating. Remember to pace the warm-up to ensure proper blood flow and muscle activation without causing fatigue.
After the training session, a cool down routine is necessary to gradually lower the heart rate, return the body to a resting state, and facilitate recovery. The cool down should last for at least 3-5 minutes and consist of light exercises, such as walking or gentle stretching. Target any weaknesses by including tissue-specific mobility drills and engage in deep breathing exercises to aid in relaxation.
By properly preparing the body for a workout session and promoting recovery afterwards, athletes can minimize injury risks and optimize their performance on the ice.
Nutrition for Off-Ice Training
Proper Nutrition
In order to optimize off-ice hockey training, players must pay attention to their nutrition. A well-balanced diet is essential in providing the necessary energy and nutrients to support muscle recovery and growth. Hockey players should focus on consuming a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats.
Carbohydrates are the key to maintaining energy levels, as they are the body’s primary source of fuel during intense workouts. Players should aim to consume complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which provide longer-lasting energy.
Protein is vital for muscle repair and growth, as well as supporting the immune system. Hockey players should include lean sources of protein, such as chicken, fish, and legumes, in their daily diet.
Healthy fats, like those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, are needed for hormone production and other vital bodily functions. Including a moderate amount of healthy fats in their diet can help players feel satiated and avoid overeating.
Eating Habits
It is recommended to have three main meals and two to three snacks per day. Players should start their day with a filling breakfast, followed by a pre-workout snack that consists of both carbohydrates and protein.
After their off-ice training session, players should consume a post-workout meal or snack that includes protein for muscle recovery and carbohydrates to replenish energy stores. Dinner should be a mix of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables to provide the necessary nutrients for the body.
In addition to these meals and snacks, hockey players should also focus on staying properly hydrated. Drinking water throughout the day and during workouts is essential for optimal performance and recovery. It is recommended to consume 8-10 cups of water per day, with additional water intake during exercise.
Injury Prevention during Training
Injury prevention is an element of off-ice hockey training that shouldn’t be overlooked.
One essential element of injury prevention is focusing on overall physical fitness, flexibility, and mobility. By enhancing these aspects, players can maintain better control on the ice and reduce the likelihood of injury. Off-ice training exercises, such as strength and conditioning, can help improve athletic development, balance, and core stability, contributing significantly to injury prevention.
Moreover, it’s vital to address any existing muscle imbalances or weaknesses, as these can lead to increased stress on joints and potentially result in injuries. Corrective exercises can be beneficial in this regard, ensuring that players’ muscles are working in harmony and providing optimal support to joints during on-ice and off-ice activities. Examples of corrective exercises include foam rolling, dynamic stretching, and targeted strengthening exercises for weaker muscle groups.
Another important aspect of injury prevention during summer off-ice hockey training is adhering to proper warm-up and cool-down routines. Warming up before training prepares the muscles, joints, and cardiovascular system for the upcoming physical activity, reducing the risk of injury. Cooling down after training helps to gradually bring the heart rate back to normal and aids in recovery, reducing muscle soreness and fatigue.
Proper nutrition and hydration play a significant role in injury prevention. Adequate hydration helps regulate body temperature, lubricate joints, and transport nutrients to the working muscles during training and recovery. Players should consume a balanced diet, including proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, to support muscle growth, recovery, and overall health.
By incorporating these strategies into summer off-ice hockey training programs, players can effectively work towards reducing injury risk, improving performance, and staying healthy throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best exercises for improving strength in hockey players?
There are several exercises that can help improve strength in hockey players. Some examples include squats, lunges, deadlifts, push-ups, pull-ups, and bench presses. These exercises target different muscle groups that are crucial for strength and stability on the ice. Incorporating a combination of these exercises in your off-ice training will have a significant impact on your overall strength and performance.
How can I practice off-ice hockey training at home?
Off-ice hockey training can be done effectively from the comfort of your home. Some exercises and drills to practice at home include plyometric exercises (like box jumps and lateral jumps), stickhandling drills with a golf ball or a puck on a stickhandling mat, and shooting practice using a hockey net or a tarp. Additionally, you can perform bodyweight exercises, like push-ups, sit-ups, and planks, to help with overall strength and conditioning.
Are there any free online off-ice hockey training resources?
Yes, there are numerous free online resources available for off-ice hockey training. Websites like YouTube and hockey-specific forums often provide various drills, tips, and workout routines created by experienced coaches and players. If you search for off-ice training routines, you’re likely to find an abundance of free resources to incorporate into your training regimen.
What type of equipment is ideal for off-ice hockey training?
While some off-ice exercises require minimal equipment, others might necessitate investing in specific training tools. Some common off-ice hockey training equipment includes resistance bands, plyometric boxes, slide boards, cones, medicine balls, stickhandling mats, and a hockey net or tarp for shooting practice. These tools can help with agility, balance, coordination, and skill development.
What is a good workout schedule for hockey players in the offseason?
A well-balanced off-season hockey workout schedule should include a combination of strength training, cardiovascular exercise, and skill-specific drills. Most players take a short break of 2-4 weeks after the end of their season to allow their bodies to recover. After that, a typical workout schedule could involve strength training 3-4 times a week, cardiovascular exercises 2-3 times a week, and skill-specific drills 2-3 times a week. It’s essential to maintain a balance between training and recovery to avoid burnout and prevent injuries.
Wrapping Up
From sprints and bodyweight exercises to sport-specific drills, summer off-ice hockey training can ultimately help players elevate their game and become stronger, more confident athletes when they return to the rink.
If you’re interested in more training options, visit this online hockey training course. And for more information on how to upgrade your game, check out this post on 9 Amazing Hockey Training Aids!
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Born in Madelia, MN, to a now 5-generation Minnesota family, Ryan’s MN roots go deep.
A painter by day, Ryan founded Life in Minnesota in 2013 with his wife Kelly to chronicle their musings on everything Minnesota. Ryan and Kelly are raising their 7 kiddos in Maple Grove, MN.
When he’s not shuttling his kids around to hockey practice, you might find him in the shop working on his leatherwork. Undoubtedly, there will be a family trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area every summer, and of course weekends at Grandpa’s cabin up north in the summer.