24 Dec
There is an average number of young hockey players hoping to make it big in the next season. For them to get into shape, it would, of course, depend on the player and his abilities in the game. Putting together a ‘one size fits all’ kind of program targeted at hockey players is near impossible. However, here is an eight-week preparatory program that could prove to be useful not just for hockey, but for any kind of power sports.
Summary of program:
It does not require you to train five days a week. Instead, this program recommends strength training for only two days per week with the option of going up to four a week.
Leg strength – focus on this as pro hockey players are known to have strong, massive legs. This enables them to skate faster, puck control, be able to balance, and prevent injury.
Groin – modify your leg exercises to address the groin area. Such sport-specific training helps to decrease injuries that you are liable to during the early days of the season.
Balance – Experts such as Randy Lee insist that some exercises should be modified and performed in a single leg stance in order to improve balance.
Do not go into direct lat work. Concentrate more on upper back work, emphasizing on rowing movements.
Abdomen – do a lot of abdominal work for strength and explosiveness.
The recommended eight-week program follows a daily training schedule:
Day 1 – Speed-agility-conditioning
Day 2 – Upper-Body Strength Training – Conditioning Intervals
Day 3 – Active Rest
Day 4 – Speed-agility
Day 5 – Lower-Body Strength Training
Day 6 – Speed-agility-conditioning
Day 7 – Active Rest