Exercises to improve hockey-specific skills and speed
Hockey is a fast-paced sport that requires players to have excellent skills and speed. To become a better hockey player, you must practice your skills and work on improving your speed. Here are some exercises that you can do to improve your hockey-specific skills and speed.
Skating Exercises
Skating is the foundation of hockey, and it is essential to work on your skating technique and speed. Here are some skating exercises that you can do to improve your skills:
1. Crossovers: Crossovers are an essential skill in hockey. To practice crossovers, start by skating in a straight line, then turn your body and cross one foot over the other. Repeat this motion with the other foot.
2. Hockey Stop: The hockey stop is also an important skill to master in hockey. To practice the hockey stop, skate forward, then turn your body and dig in your inside edge to stop.
3. Backward Skating: Backward skating is another crucial skill in hockey. To practice backward skating, start by pushing off with one foot and gliding backward. Then switch to the other foot and repeat the process.
Stickhandling Exercises
Stickhandling is another important skill that hockey players need to master. Here are some stickhandling exercises that you can do to improve your skills:
1. Figure 8s: Figure 8s are a great way to practice stickhandling. To do figure 8s, skate with your head up and stickhandle the puck around two cones in a figure 8 pattern.
2. Zigzag: A zigzag drill is another great way to practice stickhandling. Place cones in a zigzag pattern and stickhandle the puck through the cones. Vary the speeds as you go.
3. One-Handed Stickhandling: One-handed stickhandling is an effective way to improve your stickhandling skills. Practice stickhandling with one hand while skating forward and backward.
Shooting Exercises
Shooting is another critical skill in hockey. Here are some shooting exercises that you can do to improve your skills:
1. Wrist Shot: The wrist shot is the most frequently used shot in hockey. To practice the wrist shot, start by skating toward the net and shoot the puck while running your stick along the ice.
2. Slap Shot: The slap shot is a powerful shot that requires good technique. To practice the slap shot, start by taking a few steps before taking a hard shot.
3. Backhand Shot: The backhand shot is an essential skill in hockey. To practice the backhand shot, start by skating toward the net and shoot the puck while using your backhand.
Speed Exercises
Speed is crucial in hockey, and it can make the difference between an average player and a great one. Here are some speed exercises that you can do to improve your hockey-specific skills:
1. Sprint Intervals: Sprint intervals are an effective way to improve your speed. Skating at a fast pace, sprint for 10 seconds, then rest for 30 seconds. Repeat this process for several rounds.
2. Lateral Jumps: Lateral jumps are a great way to improve your speed and agility. To do lateral jumps, jump side to side over cones in a zigzag pattern.
3. Shuttle Runs: Shuttle runs are a great way to improve your speed and endurance. Start at one end of the rink, skate to the blue line, turn, skate back to the end line, turn, and then skate to the opposite blue line. Repeat this process for several rounds.
Conclusion
Improving your hockey-specific skills and speed requires dedication and practice. By incorporating these exercises into your training routine, you can improve your skating, stickhandling, shooting, and speed. Remember to work on these skills regularly, and you will see a significant improvement in your game.