Improve Your Hockey Speed With This Program!
By Greg Masters

Off-Ice Training

Many players and parents are under this impression that becoming a faster skater can happen over a 3-day clinic. I hate to be the one to burst this bubble, but IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN! As a college hockey player myself, I can vouch for all the fast skaters out there, speed DOES NOT HAPPEN OVER NIGHT!

In order to become a faster skater, you need to get yourself set up with a good off-ice program. This will benefit any hockey player in a number of ways:

1. It will help strengthen the muscles that you need to improve your hockey speed.
2. It will make you a stronger, less injury-prone player.
3. It will get you in a good routine that will make it easier to stay focused and committed.

What I Would Recommend to Focus On

Plyometrics! I cannot stress this form of exercise enough for any hockey player, especially the younger ones. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term plyometrics, it is essentially a form of jump training; meaning it focuses on jumping patterns and explosive power. This form of exercise is sure to make you break a sweat- if you're not, then you need to question yourself if you're really working hard.

The reason why plyometrics is such a great form of exercise is because of the following reasons:

1. It gives you the explosive power you need in your legs for a powerful stride.
2. It requires minimal (if any) exercise equipment. Even if it does, most objects can be found around the household.
3. It's safe and fun for young hockey players. There are no weights required for the exercises (weights can be added for older, more advanced players)

For More Information on Dryland Programs

If you are serious about becoming a faster skater and improving your hockey speed, then take a look at my other article on EASY Ways to Improve Hockey Speed for sample exercises and a dryland program that I have done and would HIGHLY recommend.

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