Benefits of Strength & Conditioning

OVERALL BENEFITS OF OFF-ICE TRAINING

Hockey Development does not only happen on the ice. Off-Ice Training can benefit overall hockey performance on the ice but also improves overall fitness conditioning levels and health. Players of all ages can realize gains from various Off-Ice Training techniques and exercises. The following briefly outlines some of the extensive benefits that can be achieved from Off-Ice Strength & Conditioning:

Helps prevent injuries.
Recover from injuries at a much faster pace.
Develops safe exercise techniques.
Increases confidence during regular exercise and on-ice performance.
Overall Health and Wellness
Improved performance in other sports and exercise activities.

BENEFITS OF BALANCE AND AGILITY TRAINING
Developing a strong skating technique takes time and requires a sound base in agility and balance. Goaltenders should pay strong attention to balance and agility drills to improve quick lateral movements around the crease. This type of training takes place off the ice first and can drastically improve performance and overall fitness levels. The following summarizes other key benefits of Balance and Agility Training in relation to hockey:

Quick Feet = Quick Hands
Faster acceleration and deceleration on the ice.
Fast and efficient directional changes.
Injury prevention and stronger joint strength.
Allows players the ability to initiate quicker movements.
Helps balance out dominant side imbalances.
Explosive speed and first step power.
The ability to evade and/or contain an opponent.

BENEFITS OF CORE STRENGTH
The benefits of Core Strength not only improve hockey player's on-ice ability and performance, but their overall health and wellness. Every movement in hockey along with every day life is dependent on your Core Strength. The following summarizes the overall benefits of Core Strength Training:

A Skating stance calls for the lower back to constantly be in a slightly flexed position and Core Training strengthens these lower back regions.
Allows a smooth transfer of power from upper to lower body.
A Strong Core allows players to safely receive and give body checks.
Strong rotational muscle groups will maximize shooting techniques.
Injury prevention and increased injury recovery times

BENEFITS OF STRETCHING
Special attention should be given to stretching before and after all games and practices. There is a correct way to stretch all muscle groups and these stretching techniques need to be learned at a young age and practiced throughout a player's hockey career. The following summarizes other key benefits of stretching for hockey:

Increased Range of Motion [ROM] during on and off ice training. This aids in agility, quickness, speed and puck handling skills.
Stretching will allow goaltenders to extend further and make those tough saves that require quick and efficient movements around the crease.
Flexibility in hamstrings, quads, groin and hips will improve skating speed.
Static and dynamic flexibility in player's legs.
Post-game and post-practice stretching aids in muscle recovery.
Helps prevent muscle soreness and aches.
Prevents injury and increases injury recovery times.

BENEFITS OF CARDIOVASCULAR CONDITIONING
Cardiovascular Conditioning is what makes the difference in the latter stages of all hockey games. Players that can play at the same intensity level from start to finish will have the upper hand on their opponents. Off-Ice Conditioning is key to a players performance levels on the ice and this training begins at a very young age. The following summarizes some other key benefits of Cardiovascular Training:

Strengthens the heart and lungs.
Strong aerobic fitness will aid in recovery from anaerobic fatigue.
Gives players the confidence to put forth that extra effort at times when they feel tired or fatigued.
Improves overall health and wellness.