HOCKEY

Hockey players are known for typically having strong glutes and weak hamstrings, being imbalanced in their upper body based on which side they shoot with, and also having a poor balance in the quadriceps, mainly a weak VMO. Hockey players carry lots of natural tightness in their hips, calves, lats and Achilles tendon.

Incorporating proper program design to address these issues is absolutely vital. If an imbalance is present, it will hold back your entire body’s performance.

The total program is affected by and should be planned in accordance with at what point of the season the athlete is in. Generally speaking, the program moves from very generalized in the off season to more specific as the season approaches. Initially strength gains and muscle mass, if needed, are emphasized. As the season approaches, more emphasis is placed on translating these gains to sport specific speed and power. The younger the athlete, the more skills training should be at the forefront. Provisions should be made in programs to blend skills and conditioning accordingly.