By Barry Medori, Hockey Alberta High Performance Coach Mentor /
How quickly the summer flies by and with it, typically the transition training period for most hockey players. As the old cliche goes “most of the hard work is done before the lights go on.” If you have taken the time and work ethic to properly prepare yourself for the upcoming task/season, you will be well on your way to a successful venture. You need to be at a place where your body will be firing on all cylinders (physical, mental & emotional).
Most seasons begin with a training camp which will include conditioning (skating), individual skill development and tactics relating to the level & team you will be playing for. Here are a few tips for you to consider when approaching the camp.
If you have the luxury of getting on the ice prior to the commencement of the camp, it is a great opportunity to break in any new equipment, make any adjustments and get your skating legs tuned up. If you are at a camp already, remember to “play your game”, don’t go outside the box and be someone you aren’t. This can lead to poor performances (and difficulty in coping with the outcomes mentally).
As the camp(s)/season begins, it is important to start with the end in mind. Where do you see yourself and your development in the first half/second half/playoffs. Most athletes want to build for the end and peak at the proper time. This requires planning involving rest, nutrition, hydration, mental preparation and any thunderbolts that might appear knowing that your body responds best when “you” give it maximum opportunity by treating it well. This will insure a great start and carry on into playoffs. Refer to appropriate materials involving nutrition and rest to enhance your knowledge.
Reading books and involving someone else (sports phsych….) can really be an asset for the mental side of the game. Learning about focusing, imagery, relaxation and positive self talk techniques and how to properly apply and use them can really be an asset for you. Most athletes prepare themselves physically but fail to take in the proper steps mentally. As Yogi Berra once said “the game is 90% mental.”
Your transition from summer training to the regular season needs to be followed closely as well. Don’t lose what you worked hard to get by stopping the off ice workouts and skill development. You can consult a trainer/teacher/coach to help you put a physical maintenance program together to keep the levels (energy systems, strength, power & flexibility) at the current level they are at. It doesn’t require a lot as in many cases, teams are required to do off ice workouts, often incorporated into team building. A minimum of 3 times/week will benefit this play. You often see NHL players riding the bike after a game. There are 2 reasons for this. One is for their cool down & flushing out the lactic acid build up in their system. Secondly, they use it as a training tool for aerobic fitness; effectively killing 2 birds with 1 stone.
Remember when you start the new season, different muscles will be called upon and pushed from the get go. A proper warm up and cool down are critical to enjoying the process, executing with excellance and staying away from common injuries related to the time of year. Consult your coach/trainer for opportunity and selection of exercises to use both on & off the ice. Dynamic stretching (moving) should be implemented prior to on ice sessions and static (stationary) stretching at the end of your practice. Doing as a combined team activity is usually more stimulating and effective.
If you think you have an injury or have pulled/strained something, make sure you report it right away and have an expert assist you. We often try to “play through it”, not letting anyone know and both our game and body suffer!
Prepare for setbacks/thunderbolts as well. The beginning is never as good as we hope it would be. If things occur and you are able to control them, do so. If it is out of your hands, recognize this and do the best you can to compensate for the issue. Your mental skills training will help you here. “What is in the way is the way”.
Good luck in your opportunities this year. Commit to your goals, control what you can and challenge yourself to be better every day! |