“You need to work on your speed…”
This is probably one of the most common pieces of feedback that developing players will hear from a coach, but without a doubt, is the hardest variable to train with such a laundry list of other hockey related skills that most players need to improve upon.
“But why is speed so hard to develop? Just skate and run more!”
You can’t train for speed without a solid understanding of what speed is in the context of a hockey game.
Skating Speed: Speed is the ability to move faster than an opposing player when racing to a puck, maneuvering around the ice to avoid opposing players or to out-maneuver the opposing goaltender.
Stick and Puck Skills: Speed doesn’t exist only in the context of skating fast, it also relates to passing and shooting. Fast and clean passing creates more offensive threats, and we all know that a faster shot is more likely to find the back of the net.
Hockey IQ: As a college hockey strength and conditioning coach, there have been countless times that my coaches have told me that a new player looks slow on the ice, even when I have laser times proving them to be the fastest skaters and sprinters on the team. Inevitably, they begin to showcase their true speed as they learn our systems and adjust to the pace required to play Division I Ice Hockey. Case in point: physical speed means nothing if you can’t process the game with adequate decision-making speed.
Building a Needs Analysis
As a hockey player or parent of a hockey player, take the time to consider the three points listed below:
A sound strength and conditioning program will equip a player with the tools to safely and efficiently build the speed, strength, and mobility necessary to maintain proper skating technique.
Players should be exposed to drills that ensure proper stick handling, shooting, passing and pass-catching skills. Unfortunately, social media is FLOODED with flashy circus drills that often do not mimic the situations and time intervals that will occur in a game. Do your research (we are here to help).
The ability to rapidly predict and process situations that occur in a game comes down to experience, confidence, studying film and MEANINGFUL practice. During the season, there isn’t much opportunity for personalized video breakdown, so consider working with a qualified Player Development coach to build your Hockey IQ. You can’t show off your speed if you don’t know what to do with it.
If you want to maximize these skills and take your game to the next level, click here to
train with us or access our Player Development Program here.
