Hockey

At Proformance Sports Training, the first step toward producing a complete hockey player is to assess what they are missing. We examine their suspension (posture, hockey specific strength, ability to move explosively in every direction) and their motor to increase performance.

Stride mechanics are fundamental to a hockey players speed and success on the ice. Many hockey players skate with a tilt in their hips so they don't get nearly enough stride through the ice. You want a heel-to-the-ball-of-the-foot relationship to get as much drive from the hip through the ice as possible. We train our hockey players to have the correct mechanics for each full shift. Most hockey players tend to lose their proper mechanics after the first 20 seconds as they get high in their posture, their stride gets weak, and they can't use their full power and speed. For hockey players we need to strengthen their hips, hamstrings, and backs so they can hold the posture and proper technique throughout each and every shift.

Once we develop their efficiency and suspension, we then build their core strong to be able to sustain it throughout a game. Next we look at their stick handling, their coordination, and their energy system. We also examine the athlete's mental approach to the game, both strategically and emotionally to maximize results.

While there are a number of exercises and drills that benefit all hockey players, at Proformance we refine the workout plans by individual position. If we're dealing with an offensive player we know that we've got match their explosiveness with stick handle so that they can beat a defender. If we are working with a defender, we have to develop not only their explosiveness, but their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear working in reverse to be able to adjust and open up their hips to stop plays. If we are training a goalie, we train working off their edges, lateral extensions, and t-pushes to cover the mouth of the goal. Regardless of what position an athlete is or what skills they need to develop, the trainers at Proformance will work on an individual basis to ensure the athlete's game is improved.