Attention All Hockey Players. Get Strong.

Hockey should be finishing up now.  I really hope that after some spring camps, the equipment gets locked up, hidden, or burned until late July, at minimum.

I realize most won't agree.  That's OK.  I am going to hold my position on issues that I really feel strongly about.  I won't sell out.

Had a great workout with one of my  hockey players the other night.  He was so frustrated that he was laughing at how weak he had become over the season. (Funny: overtrained maybe?)

Started with squats, just to get re-established.  We certainly were not ready for any kind of unstable chain, band, bosu, or single-leg work yet.

The first set was light light.  He had to get used to the rack, the surroundings, and only exerted maybe 60%-70%.  The next set was only about 60% of his single rep maximum (1RM), but he did go to failure.  We rested 2:30, and hit it again.  The second set was done to failure, but was much shorter in duration.  We rested 2:30, and went for a third set.  Failure hit him hard at about the 25 second mark.  His last rep was a negative, and he left the bar on the bottom pins, like you are supposed to. 

Wow!!!!  He was weak, but he was mentally ready for a good summer. 

A big smile came across my face when he looked at me and said, "That bite feels great".  The whole time, gasping for air.

Guys and girls, don't be soft.  It's fine to jog 3 days a week to get into shape, but if you beat yourself up anaerobically, it will be so much more beneficial.  You will be weak, overtrained, and frail after a long season.  Be innovative.  Use all of your resources to get strong. 

And yes, you are correct.  You don't have to be a good deadlifter, squatter, or bench presser to be a good hockey player.  But, if you are good, and strong, you will have a huge advantage.  Don't be fooled into thinking that running a ladder, bounding through a field with a stick in your hands, or doing medicine ball twists with a 2 pound medicine ball at high speeds, is hockey training. 

It's soft, cowardly training, if that is what your whole summer plan is.

Go back through my videos.  Get your gym set up.  Get going with a plan.  If you need me, ask for help.

Have a great off season, and remember. 
GET STRONG.