When the puck is dropped and the siren sounds, whether you’re playing hockey in the backyard with your siblings or on the world’s largest stages, the only objective is to score. But while it’s important to always be trying to improve your game, there are other aspects of hockey besides just the skill shot that deserve your attention before the puck drops.
Whether you play in a recreational league or a professional league, chances are you share the same general goals as every other hockey player: to become the best that you can be and to win games. While hockey is a simple game in terms of what you need to know and be able to do, there are several facets of personal preparation that can make the difference between having fun and participating in sports, and being a well-rounded athlete who can contribute on the world’s biggest stages.
To that end, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for the upcoming season of hockey. From strength and conditioning to nutrition and lifestyle, this guide will tell you everything you need to know about becoming a better hockey player. So read on, and get ready to improve your game!
Table of Contents
Become A Better Overall Athlete
Hockey is a game that requires as much in the way of mental as it does physical preparation. Just like with any other sport, the more you care and pay attention to it, the better you will perform. If you want to be at the top of your game, you need to make sure that your mental faculties are also at their peak. This means getting enough sleep, avoiding stress and anxiety, and eating the right food.
To that end, we recommend the following six dietary tips, which will help you avoid the kind of injuries that slow you down and take you out of the game:
Eat More Protein
Protein is an essential element for the growth and repair of all body tissue, including muscles. In addition to being important for maintaining strength during the regeneration process, high-quality protein helps to keep your skin looking fresh and healthy. The general rule of thumb is to aim for 15% of your total calories to come from protein.
The best sources of high-quality protein are meat, fish, and eggs. If you’re a vegetarian, you can get protein from beans and lentils, or nuts and seeds. You can also take supplements, but you should discuss this with your doctor first to make sure that this is a safe and effective option for you.
Cut Back On The Booze, The Candy, And The Potato Chips
Alcohol, sugar, and wheat products are all toxic to the body, and while there’s certainly no evidence that playing hockey makes you more likely to develop Type 2 Diabetes, there’s also no denying that too much of these substances can mess with your athletic performance. The best advice here is to watch what you eat and drink, and stick to healthy alternatives such as water, fruit, and vegetables.
If you’re going to be out on the rink for the majority of the day, it’s important that your body is in good condition. This means getting plenty of sleep, avoiding dehydration, and maintaining an appropriate body weight. The more you care for your body, the more you will care for your game. It also means being careful about what you eat and drink, and using products that are designed to be taken on the rink or in the locker room. Checking equipment that is made of metal or plastic can cause joint and muscle pain, so choose gear made of textile materials.
Try And Squeeze In Some Exercises
Even though you’re not going to be sitting down for long periods of time during a hockey game, standing and skating are an integral part of the sport. This is why we strongly recommend incorporating some light workouts or stretches into your routine, even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time. For best results, try and do some light squats, lunges, and stationary bicycle or treadmill work before the season begins. This will help to increase your knee, hip, and groin strength, and give you a better overall feeling throughout the game. In addition, some players feel that yoga improves their flexibility, balance, and coordination, so it’s definitely worth exploring.
Some professional hockey teams have also started incorporating strength and conditioning into their pre-season training, which is why we’ve included this tip. Using weight lifting and plyometrics (short bursts of high intensity exercise) to build up your muscles and increase your stamina is a great way to prepare for the upcoming season. One final thing to mention about strength and conditioning is that it not only helps with hockey, but it also benefits your general well-being and quality of life, so be sure to include it in your routine even if it’s just for a few minutes at a time.
Pay Attention To Your Skating Technique
Just like any other athlete, your time on the ice is limited to a certain degree by the way you execute the moves. For beginners, it’s important to make sure that your skating technique is sound. Poor technique can lead to injuries, and injuries can sideline you.
To avoid this, it’s important to focus on correct foot placement and the use of the proper muscles. Once you learn how to do this, you will be able to apply that same technique on the ice, whether you’re playing competitively or recreationally. For faster speeds, it’s important to bend your knees slightly, and for greater ease, to load your arms with some weight. In addition, be sure to focus on proper form and execution when doing cardio activities, whether this is running, cycling, or playing basketball. This will improve your workout and the overall quality of your life.
Stay Injury-free
Injury prevention is one of the most important things you can do to improve your game. This means working hard to avoid overuse injuries, which can slow you down as much as physical injuries can. The best way to do this is by taking proper care of your body, getting enough sleep, eating the right food, cutting back on the drink, and doing some exercise. It also means being smart about your skating technique, paying attention to your conditioning, and consulting with an expert if you’re not sure whether or not something is right for you. We strongly recommend getting a sports massage therapy or having acupuncture sessions, to help ease some of the tension that builds up during the game. In addition, players who get ice baths after games, or those who use cold therapy, report significant decreases in pain and improved functional movement following these treatments. Be sure to try this out if you’re in a lot of pain or have an injury that is preventing you from playing. The best injury prevention plan is one that includes what you need and what works best for you, your body, and your personal needs. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re not sure where to start, and make sure to follow any advice or suggestions that are given to you, as they may very well help you to reach your full potential.