If you’ve always dreamed about being able to play in the NHL, these last few years have probably not been what you expected. The Canadian and American leagues have both been hit hard by the pandemic, and as a result, there aren’t many options for young aspiring hockey players to pursue a professional career. That being said, there are always ways to succeed in hockey, and it all starts with proper planning and developing the right skills.
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The Basics
First things first, you’ll need to figure out what position you’ll play. You have quite a few options here, so think about what best suits your skills and experience. Forward is, by far, the most popular position in hockey (and for good reason), and if you’re a quick thinker and a good passer you’ll be able to thrive there. However, if you’re a gritty player who loves to hit, then you might prefer to play on the blueline. Regardless, it’s always a good idea to develop both sides of your brain – analytical and creative – so you can function equally well in any situation.
The Importance Of Speed
You also need to consider your speed. Not all fast skaters are created equal, and you’ll need to make sure you’re prepared to chase down fast players. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks that can help you become faster. First, stand up straight and tall, with your shoulders back and your head up. Next, practice skating backwards, as this is when most people trip up and go into speed skater mode. Finally, focus on your landing, as that is when you’ll truly start moving forward and gaining speed.
The Importance Of Strength
Just like your speed, your strength also plays a crucial role in becoming a great hockey player. Not all large men can play hockey, and you’ll need to make sure that you’re in the right place at the right time to be able to succeed. Once you have, you need to put the work in to develop your strength and learn how to use it properly. First, you should always lift a weight that is appropriate for your body size. In terms of weights, 15 pounds is a good starting point for a beginner, and you should continue to work your way up to 20 pounds as you gain experience. In terms of sets, strive for 8-12 repetitions for each set, and rest for a few minutes before continuing with your next set.
The Importance Of Practice
Like with most sports, practice makes perfect. However, in hockey, the saying is truly an understatement. You’ll need to put in a lot of practice to really improve your game, and as a result, you might not see the results you’re looking for right away. That being said, keep practicing, and continue to work at it when you don’t feel like you’re making the desired progress. You’ll eventually figure out what’s making you better, and once you do, you can use that information to improve your game even further.
Developing The Right Skills
Finally, you need to consider what skills you’ll need to succeed in hockey. First, you’ll need to develop the ability to play puck possession hockey. That is, you’ll need to be able to keep the puck on your side of the ice as much as possible, using your skills to beat your opponent off the ice. To develop this skill, you need to pay attention to the little things, like where you place your feet and how you shuffle across the ice. The more you do it, the easier it’ll become, and soon enough, you’ll be able to do it with confidence.
As for the physical aspects, you’ll need to develop the ability to hit hard and consistently. If you watch NHL games, you’ll see that the forwards always have something in the tank for the opposing defensemen, and it’s usually a combination of speed and strength. Building up your stamina is also crucial, and for that, you can use various endurance techniques, including riding a bike, swimming, or running. The key is to find something that you enjoy, and stick with it – it’ll help you stay motivated and focused on your fitness goals.
It’s not easy going from zero to hero, but with proper planning and dedication, anything is possible. You have the power to be the best version of yourself, and with a little bit of luck, you might just make it to the big show.