Hockey is one of the most popular sports in the world with over 200 million players worldwide. It’s also one of the more physically taxing sports with every player having to be in great shape to be able to participate effectively in games. This makes it ideal for conditioning and strength training purposes.
Among hockey players, there is a term called shadowing which describes a specific training technique where multiple players block the pass along the ice (also known as “icing the puck”) while a third player attacks the defender.
Here’s a basic overview of how and when to use this powerful training technique.
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When Should You Do It?
Like any other exercise, you should do this technique as soon as possible after training. This is particularly important because the more experienced you are, the easier it is to perform. The best time for this exercise is either before a game or practice when there is a lot of ice and no one is particularly fatigued.
In general, you should do this technique every other day and gradually increase the number of times you practice it each week.
How Do You Do It?
The first thing you need to do is decide who will be the attacker and who will be the defender. The defender will be the one blocking the pass along the ice and the attacker will be the one trying to score a goal by beating the defender. Once you have decided who will be who, the next step is to practice the blocking movement without any hockey nets or gloves on. This will help you get used to the feel of the puck and block properly without being distracted by any pain or discomfort. The goal is to maintain perfect balance while blocking the puck and not trip over your own feet or fall over.
You should practice this technique slowly and carefully at first until you get the movement right. Don’t rush it and don’t overextend your reach. Once you have the basics down, you can add more players and make it more challenging.
While practicing, you should keep a steady pace and block the puck at the same time as the other players. This will help you maintain your balance and do the exercise correctly. If you are successful in blocking the puck, the other players on the team should be able to score easily against the opposing team. This is what makes this technique so effective: it forces your teammates to work harder while also keeping the defense honest.
5 Pro Tips For Better Shadowing In Hockey
While there is no specific technique for improving your hockey skills, there are some simple tips you can follow to make the most of this training tool:
- Use the inside edge when blocking the pass
- Maintain your balance when blocking the pass
- Practice regularly
- Do it against slower ice
- Maintain focus on your goal, not the ball
Pro Tips For Better Hockey
Like any other skill, you can apply the “5 tips above” to improve your hockey game. Keep in mind though, that with every training tool you use, you increase your chances of getting injured. This is why you should always work with a professional trainer or at the very least, a trained personal assistant.
To be able to effectively use this technique, you need to take the time to learn how to do it correctly. Even then, you should only use it as a supplement to your regular training regimen. Trying to do too much or too often can lead to injury or worse. This technique isn’t for the faint of heart! It takes a lot of courage and a strong will to keep going when you’re tired or hurt. The rewards can be worth it though. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to feel the difference. It’s like the difference between pushing through pain and discomfort while playing versus being forced to stop because you’re too tired to continue. The first one is very frustrating, the second one is almost impossible to recover from.
The key to optimal conditioning and avoiding injuries is proper rest and nutrition. Having a lot of energy during the offseason means you can get more done before the start of the season. This is why you should avoid overexertion and make sure you’re always well-hydrated. If you want to give this training technique a go, focus on mastering the basics first. This way, you can add more complicated moves as you learn them. Then, you can start working on improving your overall game.