Dog Days of Hockey

Due to the 'grind' of the season fatigue management is often an issue for many teams.  A very common mistake is to remove strength training from the team schedule in an effort to 'save' the legs.  However, when this happens the team's fitness levels will slide.  As a result the rigors of the season become more difficult to with stand.  It is a circle of constantly needing more rest because fitness levels continue to decline.

The end result of this strategy is for the team to have its lowest levels of fitness during the playoff season.  This is the exact opposite of what our goals should be.  Using the basic principles of long term planning and periodization we can easily maximize fitness for the playoffs.  Therefore, it is important to plan the season backwards starting with championships and moving toward the beginning of the season.  All the while keeping in mind the end goal you will easily be able to schedule the strength training without over training the team.

So for the next few months as we move through the 'dog days of hockey' remember the basics of a good in season strength training program.  As others move away from there plan you will have a big advantage down the stretch run. Keep training 2 days per week because consistency is very important.  If training slides to one day per week the players will become very sore due to the extended time between lifts.  High levels of soreness during the season will be a big negative.  Do not get too creative this time of year.  Stick to basic exercises with tried and true set and rep schemes.  Also, keep up with the small stuff such as planned days off, sound nutrition and sleep, foam rolling, stretching, and corrective exercises.

Below is a USA Hockey 'mind vitamin' that has been posted in the dressing room.