Hockey Season Preparation

Question
I am about a month and a half until tryouts for my hockey team start. I was wondering what excerises I should do to improve my overall speed, strength, and other skills? I do not have ice to practice on, nor a gym.
Also, how can I mentally prepare for a game? What are some ways to get in the "zone"?
Thank you

Answer
Hi Caine,

Putting a weight or specific training program together is not exactly something that I do in particular.   There are great programs available from various hockey trainers and training facilities around the country.

One in particular is Frappier's Acceleration Program which combines plyometrics with strength and conditioning.   You can google these and you will find tons of info!  This is very good for becoming explosive and unpredictable on the ice.

i.e. http://www.frappieracceleration.com/

Or you can try sites like this one:  http://www.sportspecific.com/members/login.cfm?hpage=department18.cfm

That said - you can't go wrong with riding bike...  you can train for both stamina with long rides and for speed/power with short high speed sprints.   BOTH are necessary and both are good for ya!!!

Remember this: one major ingredient you MUST have to succeed in ANY program Caine is that you ENJOY it!  If you aren't having fun - or feeling stressed - it will not work for you!  So find something you like and then give it all you got!

ideas for some pre-game motivational "rituals" which may include one or more of the following: --

i.e. 1. listen to certain music - (Baroque music probably works best at the "core" level).  
2. Have a good "movement" before every game!
3. Spend some time in silence to visualize one's play --  seeing a multitude of plays and opportunities in the mind's eye -  making the body more ready to respond if and when a similar opportunity actually arises in the game ... it's pre-thought and pre-visualized for super fast decision making!!
4. Some guys will actually "pray"...
5. Some guys like to ride a bike to warm up the body, or play soccer, hacky sack, ping pong...  whatever "works"!

Bottom line -- don't let it "stress" you out ... that is a very negative thing for performance enhancement...  you must be relaxed, feel confident and ANTICIPATE playing with a youthful enthusiasm!

If you need anything else feel free to follow up!

Good luck with the puck,

Martial