hockey drills at home.

Question
QUESTION: I am looking for exercises for my five year old son to do at home to help strengthen himself for hockey.  Also he is just learning to skate and we would like more suggestions on how to help him develop his skating while he is at home.

ANSWER: Hi,

I'd like to apologize for the delay in the response, but I had to take some extra time to think on what to suggest for a five year old to do.

The things I could come up with that might be beneficial at such a young age include:

1. For skating, you could have him "mock" a stride while running to have the legs get used to the motion. Also, you can get him roller blades (if he doesn't have any) and that will help with his skating also, all except for the hockey stop which can't quite do in roller blades.

2. For getting used to having the puck on stick, you can have him mess around in driveway, garage, or unfinished part of basement with his stick and ball or puck. This will let him adapt and work on handling the puck and getting an advantage over the other kids in this category.

3. For passing, again driveway and garage might be best for this, you can have him try and pass the puck either to yourself or someone else in the family, or have tape marks or targets in bottom part of concrete or sturdy wall for him to try and hit with passes.

4. For shooting, it would be just to have him shoot in garage or driveway at a net, working and focusing on his form, so when is gets older, bigger, and stronger, he will have all the fundamentals down right already.

Hope this is a start for you and your son. Let me know if there is anything else I can do for you. Good luck! :)

Guy


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am looking for more of an exercise regiment. something like pushups, sit ups, etc.  He is only five years old so I'm not sure how much, how long or what particular training he should have.  Please help!!!

Answer
Hi Kathie,

I wish I could help, but from what I read and hear, 5 years old is quite young to be starting strength training routine - even if it is just using body weight such as in situps and pushups.

So I won't recommend anything to prevent any injuries or anything to occur to your son. What I would suggest, is to possibly consult with a pediatrician who would know more and are certified to help with these type of questions.

Sorry I can't be of more help.

Thanks,

Guy