Every player has their own unique at-home hockey setup. It’s their rink away from the ice. For some it’s the basement, for others it’s the driveway. Within that there is target practice, stickhandling courses and many other activities that players dedicate hours to. Adding new elements to drills not only means working on your creativity. It also allows for you to take your practice sessions up a notch. This is the time to keep pushing yourself as a player while having a little bit of fun at the same time.

One positive of social distancing is the opportunity for players of all ages and abilities to focus on improving away from the rink. Off-ice training is just as important for hockey development as being on the ice. It allows for athletes to focus on motor abilities (speed, power, strength, flexibility, conditioning) that will enhance their on-ice skills. It’s similar to the benefits of being a multi-sport athlete.

Players are staying active in different ways. Some continue to shoot pucks in the basement and others have strapped on the roller blades to add some cardio into the mix. Players are encouraged to practice outside as long as they stay home and stay safe in backyard and driveways. Be sure to continue social distancing and remember to follow all provincial and federal health guidelines.

Use objects around the house and be creative! Set up obstacle courses for workouts that use different movements and require you to move more. Add a physical element to your practices that can better simulate a game-like situation. Stickhandle after some cardio. You are working the mind, not just the body. Get the blood flowing!

Hockey Canada’s lead strength and conditioning coach has created an ‘Active with Adam’ series that shares tips and tricks to help players stay active at home. These are great ways to get some fresh air outside (if possible and safe) while working on areas of physical improvement you may not have thought of. The series focuses on developing parts of the game like speed and power.

Share your setup and routine and we will add it to the list of resources here! Be sure to follow us on Twitter and let us know.