Training the "Core" for Hockey
CMHA Trainer Paul Nicolls discusses the importance of core conditioning.
Building the Foundation - "Your Core Strength"
Movement, starts from the center of the body, the core area of the torso. That's why we refer to the torso as the pillar-it's the structural center of movement and life. The way we maintain our pillar and its alignment and function directly correlates to the health of our bodies and the way we shoot, skate, and body check. Everything is interrelated.
Pillar strength, thus, is the foundation of movement. More specifically, it consists of core, hip, and shoulder stability. Those three areas give us a center axis from which to move and skate. If you think of the body as a wheel, the pillar is the hub, and the limbs, the spokes.
We want to have the hub perfectly aligned so we can draw energy from it and effectively transfer energy throughout the body. Its impossible to move the limbs efficiently and with force if they're not attached to something solid and stable.
The better you can transfer energy through your body, the more efficiently you will skate and shoot, and the less wear and tear there will be.
Why is Off-Ice Conditioning so important?
Minor hockey is becoming increasingly more competitive and physically demanding. Off-ice training will allow hockey players the ability to compete at a higher level but more importantly it will help protect the body from injury. Studies have shown that a majority of hockey injuries occur without any physical contact, but rather simple muscle pulls due to poorly trained or warmed up individuals.
The same studies went on to show that off-ice conditioning programs can significantly minimize the frequency and severity of these hockey injuries. Therefore today's athletes must be knowledgeable on these sport specific components which will lead to success. Learn a proper warm-up and post game/practice cool down to effectively train the body to withstand the demands of the season. Good luck Train hard and have FUN!!
For more information on training programs and skill development contact Paul Nicolls paulnicolls@hotmail.com or 604 819 1732