Warming up before a game is important because it can improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. A proper warm-up should consist of movement rather than just static stretching. A warm-up consisting of general, and hockey specific, exercises should be done 15 – 30 minutes before going on the ice.
What does a warm do for hockey players?
A proper warm-up will increase the player’s core body temperature, muscle temperature, blood flow, and get the muscles and tendons ready for fast, high intensity, contractions. A good indicator that players are warmed up is they will start to sweat, or they will “feel” warm. A proper warm-up can improve performance and reduced the risk of injuries to muscles and tendons.
When a warm-up has movements such as push-ups, crunches, and squats (among other exercises) it can also increase the speed of a contraction. This is because a warm-up, with movement and exercises, “primes” or “awakens” the nervous system. This, in and of itself, is an important aspect of warming up before a game.
A warm-up is an important aspect of preparation for a game, especially a dynamic one . . . SEE MORE OF THE COACHES SITE Join The Coaches Site to access the latest drills, tactics & leadership lessons from hockey's top coaches. Already a member? Login
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Mike Bracko
Mike Bracko is a skating coach, skating researcher, strength & conditioning coach, and fitness educator. He holds a Doctorate degree in Exercise Science and Biomechanics and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach through the NSCA. He played hockey in the AJHL, BCHL and NCAA (University of Illinois-Chicago). He does skating clinics with 300–400 hockey players every year specializing in 1-on-1, small group, and team skating with male and female players ranging in age from 8 years old to pro players. He is also the strength & conditioning coach for the USA Men’s Deaflympic hockey team. www.hockeyinstitute.org [email protected]
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