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Skating speed is a crucial aspect of a young hockey player’s development. At the age of nine, children are at a stage where they can start honing their skating skills for improved performance on the ice. In this article, we will explore key strategies and drills to help nine-year-old hockey players enhance their skating speed.
1. Proper Skating Fundamentals
Before focusing on speed, it’s essential to ensure that young players have a solid foundation in skating fundamentals. Proper techniques for forward and backward skating, crossovers, and transitions should be mastered. Begin with a certified skating coach or participate in skating clinics to instill these fundamental skills.
2. Skating Stride
A strong and efficient skating stride is the backbone of speed. Encourage players to maintain a deep knee bend, pushing with their legs and extending their strides fully. This not only promotes speed but also minimizes fatigue during a game.
3. Balance and Core Strength
Balance and core strength are vital for stability and power. Incorporate dryland exercises like planks, squats, and lunges to strengthen the core and lower body. Good balance and stability are essential for powerful strides.
4. Agility and Quickness
Speed isn’t just about straight-line skating; agility and quickness are equally important. Implement drills that focus on quick starts, stops, and changes of direction. Cone drills, ladder drills, and zig-zags are great for agility development.
5. Explosive Starts
Teach players how to explode off the starting line. Work on their reaction time and acceleration, as these are crucial for winning races to the puck. Utilize drills like the “quickness ladder” or “resistance band starts” to improve this skill.
6. Endurance Training
While short bursts of speed are essential in hockey, players also need endurance to maintain their speed throughout the game. Incorporate aerobic exercises like biking, jogging, or swimming to build stamina.
7. Overspeed Training
Overspeed training involves using aids like bungee cords or resistance bands to help young players skate faster than they can on their own. This not only builds speed but also reinforces proper skating mechanics.
8. Power Skating Workshops
Enroll your young player in power skating and skating treadmill sessions led by experienced coaches. These sessions are designed to focus on basic to advanced skating techniques, helping players develop and refine their stride and increase their speed.
9. Video Analysis
Utilize video analysis to provide feedback to young players. Recording their skating sessions and reviewing them together can help identify areas for improvement and track progress.
10. Encourage Fun and Motivation
Keep in mind that young athletes need to enjoy the process. Make training sessions fun, and motivate your child by celebrating their achievements and progress. A positive and supportive environment can significantly enhance a child’s commitment to developing their skating speed.
In closing, developing skating speed in 9-year-old hockey players is a gradual process that requires patience, dedication, and the right guidance. By focusing on proper fundamentals, balance, agility, power, and endurance, young athletes can improve their skating speed and become more effective on the ice. With the right training and a positive attitude, the potential for growth in speed is limitless.
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DanB