Hockey Training
Even if you play hockey every season and practice at dawn each morning with your fellow teammates, hockey training can still help you identify your weaknesses and become more competent on the ice. Hockey training is available for players at all skill levels from beginners to professionals, whether they are youths or adult players, and can be used by anyone who enjoys the game, regardless of whether they play for recreation or have professional ambitions.
Most hockey training takes the form of weekend camps or clinics, or week-long training camps that usually take place in the summer. Hockey training is also available through various videos and books. Many Olympic and NHL level players offer online training schedules and advice on their websites, while other sites feature training through animated demonstrations or streaming video. For those serious about becoming a professional hockey player, personal trainers are available to work one-on-one with clients and devise training methods to suit their personal needs.
Training camps and clinics for adults are usually broken into categories based on the players' skill level and previous experience. Youths are separated into age categories, usually with the youngest groups being around 4 or 5 years old and the oldest being 18. They may be separated into different skill levels depending on the program, though this isn't as common with younger players. In some cases the programs will be mixed gender while others offer separate training for men and women. Some programs provide dormitory facilities for the duration of the training period, while others will expect players to find their own accommodations. Hockey camps that feature father/son or family training have become popular in recent years and are a good opportunity for moms, dads, aunts, uncles, or even grandparents to become involved in the hocky dreams of the children in their lives. Numerous online directories exist to help you find training camps and clinics in your area, or to search out distinguished training programs in other parts of the country. Hockey camps and clinics may also be offered through the local YMCA, ice arena, or community recreation centre.
A typical hockey training program will focus on topics such as skating, shooting, scoring, checking, stick handling and puck control. Programs may also teach players how to choose proper equipment or stick to a healthy diet during game season. In many programs the training will involve on-ice as well as off-ice activities geared towards helping players improve their game. There are also many programs dedicated to specific positions on the ice such as goaltender, forward or defenseman training and numerous skating training programs are available to help players improve their speed, agility and balance on the ice.
Hockey players needs a variety of different equipment including a hockey stick, helmet and facemask, skates, gloves, shoulder and elbow pads, and a protective cup or pelvic protector. In most countries youth players, and sometimes adults, are required by law to wear a helmet and facemask that have been certified by the Hockey Equipment Certification Council. Before attending training, be sure to find out what equipment players need to bring with them and what will be provided by the training organization.