Don't wait until the season is nearly upon you to begin your off-season workouts. Take advantage of the time before the season starts to get in some creative and simple hockey drills geared toward hockey players. This off-ice training should be part of your hockey workouts, conditioning, and skills drills to ensure you are ready to play better hockey when you hit the ice for the first practice of the season.
In this video, Pat Gigante, owner and head trainer at Xcelerated Performance, says it is important to "work smart, not hard," during the off season. And always make time to get on the ice to keep your skills sharp on top of any training drills you do.
Wrist & Forearm Shooting Drill
This simple hockey drill is intended to help you work on your shot to maintain quickness and help you play better hockey. You can do this drill at the gym, the rink, or at home. This hockey workout will strengthen your wrists and forearms and help with a quick release to ensure you can put the puck in the back of the net when the opportunity arises.
Keys to the Drill
- Attach a resistance band to the hosel of your hockey stick with the other end attached to something that is anchored and won't move.
- Practice forehand shots using appropriate form, ensuring your bottom hand turns over with each shot.
- Continue the exercise as long as you can maintain form.
Wrist & Forearm Strengthening Exercise for Hockey
This hockey exercise is kind of old school, but is a great way to strengthen your wrists. The work can be done almost anywhere and stronger wrists and forearms will help your shot, stick handling, and quickness with the puck. Maintain proper posture throughout this hockey exercise.
Keys to the Drill
- Take a hockey stick and cut it down to about 3 feet.
- Tie a hockey lace to the center of the stick.
- Tie weight to other end of the lace.
- Feet should be shoulder width apart with knees slightly bent.
- Hold arms out straight with hands shoulder width apart.
- Roll weight up by twisting the stick.
- Then reverse, lowering the weight.
- Maintain form throughout.
- Repeat as many times as you can.