WARM UP
Proper warm-up drills are essential for hockey players before games, practices, or training sessions. They often take the form of simple drills designed to get players moving, handling the puck, getting a feel for the ice, and becoming focused. These drills are designed not to teach new skills, but to refine existing skill sets and reinforce basics before moving to more skill or strategy specific drills.
There are several additional benefits of starting on ice-sessions with warm up drills:
- Injury Prevention: Warming up prepares muscles, tendons, and ligaments for intense physical activity, reducing the risk of injury.
- Enhanced Performance: A warm muscle contracts more forcefully and relaxes quicker, improving speed, strength, agility, and power – crucial for hockey players.
- Nervous System Activation: Warming up “wakes up” the nervous system, enhancing reaction time and coordination.
- Improved Blood Flow: Increased blood temperature allows more oxygen to reach working muscles during exercise.
- Greater Range of Motion: Proper warm-up improves joint mobility, leading to better performance and reduced injury risk.
On-ice warm-up drills help players refine their skills, adapt to ice conditions, while promoting teamwork and spatial awareness. A thorough warm-up is essential for a strong practice and optimal player performance!
Warm Up Drill - Colorado Chaos
Warm Up Drill - Continuous Corner Retrieval
Warm Up Drill - One Touch Around The World
Warm Up Drill - Zig Zag