Currency
EUR
Language
English
Registration
Home / Blog / How to prepare for the hockey season: The Complete Guide to 2024

How to prepare for the hockey season: The Complete Guide to 2024

Ice hockey is a demanding sport that requires not only skill on the ice, but also excellent physical fitness and mental preparedness. Preparing for the hockey season is key to achieving maximum performance and minimising the risk of injury. This complete guide will provide you with everything you need to know to be ready for the new season. From training plans to proper equipment, you'll discover how to become a better hockey player with the help of Hockey Outlet.

1. Physical preparation

Cardio training

Cardio is an essential element of preparation for hockey. Playing on ice requires excellent endurance and the ability to recover quickly from intense sprints. Include in your plan:

  • Interval training (HIIT): a combination of fast sprints and shorter rest phases.
  • Endurance running: long runs to improve overall endurance.
  • Cycling: a great alternative to running that improves fitness and leg strength.

Strength and endurance

Strengthening is key for hockey players who need strength in both the lower and upper extremities:

  • Squats and deadlifts: improve leg strength and stability.
  • Bench press and shrugs: strengthen the upper body and shoulders.
  • Core training: strong abdominal muscles are essential for balance and stability on the ice.

Speed and agility

Speed and agility are essential for success on the ice:

  • Plyometrics: jumps, lunges and other explosive exercises to improve speed.
  • Agility training: using agility ladders and cones to train quick changes of direction.
  • Sprints: short, intense sprints to simulate game situations (you can use our training pylons)

2. Technical preparation

Skills with the puck

Working with the puck is the cornerstone of hockey:

  • Stickhandling: practice puck handling to keep your hands fast and accurate.
  • Shooting accuracy: focus on different types of shots (e.g. wrist shots, impact shots). (Our hockey shooting targets and sails can help you)
  • Passing: Improve passing speed and accuracy with training partners or training aids.

Skating

Effective skating is an essential skill for every hockey player:

  • Skating technique: work on proper technique and skating efficiency.
  • Speed: Practice sprints and quick changes of direction on the ice.
  • Agility: improve your ability to turn quickly and manoeuvre in small spaces.

Complete offer of In-line skates is HERE.

3. Mental preparation

Mental resilience

Hockey is not only physically demanding, but also mentally:

  • Visualisation: imagine successful situations in the game.
  • Meditation: helps with concentration and stress management.
  • Mental training: strengthen your ability to recover quickly from mistakes and maintain a positive attitude.

4. Food and regeneration

The right diet

Diet is key for optimal performance:

  • A balanced meal: Include plenty of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats.
  • Hydration: drink plenty of water before, during and after training.

Regeneration

Regeneration is important for injury prevention:

  • Stretching: Stretch regularly after training.
  • Massage: helps relax tense muscles.
  • Sleep: Make sure you get enough quality sleep.

5. Hockey equipment

Choosing the right equipment

The right equipment can make a big difference to your performance and safety:

  • Skates: Invest in quality skates that fit well.
  • Helmet: Make sure you get a helmet that provides maximum protection.
  • Player: choose comfortable and protective equipment.

Purchase at Hockey Outlet

Hockey Outlet offers a wide range of equipment for all levels of hockey players:

  • Pro tip: We are former hockey players, so we know the equipment from our own experience.
  • Wide selection: find everything you need for your hockey season in one place.

 

Preparing for the hockey season requires a comprehensive approach including physical, technical and mental preparation. With the help of a proper training plan, nutrition, recovery and equipment from Hockey Outlet you will be ready to reach peak performance. Good luck in the new season!