Hockey Pre Game Warm Up Drills
As a hockey player, it is essential to prepare your body for the intense physical activity that is required during a game. A pre-game warm-up is not only necessary to prevent injuries but also improves your performance. Here are some effective hockey pre-game warm-up drills that you can perform before every game:
Skating Warm-Up Drills
Skating is a crucial element of hockey, and a good skating warm-up drill can help you loosen up your muscles and improve your skating technique. Here are some skating warm-up drills that you can perform:
- Forward and Backward Skating: Skate forward for 30 seconds, then backward for another 30 seconds. Repeat this process for 5-10 times.
- Crossovers: Perform crossovers by crossing one foot over the other while skating in one direction, and then alternate the direction. Do this for 3-5 times in each direction.
- Fast Starts and Stops: Skate as fast as you can for a few seconds and then stop abruptly. Repeat this process for 5-10 times.
- Figure Eights: Skate around two cones in a figure-eight pattern for 5-10 times.
Stickhandling and Passing Warm-Up Drills
Stickhandling and passing are fundamental skills that every hockey player should be proficient in. Here are some stickhandling and passing warm-up drills that you can perform:
- Figure-Eight Stickhandling: Stickhandle around two cones in a figure-eight pattern for 3-5 times.
- One-Touch Passing: Have a partner pass the puck to you, and then pass it back to them with one touch. Repeat this process for 10-15 times.
- Two-on-One Passing: Set up a two-on-one passing drill with two other players, and practice passing the puck between each other while moving up the ice.
Shooting Warm-Up Drills
Shooting is a crucial aspect of hockey, and a good shooting warm-up drill can help you improve your accuracy and power. Here are some shooting warm-up drills that you can perform:
- Stationary Shots: Stand in front of the net and take 10-15 wrist shots, snap shots, and slap shots.
- Moving Shots: Skate towards the net at different angles while taking wrist shots, snap shots, and slap shots.
- One-Timer Shots: Have a partner pass the puck to you, and then take a one-timer shot. Repeat this process for 10-15 times.
Stretching Warm-Up Drills
Stretching is essential to prevent injuries and to improve your flexibility. Here are some stretching warm-up drills that you can perform:
- Quad Stretch: Stand on one leg and pull the other leg behind you, holding onto your ankle. Hold this position for 15-20 seconds, then switch legs.
- Hamstring Stretch: Sit on the ground with your legs stretched out in front of you, and reach forward to touch your toes. Hold this position for 15-20 seconds.
- Butterfly Stretch: Sit on the ground with the soles of your feet together and pull your heels as close to your body as possible. Hold this position for 15-20 seconds.
By incorporating these pre-game warm-up drills into your routine, you can improve your performance on the ice and avoid injuries. Remember to consult with your coach or trainer to develop a personalized warm-up routine that fits your specific needs.
