Pre Game Warm Up Drills For Hockey
As a hockey player, you know that the pre-game warm-up is crucial to your performance on the ice. Not only does it help prevent injuries, but it also prepares your body for the intense physical demands of the game.
But what exactly should you be doing during your warm-up? Here are some key drills and exercises to include in your pre-game routine.
Dynamic Stretching
One of the most important things you can do before hitting the ice is to properly stretch your muscles. But instead of static stretching (where you hold each stretch for 10-30 seconds), try incorporating dynamic stretching into your routine.
Dynamic stretching involves moving your body through a range of motion, which can help improve your flexibility, speed, and power. Here are some dynamic stretches to try:
- Walking lunges
- High knees
- Butt kicks
- Leg swings
- Arm circles
Incorporate these stretches into your pre-game routine to help loosen up your muscles and get your blood flowing.
Stickhandling Drills
Once you’ve warmed up your body with some dynamic stretches, it’s time to start working on your stickhandling skills. Stickhandling drills can help improve your puck control, speed, and agility.
Here are some stickhandling drills to try:
- Figure 8s
- Zigzags
- One-handed stickhandling
- Between the legs
- Behind the back
Practice these drills for a few minutes before each game to help improve your skills and get your mind in the game.
Skating Drills
Skating is one of the most important skills for a hockey player, so it’s important to include some skating drills in your pre-game routine. Skating drills can help improve your speed, agility, and endurance.
Here are some skating drills to try:
- Crossovers
- Backwards skating
- Quick starts
- Stopping and starting
- Transitions
Try incorporating these drills into your pre-game routine to help improve your skating skills and get you ready for the game.
Shooting Drills
Finally, it’s time to work on your shooting skills. Shooting drills can help improve your accuracy, power, and speed when shooting the puck.
Here are some shooting drills to try:
- Wrist shots
- Slap shots
- One-timers
- Backhanded shots
- Shots from the slot
Practice these drills for a few minutes before each game to help improve your skills and get your mind in the game.
Conclusion
By incorporating these pre-game warm-up drills into your routine, you’ll be better prepared to perform at your peak on the ice. Remember to always warm up properly before every game and use these drills to help improve your skills and get your mind in the game.
