Coach Says I Need to Be Faster Part 2…Master Your Body Mechanics

Coach Says I Need to Be Faster Part 2…Master Your Body Mechanics

In part 1 of Coach says I need to be faster we dissected what that meant and how to improve your body movement for increased hockey performance. Now we’re going to give you our top hockey exercises to master your stride mechanics, maximize your speed and unleash the potential on the ice!

Hip Extension

Hip extension is everything when it comes to increasing stride power and speed on the ice! Here are 2 simple yet highly effective exercises you can do anywhere anytime to start learning and maximizing your hip extension and get faster on the ice!

What to Look for: A straight line from hip to ankle also know as triple extension.

Ankle Dorsiflexion

If hip extension is the king of stride speed then ankle dorsiflexion is the queen! How well you can bend your ankle forward is essential to staying low in your stride and getting that elite speed you’re looking for!

What to Look for: Almost a 45 degree angle at the ankle joint, the knee can go over the toes as long as the foot stays flat on the ground.

Parallel Torso Shin Angle

Keeping the torso parallel with your shin is essential for optimal stride posture leading to improved stride mechanics and overall speed!

What to Look for: If you drew two vertical lines through your torso and your shin, they should be parallel

Hip, Knee, Ankle Alignment

This one is crucial if you want a strong powerful stride. If your knee collapses in and out of alignment with your hip and ankle you’ll lose power reducing your stride speed and cause a potential injury over time.

What to Look for: You should be able to draw a straight vertical line from your hip, through your knee to your foot.

These exercises are a great start to skyrocketing your speed on the ice. Always remember, master your movements and body mechanics using just your own bodyweight first, then you can start to add more weight progressively. If you have any questions or would like an in depth movement analysis to see what body mechanics you need to work on, don’t hesitate to reach out! Always here to help!