I always attempt to attribute found material to its rightful source. The problem with the following information is that I discovered it well over a year ago, I jotted some notes to myself, and I just never thought to record where I found it. At the time, I probably didn't think I'd be sharing the material with others. That said, my apologies to whomever did create this list (of 7 areas of a hockey player's athletic development), and I'd surely like to give credit where due if it's ultimately possible.
-- Dennis Chighisola
7 Areas of (a Hockey Player’s) Athletic Development
Now, if you've come to know me at all, you probably know I'm into checklists. I just don't trust myself except to have my faithful list of things to do.
And, when it comes to overseeing the athletic development of my players, I find the following list prevents me from missing a single physical quality:
- Flexibility
- Balance
- Quickness/Agility
- Speed
- Power
- Strength
- Endurance
As you browse that list, notice that all entries point to qualities we'd like to see in our skaters and our goaltenders.
Picture the ideal goaler after improving these 7 areas of (a hockey player's) athletic development: being more flexible, under control, quick as a cat, powerful in moving from position to position, strong in crease wrestling matches, and able to endure a long game while carrying all that heavy gear around.
Also envision a quality skater with these 7 areas of (a hockey player's) athletic development: free in movements, able to recover when slightly knocked-off the skates, quick and agile in all four directions, speedy on straight-aways, strong in one-on-one tussles, and able to keep going at full tilt through the last shifts of a game.
If you'll notice, a lot of these qualities also help a hockey player avoid injuries, in particular flexibility, strength and endurance.
So, since we -- as coaches, parents or older players -- are always looking for some guidance when it comes to readying for a game, I offer the above as a truly awesome checklist.
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