Michigan Mile – Hockey Conditioning Drill

Michigan Mile – Hockey Conditioning Drill

Conditioning, Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills
This Hockey Conditioning Drill Give a Perfect 3:1 Rest-to-Work Ratio The Michigan Mile is one of my favorite Hockey Conditioning Drills. I picked it up from my old assistant coach, Josh Burkart, who grew up in Michigan. I love it because it's short, explosive bursts of speed, and can be done in a variety of ways. It also offers an optimal 3:1 rest-to-work ratio, which is perfect for hockey players. Here's the diagram and explanation: Michigan Mile: Four groups, on blues, facing each other. As soon as group 1 finishes, group 2 goes. Then 3, then 4, then back to 1. 1. red line and back - 5 push-ups 2. far blue line and back - 5 push-ups 3. red, back, far blue, back - 5 push-ups 4. far blue,…
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Cross-Ice vs Full-Ice for Mites

Cross-Ice vs Full-Ice for Mites

Coaches' Corner, Philosophy
What is Better for Mite Development, Cross-Ice or Full-Ice Gameplay? There's a hot debate going on in many parts of North America right now, and that is whether Mites are better off playing cross-ice or full-ice during games. This debate has grown largely out of USA Hockey's ADM recommendation of cross-ice games until Squirt. I grew up in the "full-ice world," but I've been living in the "cross-ice world" for the past 3 years with my own kids. Folks in my local organization have asked my opinion on this a number of times, and I've also received a few emails asking my opinion. Here's an example from one of our coaches in Chicago: I'm writing to get your take on the cross-ice, USA Hockey model vs the full-ice model for…
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1 on 1 Swedish Overspeed Drill

1 on 1 Swedish Overspeed Drill

1 on 1's, 2 on 2's, 2 on 1's, 3 on 2's, Hockey Drills, Skating & Agility, Team Skill Drills
Here’s a Great 1 on 1 Drill that Works Skating, Pivots, and Gap Control In this drill, we develop passing, skating, gap control, and a number of other skills. This drill can also be developed into a regroup drill (see Option 2). Here's the diagram and explanation:   1 on 1 Swedish Overspeed Drill: OPTION 1 1. On the whistle, the F makes a pass to the D. 2. The F skates across the ice and receives a return pass. 3. The D follows up the ice. 4. The F skates around the centre ice circle and goes 1 on 1 with the D. OPTION 2 1. After the F skates around the centre ice circle, the F makes a pass to the D, and turns to the boards. 2.…
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Leafs Warm-Up Drill

Leafs Warm-Up Drill

Hockey Drills, Individual Skill Drills, Shooting, Skating & Agility, Warm-Up
This One's a Fun Warm-Up Drill that Works a Bit of Everything This is a fun one that touches on quite a few different skills, including backward skating, pivots, passing, drive skating, and shooting. Here's the diagram and explanation: Leafs Warm-Up: 1. Players on each side of center at boards 2. First player leaves, skating backward, receives pass from second player in line--always receives pass on the side of his body he'll be turning to 3. After receiving the pass he/she opens up and skates forward around the cone, driving wide to the net. 4. After shot, player lines up on opposite side Variations: a) go around near cone instead of far cone; b) after pass, player joins for a 2 on 0 USE THIS DRILL IN YOUR OWN PRACTICE…
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