Several decades ago, hockey players trained differently. Many players would only do aerobic-based training like jogging and biking to get into “hockey-shape”. A few players would also try to build muscle mass by lifting weights. Then there was the intervention from the Russians and Europeans, who introduced plyometrics, jumping and other activities into the whole routine of hockey training.

Hockey training today is markedly different. Many high level players now incorporate complex training designs into off-ice training programs. Finding a personal trainer or a place to train that specializes in hockey training is getting easier in major hockey markets.  There are even online hockey training programs available for athletes to choose from to organize their training. 

Technological Advancements

Because of technological advancements, hockey and most other sports that were originally seasonal sports can now be played all year-round. Before, players had to involve themselves in other sports that were in-season when hockey was off-season. This was to prevent their bodies and minds from being idle when the sport was not in season. Take note that it is harder to get back in shape as you age which is why you should not allow your body to get out of shape.

Divided Attention

Now that sports are no longer strictly played during specific seasons, athletes that involve themselves in a single sport year-round find it hard to devote time to other fields. This becomes a dilemma because hockey players can benefit from other activities to keep themselves physically fit and their minds well-rounded. If you concentrate on a single sport alone, your body and mind will only develop the constricted set of skills and allow the rest to deteriorate.

Keeping active in other sports can help to inform your hockey skills.  For instance, honing hand-eye coordination in baseball or an awareness of teammate positioning in football can broaden a hockey player’s abilities on the ice.

Incorporating Other Sports

Despite the opportunity to play hockey throughout the year, there is a benefit to including other sports as part of hockey training. Playing other sports is still possible even if you are already a full-time player of hockey. Have a leisurely round of golf, play a friendly soccer or football match with friends, or spend afternoons off playing baseball with buddies. Maybe one of the best sports that has a cross-over effect to hockey is tennis due to the explosive lateral movement required on the court. What is important is that you keep your mind sharp and your whole body fit, not just the parts of your mind and body that you use for hockey.

Whether or not your hockey facility allows you to play the sport 365 days a year, playing other sports can broaden your horizons, and introduce techniques to benefit your game.