Here’s a great video that shows how a couple of pros can train hard and develop their skills while having fun.
The video which features my nephew, Ben Chiarot, and retired player Kevin Bieksa. If you’ve been watching hockey lately, you’ve probably seen both of them. After playing for the Winnipeg Jets, Montreal Canadiens and Florida Panthers, Ben just signed a new four-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings where he’ll likely be playing on the first pairing with young sensation Moritz Seider. Kevin is now retired as a player and is an analyst on Hockey Night in Canada. This was recorded a few summers ago while Ben was with Winnipeg and Kevin was playing with Anaheim.
Making Training Fun:
Here are some great ideas to inject some “fun” into your training.
- My favourite… Train with a friend, sibling or parent. Just like Ben and Kevin.
- Create challenges for yourself. Target shooting or reach a certain speed on a radar gun. Try a trick shot shooting competition. Try to beat your personal best.
- Play some of your favourite music in the background.
- Put on a favourite television show or video in the background.
- Add obstacles.
- Modify the rules of the game. For example, play one handed or add a rule that says you have to pass once before you can score.
- Start drills in a different spot on the ice.
- Train in different locations.
- Do HIIT intervals while watching a game on television. Try to go full out matching the shift length of your favourite player.
Today’s Assignment:
- Complete today’s workout on the TeamBuildr app. Be sure to mark each exercise complete as you finish it. Depending on your schedule (other sports, work, etc.) it is okay to complete the exercises on another day or even substitute an alternate workout provided that the difficultly level is similar. Please make note of any substitutions or switches as part of the daily check in item in the TeamBuildr app.
- Think of one way that you can add “fun” to your training and practicing. (You can’t use Coach Steve’s answer: Train with a friend, just like in the video.) Post your answer to the team WhatsApp group. BONUS: If it is something specific, maybe you can find a video link showing it that you can post as well.