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POWER
by Shawn Killian - Director of Planet Hockey Skills Development & Training
What one hockey skill do you seek most?
Is it speed? A harder shot? More creative puck control? How about power,
or that ubiquitous thing called powerskating?
I must give credit to Dennis Chighisola, a gentleman who wrote an article
on this very topic a couple years ago. It was his article and my ongoing
disapproval of the term power skating that have led me to write this column.
An important rule to follow, "Power should never precede skating"....literally.
The term powerskating may have served its purpose through the 80's and early 90's, but hockey has changed for the better. We can no longer afford to confuse, misdirect, and misinform our youth (and adult) hockey players. Today's hockey players no longer play straight up and down the ice. Team success now stems from weaving, drop passes, and creativity which has replaced the power, roughness and linear skating of the past. The hockey world salutes this evolution.
My problem with the term "power skating" stems from its misleading nature. The term overemphasizes its importance, implies priority attention, implies it is a quick fix and creates discouragement through lofty expectations.
Importance
Don't be mislead by labels such as powerskating and overspeed training.
Efficient technique is 90% of speed. We have built powerful cars that can
travel at great speeds, but have yet to develop one that can handle a tight
turn at 300 mph. The point is, hockey players should focus on developing
a superior suspension rather than adding horsepower. Easier said than done.
Priority Attention
Power comes last and is the result of great technique and a productive skills
training approach. Assuming you are ready to put the last piece of this
intricate jigsaw puzzle into place is a bit premature for most hockey players.
Power makes sense only after you have mastered skating and puck control
techniques. Power is the end result of perfect execution and precise control.
Quick Fix
Who wouldn't want power or a little roughness, they are both huge parts
of the game. The problem arises in one's infatuation with and relentless
pursuit of power. Often times, fundamentals and technique are neglected
and their importance is overlooked on the way to the quick fix that people
associate with powerskating. There are no shortcuts, only more direct routes
through logical, progressive technique training.
Lofty Expectations
Frequently, people seek powerskating as a fix-all to their ailments which
generally stem from weakness in technique, not lack of power. Again, there
are no short cuts when developing hockey skills. When building a mighty
skyscraper, one must begin with a sturdy base, not with the revolving restaurant
on the 100th floor. The top floor is only as strong as the basement. Perfect
fundamentals are your basement and power is your top floor.
There are powerful skaters at every level of hockey. However, productive
players who are of greatest value to their teams are the players possessing
solid fundamentals, and overall body control. Players who are agile or "shifty",
in top condition, who have good on-ice awareness and vision, not only enhance
team performance and individual value, but tend to enjoy the entire hockey
experience the most. Fundamentals begin with FUN....literally. Hockey, like
life, is a journey, not a destination.
This concept of technique and control preceding power and brute force is not new. It is accepted and evident in other sports such as the martial arts, gymnastics, and basketball.
FUN + FUNDAMENTALS
+ TRAINING APPROACH + ADVANCED SKILLS = POWER
My concerns are the overall quality of, the approaches utilized and the
instruction available to our country's players. The magic of hockey draws
you in, and its unavoidable passion consumes us. We become almost powerless
in its icy grip, paralyzed by our pursuit of perfection. The nature of hockey
requires skills development. Just remember, Hockey is 99% technique, the
rest is just frozen water!
This article was written by Shawn Killian,
Director of Planet Hockey Skills Camps and the Planet Hockey Ranch in Salida,
Colorado. For more information on all Planet Hockey Programs including Training
Videos and coordinating a Planet Hockey Skills Camp for your Association
or Group contact Planet Hockey at 1-800-320-7545 | www.planethockey.com
| shawn@planethockey.com