Hockey is a fast paced game that is physically demanding on its players. To become successful in the sport you need to train hard and train smart. Thousands of disparate ideas and methodologies for training exist making, it difficult for the average player to decide which is right for him. Hockey is an anaerobic sport that requires full capacity efforts for less than a minute followed by a substantial rest period. In that one minute a hockey player needs to be at top speed, use great skill, and have incredible strength. Too many generic training programs include exercises that train the body makes it slower and less dynamic, worsening the development of a the hockey player. There are seven key components to training a hockey player appropriately.

1. Speed

2. Quickness and Agility

3. Power

4. Strength

5. Endurance

6. Skill Development

7. Balance

Some of these components must be trained alone and some can be combined with others to form complex exercises that improve the player. One current fad in the training world is the use of heavy weights and aerobic conditioning. Both of these sets of exercises require slow movements. Hockey players should always train at the speed of their sport (fast!). Any exercise, even weight lifting, can be done at sport-appropriate speeds by using less weight. By training fast, a hockey player will become more adept at his sport.