WHY TEST ON-ICE?
Very rarely during a game, is a hockey player required to skate at an average speed for a long period of time. Therefore, cardiovascular efficiency is so vital to most sporting performances that such tests are appropriate for any hockey player. An objective of pre-season, off-ice training should be to increase this cardiovascular endurance. However, in training during the season, the coach must incorporate enough aerobic type exercises in practice sessions to maintain aerobic power at its optimal level. On-ice tests can determine what areas that you the individual or team need to develop to become a better all-around player.
WHAT ARE THE ON-ICE TESTS?
1) Skating Power
In game situations, a player’s shift varies between 45 and 90 seconds in duration. The player must repeat this physical effort several times during a period; thus, there is a requirement for intermittent intensive work. A player will often be required to go all out during a shift, thus utilizing their skating anaerobic (short periods without oxygen) power. This, combined with the brief recovery time between shifts and periods of intense activity within a shift, are why hockey is considered as one of the most strenuous sports.
The skating power test is a functional evaluation in that they take into account physical fitness, as well as, possible skill efficiency differences among players.
2) Skating Agility With The Puck
This test measures the ability of the player to carry the puck effectively while skating in various directions. The player must carry the puck very often in game situations. Some players show a marked drop in their skating agility and speed as soon as they have to control the puck. A beginner carrying the puck usually shows a decrease in skating ability, but this difference should be minimized in the more advanced player categories.
3) Skating Agility Without The Puck
This is also a very important skill for any hockey player. The ability of the player to maneuver around opposing players or to support their team’s tactical play (i.e. breaking out of the zone) is of prime importance. Furthermore, skating agility relies upon several other skating skills such as stopping, turning, crossing-over, etc. For these reasons, skating agility represents an excellent evaluation of the player’s overall skating skill.
4) Forward Skating Speed
Forward skating speed is needed in many game situations when the player must break away from an opponent or cover their opponent in a back-checking situation. Hockey is a game of constant acceleration and deceleration. The capacity of a player to increase their skating speed from a stationary position is a tremendous asset to their hockey performance.
5) Backward Skating Speed
Hockey coaches often underestimate the importance of backward skating skills for players other than the defensemen. All players must develop excellent backward skating speed and agility because very often they will be called upon to change positions while the play is developing. For instance, a forward may temporarily replace a defensemen caught deep in the offensive zone.
Of all the skating skill tests, backward skating must be considered as one of the best for discriminating between good, average, and poor skaters.
From a coaches perspective;
Determining the teams physical strengths and weakness' will make them a winning team. This process can make the coaches job easier, and establish what areas their team needs to focus on to obtain that winning formula.
From an individuals perspective;
The better physically fit a player is than the rest of the team, has proven to help make that player stand out among the others. Hockey scouts will look at players throughout a whole game. Players who are able to continue at the same physical level in the late stages of the third period as they did in the first, will stand out to the scouts that count, the N.H.L. Scouts.
Due to our extensive database, we can compare your results to other hockey players of your calibre and age. For example: Did you know that if a 12 year-old hockey player did the forward skating speed in 4.85 seconds, they would be in the 100th percentile, while a 16 year old who did the same speed would only rank in the 65th percentile. * We unfortunately do not have any data in relation to womens/girls on-ice testing We can determine these difference to best help you approach the skill level you want to attain.
What you will receive as part of the on-ice testing process:
Professional colour booklet included with tips related to instructions on proper exercise techniques, hockey related nutrition and hockey specific cardio-vascular programs. The above on-ice tests. Results compared to our extensive database (over 9000 already tested and growing daily) If team testing is done (over 10 players), a full report for the COACHES showing their players strengths and weakness' for the team as a whole in one easy to understand format. Full individual report and booklet returned by mail.
The testing process is very simple and can be done over the Internet. Here is how it works:
You will receive an e-mail to approve (or disprove) your medical history. We will send you the link to the on-ice testing manual and chart. Perform the tests in your community with the help of a coach, parent or friend. Once the tests are completed, submit the results via the testing chart that is included in the manual. Once the results are received, you will be instructed on paying for the testing process . Upon acceptance of the desired payment, we will then compare the results to our database, and determine the athletes overall score. The results and booklet are immediately then shipped back to you.
Why am I paying for the test results?
Our hockey player database has taken years to develop and you will not find it anywhere else in the world. We are able to compare your results to hockey players like yourself and therefore better analyze the findings. If you were to compare the results to the general public, this may not be as effective. The public is not at the same physical fitness level a hockey player is expected to be.
On-Ice Equipment needed:
Regulation sized ice rink. Pylons (8) Tape measure Whistle Pucks Stop watch
You may like to visit our related pages - off-ice, hockey and on-ice goalies.
