PLAYOFF TIPS-PRIMER

Just started or about to start the postseason.  What to do?  Should I continue to work out?  Hit the ODR (outdoor rink)? Play video/online games?

Legit questions...opinionated answers.

Training-This should continue, but the playoff workouts differ from in-season ones.  First off, speed, co-ordination, agility, would be the order of the day.  Need to keep players moving and breathing...oxygen through the lungs along with circulating blood through the body. Players need to work on removing the lactic acid from the body throughout the session (and practice).  Cool down is extremely important along with proper Dynamic and Static stretching to finish off the session.  Team Building comes into play as playoffs start, need to know your teammates have your back.

Focus-Time to put all the lessons learned into practice.  You need to block out all the negative thoughts and focus on positive moments and cues to get you to the top of your game.  Think of hitting the mesh behind the goalie, how a one-timer feels comes off your stick perfectly, how you imagine winning the draw or winning a battle for the puck.  Your mind doesn't know the difference between REAL and PERCEPTION.  You need to "convince" yourself that you have it in you...whether it is making an accurate shot towards the net, catching a player on a breakaway, or creating a turnover with a hit or a blocked shot.  Think positive.  Sounds simple but parents and teammates can actually berate or sarcastically infect their son or daughter with scathing comments.  Parents need to stay uber positive and supportive and let the coaches coach.  The player needs to know they have what it takes to be successful and have the support of coaches and parents as well as other teammates. 

Pressure-Being able to block out "the noise" and play to your potential.  Some players take their game to the next level during big games.  Others miss passes, fan on shots, take penalties...  Those players need to keep it fun and pretend they are playing at the ODR at Gateway for instance.  Pressure is overrated.  As mentioned above, it's not what's actually happening to you, it's how YOU perceive it.
That's right...it's not what's actually happening.  Being on the ice for a goal against affects players differently.  Some sit on the bench feeling sorry for themselves...get over it.  It's only a game.  Everything doesn't come up roses every single time.  You need to put it behind you and get back out there.  Goalies understand this over players because they are used to getting scored on and feeling some blame.  Dwelling on the past is useless.  Move on.  Learn from the past, live in the present and plan for the future.  Sounds like a financial advisor.  

Between Games-Yes, stay loose by skating at the ODR or light workout.  Warm up and stretch any sore spots.  Hydrate.  Water is the choice of champions.  Eat proper meals with vegetables, including carbs, protein and fats...check out the Canada Food Guide for lots of ideas. Other than just after getting up or after eating a vitamin...your urine should be clear.  That means you are properly hydrated.  Make sure you stay flexible between games, warm up first then stretch it out...foam rollers and tennis balls can be used for self myofascial release techniques.  Check out online. just google it.

Pre-game rituals-Do what will make you successful.  Things that won`t on game day: online gaming, texting on the way to the game, eating drinking pop-chips-fast food-loading up on gatorade for 12-15 mins of ice time.  Listen to music to relax and help you focus.  Everyone has a slightly different routine, don`t ruin someone else`s ritual in the room, respect your teammates.  Keep the talk hockey-related and hockey focused.  Talking about girls, games, fb statuses...blah blah blah takes your focus away from the task at hand. 

This is NOT life or death.  It`s just hockey...a game.  Do you get upset when things go wrong at monopoly or jenga? Maybe...but nothing`s the end of the World.

Have fun and enjoy the run. 

enthused!

Scott

Team Training info...

It's hard to believe the playoffs are just around the corner.  We've spent many nights at the gyms getting teams "in shape" or in better shape.  Now that the playoffs are approaching, we need to stress what your team has achieved up to now...
you've bonded as a team, had fun, worked on functionally movements, increased stamina, increased speed, power and balance.  Coaches need to reinforce the fact their teams have ALL improved physically throughout the season and ARE ready for the playoffs.  The confidence knowing your off-ice workouts have and will continue to pay dividends.
Some quick facts...
Of the teams that have been trained through Cardio X Training in 2012-13 Season, here is the accumulative results as of Feb 10/13:
Games Played 98, Wins 63, Losses 24, Ties 11, Winning Pct .698, Goals Scored 447, Goals Against 234.  That's some outstanding results.  Our entire focus is improving ourselves and outlasting the opponent.  Through the season, your fitness will either hurt or help you...in the playoffs, it's the difference between winning(and competing) and not.
This does not include 5 tournament champions and the tournament results.

Good Luck to all the teams in the playoffs, play up to your potential!

February Focus

February Focus...
Resolutions are done. Playoffs are around the corner. Are you where you want to be? What are you doing about it? These and other intriguing questions will be answered. Let's keep the train moving. What you do when you are not at the rink or gym may affect your game and your fitness level MORE than being at the rink or in the gym. These "things" would negatively impact your progress. You're either growing or decaying. Work towards your goals. Ten minutes is better than five, working out for instance. One glass of water is better than none. Inch by inch. Keep focused in February. Grow.

Event Calendar

Schedule-Next Athlete Session MARCH 1ST
NEXT LADIES SESSION...MONDAY, FEB 25TH

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MONDAY, FEB 25TH
LADIES GROUP SESSION
PRINCE EDWARD SCHOOL
6:00-7:00 PM

TEAM TRAINING
PRINCE EDWARD
7:00-8:00 PM BANTAM ROYALS


WEDNESDAY, FEB 27TH
TEAM TRAINING
OXFORD C.C.
7:00-8:00 PM U-16 WINGS

TEAM TRAINING
OXFORD C.C.
8:00-9:00 PM U-19


FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST
LADIES GROUP SESSION
BIRDS HILL SCHOOL
6:00-7:00 PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST
ATHLETES SESSION
BIRDS HILL SCHOOL
7-8 PM