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