BLOG #3 - Play Fast Without Being Fast

Everyone is obsessed with explosive speed but rarely do you see anyone focused on processing speed. Players just want to get faster and coaches constantly push this perception that the answer to players problems is their lack of explosive speed. This is the number #1 request I get from players and parents. Sadly, this is another overused and misunderstood concept filled with half truths which only leads to confusing players.

How many times have you heard this,

  • It’s all about your first 3 steps

  • Speed kills

  • You need to work on your EXPLOSIVE speed

  • You don’t have enough fast twitch

  • You need to get more explosive

These are blanket statements that rarely solve the problem and lead to players working really hard with minimal results. This is especially true when players ask how to get more explosive and the answer given is, “Do a bunch of sprints…”

Moving on,

This is a perfect example of processing speed versus explosive speed.

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Processing speed starts with the ability to read possession and anticipate plays. Pavelski starts to work up ice when he sees they have full possession.

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He keeps his feet moving when he reads that puck is going to get to Benn. Notice where all the Tampa players are looking? They are puck focused which allows Pavelski to capitalize on this poor habit. He works to open space WITHOUT hesitation leaving these Tampa players in the dust.

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It’s a split second hesitation but these small moments lead to grade A chances if you have ELITE HOCKEY IQ. Pavelski is an average skater, if that, but he’s able to create separation on some of the best D in the game. He is one of the smartest players in the game today.

DISCLAIMER, I believe skating and speed are VERY important. Skating, along side IQ, should be taught at an early age. These should be the major focal points at the youth level. BUT this obsession with explosive speed has left players working way too hard and unable to make decisions at game speed.

Being an explosive skater is great but it isn’t everything. It’s a piece of the puzzle but not the whole picture. We all know plenty of fast players that do a whole lot of nothing on the ice.

The next frontier is Hockey IQ because when players are able to see and process information quickly. Developing your IQ will allow you to play fast without being fast.

Conclusion, increase sight and vision lines, understand the principles of the game and you’ll be able to play FASTER and look more explosive! How can you start?

1- Watch hockey using the Gretzky method. I have a full tutorial on my YouTube channel you could check out to get started on developing this skill. Link below.

2- Anticpate what plays are going to happen. Make predications and review why you either made the right or wrong read when watching hockey. This is assuming your watching games and can stop and start when you like.

3- Play monkey in the middle with two or three teammates in a circle. This will get you to find lanes , work to open space and have some fun in the process.

4- Play small area games like 3 on 3 in tight. The key is to get creative and work to open space while adapting to game like situations.

Try these four concepts to start developing your hockey IQ, improving your processing speed and click the link below for a full tutorial on the Gretzky Method.

Thanks for reading!

Mason BaptistaComment