The Value of Training Aids

Unfortunately, there are as many bad training devices out there on the market as there are good ones.  And, by bad I mean that some gadgets aren’t scientifically based — they’re more hype than anything else, and there’s even the chance that they can be detrimental to effective hockey play.

Just briefly touching upon the scientific side of things (for now)…  I hope you appreciate that there are specific principles that govern the enhancement of a quality like speed (see Over-speed Theory for a few tips).  Hey, go against those principles and there’s a likelihood you’re going to produce slowness rather than the intended result. 

So are there specific mechanics that go into a movement like hockey skating, which means that a given training aid must enhance or encourage those mechanics in order for a player to ultimately play better.  My main point here:  that a training gadget must truly help accomplish what it’s advertised to do.  (Hopefully, I’ll be arming you with enough scientific and biomechanical information along the way so that you can make these sorts of judgments on your own.  And, if ever you need advice in this area, don’t be shy about asking The Old Coach for help.)

Also, I’m frequently heard saying that, “Training aids don’t make you better; using them does!”  As an example, $2000 worth of weightlifting equipment doesn’t make anyone stronger, IF it’s left gathering cobwebs in a basement corner.  No, the idea is to use that gear.  (As each new off-season approaches, I promise to provide members plenty of solid scientific advice on strength development.)

Then, perhaps stating the obvious…  I also have to emphasize the importance of using a given training device properly.  Considering the weightlifting gear, as an example, I’m sure you’ll appreciate that greater strength gains (not to mention safety) should be achieved if that gear is used in the right manner, and in agreement with appropriate scientific principles.

As hinted at in other related entries, I’ve found a lot of training aids really excite my students and players.  For example, you ought to see how antsy kids get at the prospects of having their shots measured with a radar gun.  And I’ve seen them get just as psyched to race with a speed chute or any one of the other contraptions I use in similar fashion.  So, I might even be inclined to use a given gadget solely because it excites my players.  I mean — even if it’s not all that useful for better hockey play, and so long as I only use it on rare occasions, I might employ a fun-type gadget just for the sake of exciting my players.

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