Get ready to geek out on everything from stride mechanics to off-ice training strategies. In this episode, I sit down with Joel Becker, lead performance coach of GameChangers. Joel brings an incredible background from speed skating and hockey. We break down the nuanced world of speed development, discussing how understanding force application, time, and direction can transform an athlete's performance. Joel shares some killer insights on off-ice imitation exercises that'll revolutionize how strength coaches approach hockey training - think deep, uncomfortable isometric holds that build incredible hip and leg strength. We explore game speed, hockey IQ, and the subtle art of translating linear speed into on-ice performance. If you're a coach looking to understand the intricate details of skating mechanics and athlete development, this episode is an absolute must-listen. Trust me, you'll walk away with practical strategies you can implement immediately with your athletes.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Meet Joel Becker, expert in the world of skating and hockey biomechanics.

01:45 How can lessons from speed skating biomechanics improve your hockey game?

03:45 Hockey Stride and Biomechanics.

09:30 The importance of foot strike and how it affects skating technique and speed.

28:00 Off-Ice Training and Pattern Specific Work.

28:15 How do you elevate your game speed and hockey IQ simultaneously?

34:30 Joel’s integrated training model, including off-ice exercises and on-ice work.

37:18 Off-Ice Imitation Exercises.

51:00 Ankle Mobility and Skating.

55:45 Where can we connect with you and learn more?

RESOURCES + LINKS

The ABC of skating imitation exercises,

Game Changers Training, 15 Minute Off-Skates Dryland Workout, Plyometric Workout

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass -

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

As we wrap up the season, it’s time we highlight the importance of programming. Today, I unpack the 3-day rollover programming — AKA, the Gain, Go, and Grow model — we use at Donskov Conditioning to train and prepare our athletes. I’ll walk through the main pillars and foundational principles of the model, what to expect from the program, and how it benefits hockey players of all demographics (young or advanced levels). Most of all, I share how we instill important skills all athletes need to keep evolving and produce results when game day comes.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 What I tell my young athletes for off season training.

03:55 The origin + main pillars of the Gain, Go, and Grow model.

06:55 Who is the rollover program for?

09:10 What to expect from the 3-day program.

14:05 How the Gain, Go, and Grow model benefits the athletes.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass -

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mal McHugh, a legend in sports science, to dive deep into the world of metrics and performance. We're talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly of measuring athletes – from force plates to jump profiles. Dr. McHugh breaks down why not all metrics are created equal, and how teams can actually use data to prevent injuries and understand player performance. We'll explore everything from how young hockey players should tie their skates to the complex world of tracking an athlete's physical decline. Trust me, you'll walk away with a whole new perspective on sports science and how data can (and can't) tell the full story of an athlete's potential.

HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 Skate lacing for young players.

02:00 Meet Dr. Mal McHugh, sports medicine researcher and Director of Research at NISMAT.

04:30 Problems with the current hyper-focus on metrics without proper context.

06:00 What is the importance of defining problems and validation?

14:45 How to simplify complex systems (and stop measuring “trees” without understanding the “forest”).

29:15 Counter movement jumps and force plate analysis.

41:45 The importance of impulse and rate of force development in assessing athletes' performance.

48:00 Addressing specific injuries and preventing recurrent injuries.

01:03:00 How to use metrics to assess athletes' physical attributes, effort, stress, and recovery.

RESOURCES + LINKS

Check out Anthony’s Masterclass -

The High Performance Hockey Masterclass

Follow Anthony on Instagram | @anthonydonskov

Follow Anthony on Twitter | Anthony Donskov, PhD

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | The HPH Podcast with Anthony Donskov

Follow HPH Podcast on Instagram | @hph_podcast

Follow HPH Podcast on Twitter | @TheHPH_Podcast

Learn more on our Website | https://www.donskovsc.com/

Check out Anthony’s Books

Physical Preparations for Ice Hockey: Biological Principles and Practical Solutions

The Gain, Go, and Grow Manual: Programming for High Performance Hockey Players