The buzzer sounds and you display a bittersweet expression on your face. It’s the end of the season and you are just about ready to “hang ‘em up”. You’ve invested your hard earned dollars into hotels, equipment and meals on the road and finally have the opportunity to put your feet up at night. Your hardworking young athlete finally gets to spend some time with their long lost friends and if you’re lucky, spend “a little” more time on homework.
For many, the off-season means the beginning phases of the next season. Try outs become much more competitive and that opportunity to play on the select team sounds really appealing. Your child is getting older and is starting to look like he or she is getting serious about hockey. They may not have what it takes to get to the NHL but they sure are good at their sport.
So what should your child be doing between the months of March and August in order to maximize their potential for success in the following season and years to come?
*This was originally posted on the Kraft Canada "Ringside Reading" Page.
For many, the off-season means the beginning phases of the next season. Try outs become much more competitive and that opportunity to play on the select team sounds really appealing. Your child is getting older and is starting to look like he or she is getting serious about hockey. They may not have what it takes to get to the NHL but they sure are good at their sport.
So what should your child be doing between the months of March and August in order to maximize their potential for success in the following season and years to come?
- Take a break. The off-season means exactly that so it is important that the early spring should be devoted to rest and time away from the sport altogether…both physically and mentally.
- Play another sport. In keeping with the recommendations of the Long Term Athlete Development plan and the objective of being “active for life”, it is important young athletes partake in a wide variety of athletic endeavours to develop all-around athleticism and prevent future burnout.
- Develop physical literacy. Most sports require a minimum foundation of movement and sport skills for success. Skills such as agility, balance and coordination can be achieved by engaging in both planned and unplanned activities appropriate for the age of the athlete. Enroll your child in a multi-sport program such as summer camp or better yet, spend plenty of time with family-based activities such as hiking and biking. For those who are serious, a good strength and conditioning coach is a worth investment.
- Become a better skater. While it may be important for some families to hire a trainer or enroll in 3 on 3, the most important hockey-related skill a young athlete can improve upon is skating. Stopping, starting and changing directions are always required in ice hockey and ALL professional teams have a skating coach. Your child should be no different.
- Have fun. Finally, all young athletes should place “fun” at the top of their priority list each off-season. The regular season can be quite stressful so any activity that emphasizes this three letter word, regardless of its relation to our national pastime, will prove beneficial for the success of your child for the upcoming season and for the rest of their “hockey career”.
*This was originally posted on the Kraft Canada "Ringside Reading" Page.
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