Advance Youth Strength & Conditioning Platform for Field Hockey

To play hockey requires that each player has the required physical qualities to meet the demands of the game.  

Typically, a game of hockey is played for 60-minutes and divided into four-quarters of 15 minutes (younger players may play less).  Both the playing level and position influence the demands of the game, with midfielders performing more high-speed runs than attackers and defenders.  The game of hockey does require that players have a good level of aerobic conditioning, mostly for recovery.  Other player performance characteristics, include - 

• High levels of repeat sprint ability 

• Accelerations and decelerations 

• High-speed running 

• Change of direction at speed 

• Decision making agility 

Through regular strength and conditioning training, this can prepare each player to be sport ready and meet the demands of the game.  By being prepared for their sport, players can play with confidence and express their individual qualities in the game  –  improvements in recovery and repeat sprint ability – especially towards the end of the game.  Improvements in acceleration and faster high-speed runs – overall better agility and getting to the ball faster. 

It is highly recommended that we monitor the long-term development of our youth athletes. 

The Youth Strength & Conditioning Software helps coaches to track their athletes. 

• Library of strength and conditioning tests 

• Upload test scores

• Analyse test scores for future development 

• Support and feedback to athletes 

• Create, share, download athlete reports (individual athletes or teams)

The Youth Strength & Conditioning app empowers each youth athlete to regularly perform their strength and conditioning training. 

Strength and conditioning programmes are fully automated to save time.   Each programme consists of a range of exercises, including neuromuscular training.  Athletes can watch the exercise and drills, which demonstrate optimal form and technique. 

Athletes can upload the repetitions, training loads, and effort level, which is synched to the coach’s portal, allowing the coach to analyse training volume and adherence. 

The youth athletes can select from the below training 

• Strength training – circuit training, squats, deadlifts, press, and rows 

• Plyometric drills – hops, skips, and jumps 

• Sprint training – 10, 20, and 30m+ distances 

• Agility drills – including, 5-0-5, pro agility, U drills, X drills

• Conditioning – repeat sprints and shuttles for different training zones 

All sports have a specific demand.  For players to perform they need to be fully prepared and recovered. 

All aspects of the player's training and recovery - strength and conditioning, sports training, sport competition, and lifestyle factors need to be coached, as they are all linked to sports performance. 

As each player grows and matures, their strength and conditioning training and recovery strategies need to develop with them.  This will give each player every opportunity to perform at the highest level.