Newest NJ Devil Jaromir Jagr's Training Methods

Jaromir Jagr (and Martin Brodeur) will be 40- somethings starting the 2013-2014 NHL season, and in today's faster NHL game, training and physical conditioning are paramount to what has made them successful. 

Here are some excerpts regarding Jagr's training methods-

Old dog, new tricks

"Stars winger Jaromir Jagr just turned 41, but his unique take on training methods is spreading throughout the team. Here are three things he likes to do that teammates have followed:

Weighted stick: Jagr takes a barbell weight and places it on the blade of his stick, then works the stick back and forth to build strength in his wrists and forearms. Player reaction: “My wrists hurt after a minute, so I’m sure it works.” — defenseman Brenden Dillon.

Jump drills: Jagr participates in traditional jumping drills after a game when he has the time. Often, he goes from one end of a hallway to another jumping from one foot to the next. The drill builds leg strength. Player reaction: “A lot of the stuff he does, we have done in the off-season but we think it’s too intense for the season. But he does it anyway, and he’s played for 20 years and he’s still going strong, so it does make you think twice about how you’ve been doing things.” — captain Brenden Morrow.

Midnight practice: Jagr has his own key to the practice facility in Frisco and brings teammates in for midnight workouts every now and then. The practices are referred to as Jagr Hockey School. Player reaction: “Yeah, I’m not sure I’m going to be a part of that. I think midnight is a good time for sleep.” — center Jamie Benn." 

* Portions reprinted from- http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-stars/headlines/20130220-heika-jaromir-jagrs-training-methods-make-mark-on-young-stars.ece

 

 

Is it possible that Jaromir Jagr is over-training?

"As human beings, we admire when others have exceptional work ethics, and so we should. Sloth is the enemy, and those who put their heart and soul into what they do should be celebrated. That group of people includes the great Jaromir Jagr, one of the most hard-working supremely gifted humans in hockey. There’s a reason he’s still an effective hockey player at age 41.
Yesterday Elliotte Friedman of CBC wrote about Jagr and his aforementioned admirable work ethic, which shared some of the details about his regimen, which includes extra on-ice workouts with a weight vest…after actual games have finished. He uses a heavy puck, and occasionally weights his skates to make his muscles work harder. His place in Pittsburgh was rumoured to good for two things: sleeping and working out. Petr Prucha, who stayed with him for awhile, said “While the NHL is sleeping, he is working.”
*Portions reprinted from- http://blogs.thescore.com/nhl/2013/06/07/is-it-possible-that-jaromir-jagr-is-over-training/


Dedication to Training
"Another prime example of extreme dedication to training is Boston Bruins forward Jaromir Jagr.  At 41 years of age this future first ballot Hockey Hall of Fame freak of nature is still playing a lot of quality minutes at the highest level in hockey.  Recently during the overtime games in the 2013 Eastern Conference and Stanley Cup Finals, Jagr seemingly got better as the game went on.  In fact what happened was that Jagr’s play stayed the same while everyone else fatigued and slowed down.

Arguably Jagr trains more than any other player in the National Hockey League.   Early in his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins a strong commitment to training was instilled into him by Hall of Fame player Paul Coffey.  In 20+ years playing professional hockey it has served Jagr well as he keeps going in a game that punishes aging.

His workouts are legendary.  Following games Jagr will put on the weight vest and do skating drills (he recently did this after the overtime games in the Stanley Cup Final).  Sometimes he will perform a combination of plyometrics, quick feet drills, various leg exercises and sprints in the hallways while all his teammates have showered, dressed and left the building.  Other times he puts weights on the end of stick does a variety of dryland drills and movements to train the shoulders, wrists, and grip.  Consistently day in and day out Jagr performs workouts that leave many in the NHL shaking their heads at how dedicated he is with his fitness."

Portions reprinted from- http://www.dphockey.com/dedication-to-training/

 

 

 

 

 

Training Camp Ideas

With the NHL training camp just a month away and most Junior and Youth programs starting up sooner, here are some ideas to make your training camp unique, competitive and productive.

1) Fitness Testing-  In the below article Bill Guerin talks about the conditioning tests and standards that measured NHL players when he first started till now.  In my opinion, the conditioning standards need to be rigid (taking a minimum or baseline approach) but also be flexible as all athletes are better or worse at certain exercises.  Focus on having a standard minimum for strength (lower body, upper body and core) and cardiovascular fitness (both short distances and long).  Also too... ice time is expensive and valuable, so try not to waste it with these activities for youth or junior programs.  Do these Off- Ice.
http://espn.go.com/blog/nhl/post/_/id/11273/oh-my-how-training-camps-have-changed

2) On- Ice practices-  Separate the days and build in a progressive format.  For example, don't put in your power play system (no matter how important you think it is) before you have your players adjusted to the pace and they have their timing back.  If they are gassed, and the players timing is off because of a long off-season, then even the best potential power plays are going to look awful. 
Early on, make the environment competitive, so players feel like they are being given a realistic shot to compete for opportunities.

3) Meetings and Culture-  Meetings and establishing the team rules are extremely important.  The culture you create in the pre-season, will carry forward, as players remember these early situations more than a typical meeting during the regular season.  Set the standard and set the example with your enthusiasm and professionalism.
Use the off-ice meetings to put in your system before hitting the ice, so that you can create practice plans that drill down into what your D- Zone coverage, Forecheck, D- Zone face-off etc., is going to be.
Also, use video whenever you can.  Players have to connect with their coach, and where some players might be audio learners (listening to you and understanding) others may be only visual learners and need to see exactly ( diagrammed and with game tape) what you are asking them to do.

4) Team Building-  In my opinion, the best teams I've ever coached, or played on, were built off the ice.  The On- ice activities are generally set in a competitive work environment.  Off the ice however, whether it be in meetings, the gym, structured activities or just during social times, are when players create real bonds.  The better you can fostered these bonds, the more likely your team will still be close-knit months down the road when they are competing for a playoff spot.
Focus on structured team activities that have an end result, and create a sense of accomplishment.  There are hundreds to choose from, but also be creative and look into activities that can tie into your local community.
Moreover, don't feel like you have to lead all these activites.  Many leaders will emerge during these situations.  Allow them to lead.

 

 

 

Remember....

* The more activities that you can complete Off- Ice, saves time and money On the Ice.

* First Impressions Matter.

* Leaders Emerge in Pre- Season.

* There are 24 hours in a day...  Players can learn most details to your system in a training camp.

* Be progressive and build upon fundamentals.

* Conditioning is paramount.  If you team comes out of training camp less ready than it's peers, the situation won't get better once games begin.

* Have a plan in place for the entire camp, but be willing to adjust.

 

 

 

Circuit Training with Groups of 4 at Scoring Concepts

Lately I have been accommodating larger groups at the Scoring Concepts Facility (groups of 4), and in doing so have constructed a program that has the athletes working half the time on the synthetic ice (in groups of 2) and the other half of the time performing strength training activities.  Additionally, for about 5 minutes after one group as completed the strength training phase, they compete in a series of "team" shooting games.

The synthetic portion is "trainer" based, with me working with the athletes performing a series of activities that are intended to enhance their powerskating, puck skills and athleticism.  The strength training primarily consists of Hockey- Specific exercises, aimed to improve power in their legs, functional upper body strength, balance, and strength in their core.  Below is a handout I use for the strength training exercises-

 

 

As the summer continues, larger groups are anticipated to be using the facility.  Even with only a few months of sampling, players and parents have been responding with enthusiasm towards the training we are accomplishing at Scoring Concepts.  Here are some of the testimonials-

Hello Andrew,
Blake had his first 3 on 3 game today in Hooksett and he did “very well!!”…..his stick/puck handling has improved greatly!! Blake scored 3 times… The training he has had with you is definitely showing progress.  Over-all we are very excited about his progress and your training is working! Please schedule Blake for the Monday and Thursday 5:15pm training this coming week.
D. Dunlap

The boys are loving the sessions.- K. Demain

The kids really enjoyed the session!! Hope you're ready for more!!- R. Dunlap

 

Thanks again for today. I will be in touch for some additional sessions

- K. Pike

 
I am very excited to see these players hard work pay off during the 2013-2014 Hockey Season.....

 

What to Expect at the Scoring Concepts Summer Skill Series at PSU

Every Wednesday evening this summer, New Hampshire youth hockey players will have the opportunity to train and develop their skills in a fast-paced environment, and at one of the newest & finest NCAA hockey facilities in the country.


July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 & August 7, 14, & 21 from 630-745pm at Plymouth State University, Scoring Concepts LLC will host it's Summer Skill Training Series.  These 75 minute clinics will feature a half and half setting, where the first 45 minutes are devoted to speed and powerskating and the second 45 minutes are focused on advanced puck skills and stickhandling. 

All Scoring Concepts clinics feature 3 main components-
1. Multi-Skill and Overspeed Drills- The head has to be attached to the hands, which have to be attached to the feet. Elite Hockey players become successful when no component of their body restricts the other parts from performing to maximum capacity.
2. Actions over Analysis- Coach Trimble doesn’t waste valuable ice time talking beside a dry erase board, instead, kids are constantly moving. Students are encouraged to complete activities faster than they think they can complete them, while also enjoying an open format where kids can be creative and have fun. Students recieve the technical corrections, generally 1 on 1, while in the process of completing these activities.
3. Competitions- Partner Drills, small area games and activities that foster engagement; push the athletes to go faster, go further, and go with a greater sense of urgency. Taken from his own experiences as a player, Coach Trimble believes that competitive peer pressure is the greatest single motivator in a young athlete’s life. When competition is applied in the optimal context; a fun, uptempo atmosphere, the results can be extraordinary!


Making this experience an even more unique setting will be the special guest coaches and instructors.  In addition to having myself and Coach Mike Potenza at the clinics, we will also feature guest coaches with outstanding hockey backgrounds.  Working with the goaltenders will be Coach Tom Cayon, a former University of New Hampshire goaltender and current Coach with both the Dover Youth Hockey program and Kingswood Regional High School.  Additionally, Justin Soryal, a 5 year pro hockey player with both the New York Rangers and Carolina Hurricanes organizations will be on hand.  He will work one on one with individual students.  Here are his stats-
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=80488

Also, Gavin Bayreuther will be in attendance.  Gavin played last season in the USHL and next season will begin his NCAA college career at St. Lawrence University.  A New Hampshire native, Gavin is looking for the opportunity to train, and also has a passion to become a future coach.  Here are his stats- http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=160531

These clinics will be a progressive format, where each week becomes more challenging.  There is no pre-registration required, simply show up at the door and prepare for a good old fashioned "Head Soaker"....

Fun Summer Activites to do with your team

Summer is a great time for players to focus on improving their individual skills.  Going to camps, clinics, working out in your driveway and even competing on tournament teams, can be great places for individual skill improvement.

For teams with a low turnover from the year before, and middle or high school teams, activites for team building can become memorable experiences.  Moreover, you can incorporate skill work as well as strength and conditioning.

Here is a list of activities my High School team is planning on doing-

Do things that are fun, different and incorporate everyone!

Here are other ideas to consider...
* Team Cookout/ BBQ
* Paintball/ Laser Tag
* Guest Speakers
* Day at an Elite Training Facility or Speed School
* Team Open Hockey or Stick & Puck
* Sleep Away Camps or Going to a Big- Name Clinic together

Scoring Concepts Summer Squirt & Pee Wee Training Teams

This summer I am putting together two teams, a Squirt (2003/2004) and Pee Wee (2002/2001) age group, composed of Central New Hampshire players to train for a month, and then go compete in a showcase tournament in Exeter, NH. Given that they take up the ice at the Laconia Ice Arena from April to August, the idea is provide an alternative to hanging up the equipment for this aged group of players in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Moreover, the team will get advanced training and coaching in a fun and competitive environment, so that they can prepare for their Fall & Winter Seasons.

Each participant gets:

* 4 weeks of on/off ice training sessions at Plymouth State Rink (4 consecutive Wednesdays)

* One 1 on 1 private skill training session on synthetic ice

* Team Jersey

* Participation in the Summer Showdown AA tournament in Exeter, NH

 

 

 

Wednesday Night Summer Training Series Announced!

Scoring Concepts hockey clinics is holding 8 weeks of skill clinics at Plymouth State University Ice Rink each wednesday night starting in July and running through August. The dates are: July 3, 10, 17, 24,31 & August 7, 14, 21, and start at 6:30pm and end at 745pm. Cost is 30$ per session and has no pre-registration, simply pay at the door each night you attend. Focus will be a half and half setting...Speed Training for the 1st 45minutes and advanced Puck Skills the 2nd 45minutes. 

Plymouth State University rink is located at: 129 Nh Route 175A Holderness, NH 03245
It is one of the best NCAA Division III facilities in the country, and Scoring Concepts has had the privilege for the last year to house it clinics there...