There are several reasons for including off-ice measurement as an important part of the overall hockey player evaluation process. The performance of the player is dependent on several factors and we felt that some of these factors are more appropriately measured in off-ice conditions. Once a general fitness level has been attained by the athlete, they should strive to attain a higher level of sport specific physical fitness. Such specificity can vary considerably from one sport to another. For instance, the specific physical fitness requirements differ considerably between a long distance runner, a football player and a hockey player. Therefore, the fitness evaluation should, as much as possible, be specific of the sport. For example, you would not test a hockey player for their vertical jumping abilities as they rarely jump in the game of hockey. However, in a sport such as volleyball or basketball, the vertical jump test would be essential to the physical abilities of the athlete. The overall evaluation of the athlete should include measurement of both the general and specific components of physical fitness. There are hundreds of fitness tests, but we have selected the ones we feel have the greatest significance in relation to the sport of hockey. One of the main objectives of this website is to provide as many coaches as possible with information to enable them to evaluate some of the more important general and specific physical fitness components of their players. The tests that are performed are easy to administer. They are not time-consuming and require little special equipment. Furthermore, most of these tests can easily be incorporated into an off-ice training program and become an incentive for the players, as well as, a source of information for the coach. The tests and measurements are easy to interpret and should be carried out regularly before and throughout the entire hockey season.
The basic recommended off-ice tests and measurements aim to evaluate: Body weight Height Muscular endurance Muscular power Aerobic power Anaerobic endurance
The validity and reliability of the proposed tests have already been established in the literature (Lariviere, Godbout & Lamontagne, 1981). Furthermore, these tests have been widely used in field evaluation. Several other tests and measurements could also be included in this battery; however, considering the limitations faced by most teams and keeping in mind the main goal of this website, the recommended list should be sufficient to meet the needs of most coaches. * Men - Data for any age * Women - Data for ages 10-16 only
What are the Tests?
Height measurement Weight measurement Sit'n'reach (back and hamstring flexibility) Grip Strength (arm power)* Sit-ups (trunk and abdominal strength) Push-ups (upper body endurance) Broad Jump (Lower body power) 50 metre (55.5 yards) sprint (anaerobic capacity) 12 minute run (aerobic endurance)
What you will receive as part of the off-ice testing process:
Professional colour booklet included with tips related to instructions on proper exercise techniques, hockey related nutrition and hockey specific cardio-vascular programs. The above off-ice tests. Results compared to our extensive database (over 9000 already tested and growing daily) If the team testing is done (over 10 players), a full report for the coaches showing their players strengths and weakness' for the team as a whole in one easy to understand format. Full individual report and booklet returned by mail.
The testing process is very simple and can be done over the Internet. Here is how it works:
You will receive an e-mail to approve (or disprove) your medical history. We will send you the link to the off-ice testing manual and chart. Perform the tests in your community with the help of a coach, parent or friend. Once the tests are completed, submit the results via the testing chart that is included in the manual. Once the results are received, you will be instructed on paying for the testing process. Upon acceptance of the desired payment, we will then compare the results to our database, and determine the athletes overall score. The results and booklet are immediately then shipped back to you.
Why am I paying for the test results?
Our hockey player database has taken years to develop and you will not find it anywhere else in the world. We are able to compare your results to hockey players like yourself and therefore better analyze the findings. If you were to compare the results to the general public, this may not be as effective. The public is not at the same physical fitness level a hockey player is expected to be.
Off-Ice Equipment needed:
400 metre / 1/4 mile running track or large area (parking lot). Pylons Tape measure Weight scale Exercise Mat Stop watch Jamar hand dynamometer
You may like to visit our related pages - hockey, on-ice players and on-ice goalies.
