Skill Training, Summer Do’s and Don’ts, Processing Speed with Troy Smith
What does the day to day of a high performance skill coach look like? Joining me once again is Troy Smith, the owner of Hockey IQ! With his extensive experience as a player and a coach at both the amateur and professional levels, he’s sharing his must-haves for coaches to take their players to the elite level. Our conversation will cover everything you need to know about the life of a skill coach, including Troy’s approach to skill training, his recommended do’s and don’ts for the off-season, the secret to training processing speed in your athletes, and more. We go over how to handle communication not only with your athletes, but with staff members, as well as Troy’s take on the software of the game that got his community talking. We also take a lens to the current NHL playoffs, our first impressions, and the style of play we’re seeing—most of all, what it’ll take to get to the third round. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Welcome back to the podcast, Troy Smith, owner of Hockey IQ! 01:40 How has Hockey IQ evolved as a business? 04:15 What are your must-have fundamentals for players? 09:35 How to communicate with your athletes as a skill coach. 13:05 The do’s and don’ts of off-season training. 20:30 What is the best way to coach younger vs. older players? 24:20 How do you approach the software of the game? 28:05 The best tool to train processing speed. 32:45 The top three athletes to watch for elite processing speed. 36:05 What are your biggest takeaways from the playoffs so far? 41:35 What it’ll take to make it to the third round of the playoffs. RESOURCES + LINKS Check out Hockey IQ on YouTube | HockeyIQca Follow Hockey IQ on Instagram | @hockeyiqcan 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
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48:10
Applied Biomechanics for On-Ice Speed with Joel Becker
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
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58:53
3-Day Rollover Programming: Gain, Go, Grow
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
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19:44
Metric Fixation with Dr. Mal McHugh
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
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1:09:45
Behavioral Sports Psychology with Dr. Alicia Naser
Today I’m joined by Dr. Alicia Naser, a board-certified behavior analyst who's revolutionizing mental performance in hockey. She's not your typical sports psychologist - she uses applied behavioral analysis to help NHL players optimize their game, focusing on everything from confidence to self-talk. We dive into how environment shapes behavior, the importance of mental resilience, and why understanding your own psychological patterns can be a game-changer. If you want to learn how top athletes build mental toughness, trust me, you're going to want to hear what Dr. Naser has to say - she breaks down complex psychological concepts in a way that'll have you rethinking how you approach challenges both on and off the ice. HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Meet Dr. Alicia Nasser 06:30 Dr. Naser’s shift from working with neurodevelopmental disabilities to professional athletes. 08:45 What are differences between ABA and traditional Mental Skills Coaches? 11:15 The impact of environment on athlete performance. 15:00 What can we do to build mental resilience in young athletes? 24:30 Common reasons players seek help. 28:30 What is the typical process athletes should expect working with you? 32:00 The importance of providing the brain with proof of past achievements. 41:15 What is the impact you’re seeing social media is having on athletes? 42:00 The path to creating long-term success and maintaining behavioral changes. 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 Follow Dr. Alicia: https://linktr.ee/alicianaser 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
Hosted by former player, performance coach, author and speaker Anthony Donskov, the HPH podcast is a bi-monthly show that explores the science, practice and pedagogy of high performers in the sport of ice hockey.
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