Interview with Norbert Javorcik about Modern Training Methods in Hockey
We present an exclusive interview with Norbert Javorcik, a respected hockey expert with over twenty years of experience in coaching and player development at all levels - from youth to professional clubs and national teams. As a long-time collaborator with HDTS Group and a pioneer in modern training methods, Norbert provides us with a unique perspective on current changes in hockey player preparation. In this interview, we aim to clarify innovative technologies, especially the use of the skating treadmill (skatemill), which historically has had many opponents, and how it enriches player preparation methods. You'll learn how these advanced methods improve skating, acceleration, and overall player performance, and what needs to be followed to achieve results.
Norbert, how would you characterize the importance of skating in modern hockey?
Skating is one of the key elements that can significantly influence a player's performance in a game. We coaches are constantly looking for new ways to help players improve their skating abilities. One of the most innovative methods is the use of a skating treadmill, the so-called skatemill.
What are the main advantages of using a skatemill in training?
The skatemill allows us to effectively develop several key areas. First and foremost is acceleration in both forward and backward skating. Here we focus on improving technical details, specifically body posture, support leg stability, and quick return of the push-off leg. At the same time, we work on improving conditioning prerequisites.
Another area is the effective use of edges. We train their targeted activation through basic exercises and their use in crossovers and mohawks. We must not forget about practicing shooting technique during continuous skating, where we focus on improving puck position, body posture, and upper limb work.
What makes training on a skatemill so effective?
We understand effectiveness as the speed of acquiring new quality skills. It is influenced by several factors. The skatemill surface has slightly more resistance than natural ice, which forces the player to constantly move and perform movements with technical perfection, while also supporting muscle development. We can focus on details and repeat them in high numbers in a short time. The player receives immediate feedback, and we have precise control over the intensity of the load and the technical difficulty of the exercises. This gives an advantage compared to on-ice training.
We can regulate the speed and incline of the belt, apply external resistance using powerbands, or simulate body play. We even use a special visual system to activate decision-making processes and train skating with simultaneous puck control or passing.
How do you approach creating training programs on the skatemill?
We divide exercises according to which technical element they improve or strengthen. We arrange them into logical training programs that reflect the current performance of the players. Our goal is for the correct habits that a player acquires on the trainer to be effectively used in complex game expression during training, but especially in matches.
What is the relationship between gym training and skatemill training?
The skatemill allows for easy transfer of training from the gym to specific skating movements. Thanks to the repeatability of exercises and the ability to set difficulty, we achieve a synergistic effect. In practice, this means that the time needed to acquire the correct movement habit is significantly reduced. And this applies not only to skating but also to shooting and puck handling.
How would you summarize the contribution of progressive training methods to hockey?
Progressive training methods, such as the skatemill, allow us to train more effectively and in a more targeted manner. However, we shouldn't limit ourselves to just using it, but that's a longer discussion. We can focus on details that often escape attention in real games. At the same time, they provide players with immediate feedback, which accelerates the learning process. Ultimately, this leads to better performance on ice and an overall increase in the level of play. It's an exciting time for hockey training, and I'm glad to be a part of it.