🏖The off-season for the majority of hockey teams lasts between 12 and 15 weeks. 📉If hockey players intend to rest for 4-8 weeks and after train continuously till the start of the training camp, then this is NOT an EFFICIENT STRATEGY. Speed, speed-strength, strength, and endurance indicators all significantly decline after 4+ weeks of inactivity (some of these abilities have already been significantly reduced by the end of the season, Figure 1). Restoring to the prior level will be the sole goal of the following training period (Figure 1). This creates a vicious cycle that continues from season to season.
⏰The sports career is limited in time and implies an annual development up to a certain age. DIVIDE the REST into segments, such as 2-3 weeks immediately after the end of the season and 1 week every 3-4 training weeks (Figure 2). 📈In addition to providing the same amount of time to rest, this will improve the efficiency of the training process and lower the risk of psychological burnout and overtraining.
🏆Thank you, and have a productive preparation!
References:
1.Moroscak J, Ruzbarsky P, Gheorghe B. Anaerobic and aerobic fitness of ice hockey players throughout annual training cycle
2.Buck D. Seasonal changes in various performance measurements in ice-hockey players
3.Webster ET. The effects of a division I men's ice hockey season on strength and power
4.Занковец ВЭ. Неопубликованные данные тестирования игроков хоккейного клуба "Югра"
5.Garcia-Pallarés J, et al. Post-season detraining effects on physiological and performance parameters in top-level kayakers: comparison of two recovery strategies
6.Loturco I, et al. Effects of detraining on neuromuscular performance in a selected group of elite women pole-vaulters: a case study
7.Shaver LG. Cross transfer effects of conditioning and deconditioning on muscular strength
8.Al-Hazzaa HM. Physiological Effects of Eight Weeks of Detraining in Elite Soccer Players
9.Платонов ВН. Периодизация спортивной тренировки. Общая теория и её практическое применение