Optimization of Technical Training of Ice-Hockey Players Aged 8–17 Years

Abstract

Research background and hypothesis. Training models in athlete training have already been determined by sport
researchers (Hellard et al., 2006. The programme that has been developed and tested by one alternative experiment is
targeted to optimize the purposeful technical training for 8–17-year-old ice hockey players.
Research aim was to determine technical training models.
Research methods. A long-term experiment of one alternative was carried out involving subjects from 8 to 18
years in 2000–2010. The programmes for technical training were developed with regard to the time ratio, measures
taken and recommendations of foreign experts. Later the programmes have been adjusted to the results obtained.
The following tests have been used for evaluation of the skating technique: to evaluate specific skills – forward and
backward skating; to evaluate the puck control – manoeuvre skating driving the puck and without the puck.
Research results. Analysis of the results in the initial training period shows that the greatest improvement in
the results has been registered in manoeuvre skating driving the puck – 11.6%, and in backward skating – about 8%.  
A significant improvement in the results of the basic training period has been observed in backward skating – 7%  as
well as in 30 m standing skating – 6.3%. In the special training period a more marked increase in the results has been
registered in backward skating – 5.2% as well as in 30 m standing skating – 3.8%.
Discussion and conclusions. This is due to the lack of special skills and a complex biomechanical structure of
the performance of the technical action. Sport performance was influenced by adolescent developmental patterns,
and the optimal adjustment of the programme, taking into account the initial and basic training period analysis.
Results of the present research allow us to conclude that 1) Athletes’ training programmes, taking into account
the recommendations, were effective. 2) The greatest improvement in the results was registered within the 1 st  and 2 nd  
stages of athletes’ training. We believe that this is due to a complex biomechanical structure of the performance of the
technical action. After the improvement, the growth of the results slows down. 3) Time ratio for technical training is
distributed in the following way: 1st stage – 55–53%, 2nd stage – 50–48% and 3rd stage – 47–44%.

Keywords: technical training, manoeuvre skating, experimental programme, optimization of training, training model.