Goalie Chest Arm

Goalie Chest Arm

Plyometrics exercises are one of the very best types of workout that any hockey player can do to improve their overall fitness and become more dominant players on the ice. Plyometrics focuses on explosive, powerful moments, mostly based around jumping and leaping. Here are three amazing exercises you can incorporate into your off-ice workouts to get you huge improvements on the ice.

Tuck Jumps

Tuck jumps are extremely simple. All you need to do is stand with your arms at your side and jump into the air, tucking your knees up into your chest at the peak of your jump. The key with tuck jumps is that when you land, you want your feet to be on the ground for as little time as possible before starting the next jump. Constant movement is the goal.

Squat Jumps

Squat jumps are pretty close to what they sound like. To perform them, lower yourself into a squat position, and then explode upwards into a jump, raising your arms over your head at the peak. Just like with tuck jumps, you want to be in constant motion, so when you land, immediately begin lowering yourself into the squat position again. Control and form are very important so don't sacrifice them.

Box Drill

The box drill is a fantastic drill because it opens up your movement helping to activate more muscle groups. To perform the box drill, place four rings or markers in a box shape and stand on the first marker. With both feet together, jump to the first marker, and then without stopping, continue on to the second, third and back to the fourth. Reverse direction and repeat to complete a set.

Complete Plyometrics Program

These are only three of the many fantastic plyometrics program that you can add to your workout. For a complete plyometrics workout, and a complete hockey specific fitness program, go to www.TopHockeyTraining.com and check out Hockey Speed and Power. It is written by an ex-pro with experience in the NHL and elite European leagues, and his program is the best hockey training resource available anywhere.

What Lacrosse Equipment Do I Need to Play Midfielder?

Midfielders in lacrosse move up and down the field. They play both offense and defense. This means they need equipment that protects them while they are moving the ball up and down the field. Having the right equipment can make a difference between having fun or getting hurt.

What Equipment Does a Midfielder Need to Play Lacrosse?

All lacrosse players need a good pair of gloves. A midfielder needs a pair of gloves that protect their hands with padding, but offers them good grip protection at the same time. You want a pair that requires no break in time.

All lacrosse teams require players to wear helmets. Helmets offer head and face protection. The helmet has a face cage on the front that prevents the lacrosse ball from hitting the face. The face cage is full face so there is no impediment to the vision.

Many teams require midfielders to wear shoulder pads. Most shoulder pad sets offer hard-shell protection with a soft comfortable lining to protect the underside. Some offer some chest protection as well with padding around the chest where it buckles down.

Arm pads are another piece of essential equipment for midfielders. Arm pads offer protection from the upper arm to down over the elbow. It prevents a stray stick from doing permanent damage.

Rib pads provide protection below where the shoulder pads ride. They give the midfielder protection against blocks or stray sticks. It also prevents bruising from a fastball into the side.

Lacrosse shoes resemble regular tennis shoes. However, they provide optimal support for the moves a midfielder makes in a normal game. Some come with cleats while others do not.

The Stick Makes a Big Difference

No midfielder would be complete without the right lacrosse stick in hand. A midfielder stick head is smaller than that held by a goalie stick. The head is wide at the top and becomes narrower as it goes down. The idea is to capture the ball and keep it in the ball where you want it. The shaft of a midfielder's stick is also shorter than that of a goalie. An attacker shaft needs to be light and flexible to allow for the most force. A defender shaft offers more control and a tighter grip.

With this equipment in place, you are ready to suit up to be a midfielder.

To view potential options for your midfielder's lacrosse equipment or more specifically lacrosse midfielder pads, visit LaxWorld.com today.

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