Effect of Strength Development on Speed of Shooting of Varsity Ice Hockey Players

Abstract

Abstract Velocity determinations of the skating slap and wrist shots used in ice hockey were made with a ballistic pendulum. A cinematographical analysis revealed eight major muscle actions of the shoulder, arm, and wrist responsible for these shots. Strength tests were made on these eight actions. On the basis of an initial velocity test the subjects were divided into two equated groups. The experimental group were placed on a five-week isometric exercise training program designed to strengthen these specific muscle groups, following which both groups were retested for speed of shooting and strength. The experimental group showed statistically significant gains in the speed of both shots and in six of the eight strength measures. The control group showed a statistically significant gain in one of the strength measures and the skating wrist shot. The velocity of the slap shot was found to be greater than that of the wrist shot for both groups and tests.