Summer is a golden opportunity for young hockey players to recharge, refocus, and refine their skills. But without a thoughtful plan, it’s easy to either burn out or lose momentum. Here’s how to put together a smart, balanced summer hockey training plan that supports both athletic development and personal well-being—without breaking the bank.
Before diving into drills and workouts, schedule time off. A short break after the season ends is essential for physical recovery and mental rejuvenation. Let your young athlete rest, play other sports, or just be a kid. This downtime helps prevent burnout and sets the stage for a more productive off-season. Even short breaks throughout the summer can be beneficial.
When motivation dips (and it will), reconnect with your “why.” Why do you play hockey? What do you love about it?
A great resource for this is the Hockey Think Tank Podcast episode on “Identifying Your Why” hosted by Topher Scott and Jeff LoVecchio. It’s a powerful reminder for players and parents alike to stay grounded in purpose.
Start with the end in mind. Look at when tryouts or the next season begins and work backwards to map out your training phases. This helps ensure your athlete peaks at the right time and avoids overtraining too early. Writing it out on a calendar is a simple way to visually see what it looks like for both you and your child.
Break the summer into phases:
Summer isn’t just about hockey. Block out time for vacations, family events, and downtime. A well-rounded athlete is a well-rounded person. Prioritizing family time helps maintain balance and keeps the training plan sustainable.
Hockey is already an expensive sport. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune to train effectively. There are creative, cost-effective ways to get quality training:
Sit down with your athlete and reflect on the past season. What skills need work? Is it skating speed, shot accuracy, or hockey IQ? Identifying 2–3 focus areas gives your training purpose and direction.
Most importantly, your child should have the most input in this process. When young athletes are involved in setting their own goals, they’re more likely to take ownership of their development. This builds confidence, accountability, and motivation—key ingredients for long-term growth.
Once you know what to work on, seek out quality training resources. Some great options include:
Mix structured programs with fun, informal practice to keep things fresh and engaging.
Training doesn’t have to be all sweat and no smiles. Incorporate:
Fun fuels consistency. If your athlete enjoys the process, they’ll stick with it.
A great summer hockey plan isn’t just about getting better—it’s about growing as a person, staying healthy, and having fun. With a little planning, creativity, and heart, your young athlete can head into the next season stronger, smarter, and more inspired than ever.