Summer Training: Balancing Focus & Fun for Both Parents & Kids

Summer is an excellent time for young hockey players to focus on improving their skills and conditioning. However, it's equally important for both the CHILD and the PARENTS to take a break from the game and engage in other activities. Setting goals with your child for summer training can help them stay motivated and make the most of their time; while also ensuring they enjoy a well-rounded summer experience. This approach benefits not only the child but also the parents, who can refresh and recharge.

Importance of Getting Away from the Game

1. Mental and Physical Rest for Kids & Parents: Taking breaks from hockey allows your child to:

• Recharge: Prevent mental fatigue and maintain enthusiasm for the game.
• Recover: Give their body time to heal and grow stronger.

2. Mental and Physical Rest for Parents: Parents also need a break from the routine of one sport. Spending time with a different set of parents and changing up the scenery can be refreshing and provide new perspectives.

3. Playing Other Sports / Hobbies: Encourage your child to participate in other sports, such as:

• Soccer: Improves footwork and cardiovascular fitness.
• Basketball: Enhances hand-eye coordination and agility.
• Swimming: Builds overall strength and endurance.
• Golf: improves coordination and teaches to focus on self-improvement.
• Lacrosse: improves conditioning & different roles in team structure.
• Baseball/Softball: improves coordination and strategy
• Fishing: improves patience and quality time together
• Learning an instrument: encourages creativity & determination

4. Developing Diverse Skills: Playing different sports can help your child develop:

• Versatility: Skills that are transferable to hockey, such as agility and coordination.
• Teamwork: Learning to work with different teammates and coaches.
• Enjoyment: Discovering new interests and hobbies.

Addressing Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

1. Reassure Your Child
   It's natural for children to worry that taking a break might cause them to fall behind. Reassure them that taking. breaks and engaging in other activities won't negatively impact their development. In fact, it can enhance their overall athletic ability and keep their passion for hockey alive

2. Reassure Yourself as a Parent
   Parents can also experience FOMO, worrying that their child might miss out on opportunities. Remember that a balanced approach, including breaks and divers activities, is beneficial. in the long run.

Balancing Training and Fun

1. Incorporate Fun Activities: Ensure your child has time for fun activities, such as:

• Family Outings: Trips to the beach, hiking, or picnics.
• Hobbies: Reading, drawing, or playing musical instruments.
• Socializing: Spending time with friends and family.

2. Monitor Progress and Adjust Goals: Regularly check in with your child to:

• Assess Progress: Celebrate achievements and identify areas needing more focus.
• Adjust Goals: Modify goals based on progress and feedback.

Empowering Your Child to Lead the Conversation

1. Encourage Self-Reflection: Ask your child to reflect on their performance and identify areas they want to improve. This helps them take ownership of their development.

2. Guide, Don’t Dictate: As a parent, your role is to guide the conversation and provide support. Ask open-ended questions like:

• What do you think you did well this season?
• What areas do you feel you need to work on?
• What are your goals for the summer?

3. Support Their Decisions: Once your child has identified their goals, help them create a plan to achieve them. Offer suggestions and resources, but let them take the lead in setting their schedule and priorities.

Setting Goals for Summer Hockey Training

1. Identify Areas for Improvement: Start by discussing with your child which aspects of their game they want to improve. This could include:

• Skating: Speed, agility, and technique.
• Shooting: Accuracy, power, and variety of shots.
• Passing: Precision and timing.
• Conditioning: Strength, endurance, and flexibility.

2. Set Specific, Measurable Goals: Goals should be clear and achievable. For example:

• Skating: Improve lap time by 5 seconds.
• Shooting: Increase shooting accuracy to 80%.
• Passing: Complete 50 successful passes in practice.
• Conditioning: Run a mile in under 8 minutes.

3. Create a Training Schedule: Develop a balanced training schedule that includes:

• On-Ice Practice: Regular sessions focusing on specific skills.
• Off-Ice Workouts: Strength and conditioning exercises.
• Rest Days: Time for recovery to prevent burnout and injuries.

Conclusion

Setting goals for summer hockey training with your child can help them stay focused and motivated. However, it's crucial to balance training with breaks and other activities to ensure they enjoy a well-rounded summer. By encouraging them to play other sports and engage in fun activities, you can help them develop diverse skills and maintain their passion for hockey. Remember, it's important for both the child and the parents to take breaks and enjoy a change of scenery. This approach ensures a healthy, enjoyable, and productive summer for everyone involved.

Follow-Up Questions

• What are your child's favorite activities outside of hockey?
• How do they feel about their current training routine?
• Are there any specific goals they are excited to achieve this summer?