We have a group of high school players that has never been motivated to train in the off-season. This year I decided to try something different and get some street hockey games going. It has really worked....the kids have never played street hockey, and they're amazed at how fun the game is and how good the workout can be. My question is: How do I keep this kind of enthusiasm going for other activities, like weight lifting and sprint/hill/agility work? I don't want to kill them with seriousness and intensity, but at the same time I know they'll be amazed at the difference a little hockey-specific conditioning in the off-season will make.

Any suggestions or ideas?

Thanks in advance,
DMan

Thanks Tom,

That's what I was thinking of doing. USA hockey has some fun looking off ice checking drills too:
http://usahockey.cachefly.net/webofficecheckingvideo.wmv

I wouldn't expect them to put on all the gear, but some of the drill look like what we need to get stronger on our fee, and they always have fun pushing each other aroundt. Thanks for the feedback.

DM

ps. What the heck happened to Team USA against Germany?

Thanks Kai,

I like your examples and appreciate the feedback.

DM