Training and Strength to Improve Your Hockey Game in 2026

One thing that becomes clear when you stand by the side of the ice during a regular practice is how often equipment affects the pace. Not the game itself, but everything around it. Players stopping to adjust shin guards, shaking loose their grip on the stick, or re-tying their skates halfway through the session.

It's nothing dramatic at the moment. But over an entire practice, you lose both pace and focus.

When we work with teams that want to get more out of their sessions, we almost always start there – not with drills, but with the prerequisites. How does the equipment fit? How long does the grip last? Do players need to adjust things during the session?

In practice, it's mostly about simple things. Use shin guard tape PRO to lock the shin guards in place so they don't slip when the pace picks up. Use grip tape with Howies wax to get a grip that lasts from the first shift to the last. Or use LizardSkins if you want a more stable grip without having to re-tape as often.

When these things are in place, distractions decrease. And only then does practice start to become truly good.

How equipment affects strength and technique on the ice

It's easy to think that strength and technique are just about physics and ice time. But what is often missed is how much equipment affects how that strength is actually used.

We often see shin guards start to slip after 20–30 minutes. When that happens, the movement pattern changes immediately. The player starts to compensate without thinking about it. In the long run, this affects both skating technique and power transfer.

You solve this by using shin guard tape PRO to lock the shin guards in place so they stay put throughout the entire session. When the guards are still, the player can work with full range of motion without constantly adjusting.

The same applies to the grip on the stick. If the grip changes during practice, it affects passes, receptions, and shots. Use grip tape to build a smooth surface and apply Howies wax on top to get a feel that lasts even when the gloves get damp.

For players who train a lot, it is often better to use LizardSkins instead. It provides a more consistent grip and reduces the need to re-tape the stick several times a week.

And then we have the skates. Use skate laces that maintain tension to prevent the foot from moving in the boot after a while. The stability in the skates affects everything – from the first stride to the last shift.

When the equipment fits correctly, it becomes easier to actually use the strength you've built up.

How to build a setup that lasts the entire practice

If you want to improve the quality of your training, you need to start with a clear routine before you go out on the ice.

In practice, we do it like this:

Start with the stick. Use grip tape to create a smooth and stable base. Then, use Howies wax to get a surface that doesn't wear down immediately. If the player trains often and wants to avoid maintenance, use LizardSkins instead to get a grip that lasts longer.

Move on to the shin guards. Use shin guard tape PRO to lock the guards in the correct position. It should be tight enough to hold – but not so tight that it restricts movement.

Then the skates. Use skate laces that maintain tension over time. This means the player doesn't have to re-tie them in the middle of practice and can maintain the same feel throughout the entire session.

When all these parts are in place, you notice a difference immediately. Fewer stops. Fewer adjustments. And a more consistent pace throughout the entire practice.

It's nothing advanced. But it means that time on the ice is used better.

Common problems during practice – and how to solve them immediately

There are some things that come up in almost every team.

A common problem is that the grip on the stick starts to give up halfway through the session. This means the player has to constantly adapt. The solution is to use grip tape as a base and apply Howies wax on top to get a more durable grip. Alternatively, use LizardSkins to avoid the problem from the start.

Another problem is shin guards that move. This affects both comfort and movement. Use shin guard tape PRO to fix the guards so they stay where they should.

We also often see players lose stability in their skates. This is often because the laces don't hold tension. Use skate laces that are designed to last the entire session.

And finally – gloves that wear out unnecessarily. This happens when the grip is uneven or too coarse. Use grip tape with Howies wax or switch to LizardSkins for a smoother surface.

The important thing is to solve this before practice begins. Then you avoid interruptions.

FAQ

How does the right equipment improve hockey training?

By reducing distractions. Use shin guard tape PRO to keep guards in place, grip tape and Howies wax for stable grip, and skate laces that hold tension. Then the player can focus on the game instead of the equipment.

Are LizardSkins better than regular grip tape?

For many players, yes. Use LizardSkins to get a more durable and even grip that doesn't break down as quickly as regular tape. This reduces the need to adjust during practice.

How to use shin guard tape PRO correctly?

Use shin guard tape PRO to lock the shin guards in the correct position. Tape with even pressure and check that the guards stay put when you move.

Why should you use Howies wax?

Use Howies wax to improve grip on top of grip tape and reduce wear on gloves. It provides a smoother feel throughout the entire session.

How often should you change grip tape?

When the grip starts to become uneven or worn. Use grip tape with Howies wax to extend its lifespan.

Do skate laces affect performance?

Yes. Use skate laces that maintain tension to provide stability in every stride. This affects balance and power transfer.

What is the most common mistake?

Not having a routine. Solve this by consistently using shin guard tape PRO, grip tape or LizardSkins, and skate laces.

How to get better flow in training?

By reducing interruptions. Use the right products and establish a clear routine before you go out on the ice.

Summary

Good hockey training is largely about the right conditions. When the equipment is properly fitted – with shin guard tape PRO, grip tape, LizardSkins, skate laces, and Howies wax – the training becomes more consistent, the pace higher, and the focus better.