The summer training at EHC Red Bull München

Saturday, 17. June 2023 | The summer training at EHC Red Bull München

The three pillars: This is what the Red Bulls' summer training looks likePlayers sweat on the bike and in the soccer hall// CURRENTPreparations for the new 2023/24 ice hockey season are already in full swing. During the current summer training, the players of the reigning champions are also working at full capacity off the ice. In doing so, it is important to focus on three pillars.

"Ice". Given the current summer temperatures of up to 30 degrees, this word probably makes most Munich residents think of the delicacy in a waffle. This is not the case for the players of EHC Red Bull München.

In any case, the Red Bulls are meticulously preparing for ice time. Although our boys still have to wait a bit for the first units on the frosty surface, summer training is already getting our players working up a good sweat.

Focus on endurance, strength and speed

In the current phase of preparation, the Munich training group will complete eight to twelve sessions from Monday to Saturday. Sunday is dedicated to regeneration. The coaches are focusing on three pillars in the sessions: Endurance, strength and speed/coordination. The coaching team tries to incorporate all elements that are needed on the ice with various exercises and activities.

Depending on where the team is in its preparation, the focus of the pillars shifts. Until recently, the focus was on basic endurance. This lays the foundation for the rest of the training program.

Cycling tour for endurance and muscles

In addition to intensive runs, the endurance training also included a bike tour around Lake Starnberg. The continuous movement while cycling also helps to strengthen the muscles. Variation of the endurance units, pushing each other and experiencing the unit together keeps the players' motivation enormously high. The professionals already present mastered the approximately 80-kilometer route with flying colors.

Most of the players who competed in the World Cup in Finland and Latvia will have a longer break. In order to stay in top shape despite this, each pro was provided with an individual training plan. Due to the long season, the national players initially start their preparation with a lower load, which is then gradually increased. The coaches always stay in contact with the players to get feedback on the training sessions, adjust things if necessary, and listen to how the boys are doing.

One of our silver medal winners at the World Championships doesn't give himself much of a break: Filip Varejcka. "We already have the ice camp in Liefering next week. I love it to stand also in the summer on the ice, but for that I must be already top fit. That's why my vacation was already over after two weeks. But the biggest motivation is actually seeing the guys again and having fun," says our number 91, explaining his short summer break.

Also for the fun factor: Football match at the end

The "basic endurance" training block was concluded on Thursday with a soccer match in the soccer hall. Four against four, small field - to keep the pace up. Soccer as a training method is primarily about strengthening endurance and coordination. Particularly on a small playing surface, greater parallels can be found with ice hockey. Fast, numerous changes of direction as well as the constant sprinting are comparable to the stop-and-go strain on the ice.

Abwechslung im Sommer-Training: Unsere Jungs beim Fußballspielen

// AKTUELLES

The fun factor should not be underestimated. "I think the variety in training is very, very good. Whether it's playing soccer or going on a bike tour, the various units with the team are fun and keep motivation high," says Varejcka, giving an insight into the player's perspective.

Next, the focus will shift from basic endurance more to the strength aspect. The coaches will also come up with various methods in the new block. The whole team will be together again in Munich starting in August. Before that, performance tests such as strength and endurance diagnostics will be completed. And then it's finally back on the ice with the whole team.