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budhawarfare
04-28-2004, 10:57 PM
Has anybody been watching the NHL playoffs this year? I believe it is an excellent way to learn about biomechanical efficiency. As I was watching the Colorado Avalanche vs. the San Jose Sharks it impressed me how graceful this violent sport really is. This is not a new revelation to me, but I have a better understanding now of elements that make grace. By no means am I an expert, though from doing biomechanical exercises I have a better appreciation. You can see elements of grace in players’ footwork; some players can change direction with a stealthy spin moves. While some players’ feet seem to be stuck in place and they have to reset their body before they change direction and by then it’s too late. I have learned through my experiences with Coach Sonnon’s material that effective footwork comes from flexible hip movement and effective weight transfer. Also the goalies are a good place to look for biomechanical excellence. I think in the second period, a Shark player ripped a rocket of a shot to the glove side, top corner of the net and David Abiescher made a sweet save :D . The announcer pointed out that for a goalie to move his glove fast enough to make that save, the movement had to start from the shoulder. Coach Sonnon I was wondering if it’s not out of line to ask, what kind of approach did you take at your workshop with the New Jersey Devils?

Scott Sonnon
04-29-2004, 06:55 AM
Matt,

Actually, Viacheslav Fetisov (former Russian Olympic Coach) wanted a concentration on ankle and knee strengthening exercises. However, mostly we worked on offensive stick work and ice fisticuffs. It was a surprise when the boxing coach said that I had to "prove" that it worked on one of their enforcers (the player on the right). He was a very strong guy, the size of Phil Pfister, who came out swinging like a turbine. Poor guy. :twisted: