A hockey training program must meet the demands of a very physically challenging sport.

Played on a similar sized pitch with the same number of players and for a similar duration, field hockey is a close match in many ways to soccer. While intermittent in nature, players must perform continuously for 70 minutes with just one 5-10 minute interval. This places a high demand on the aerobic system and good aerobic endurance is required to support repetitive bouts of high intensity exercise.

Strength is central to training a hockey player.  Power is required for acceleration, speed and quick changes in direction. Upper body strength allows players to shoot more powerfully and pass over a greater distance.

The unique demands of the sport mean that strength endurance is just as crucial as explosive power.  This is important ensure that both muscular power and muscular endurance can be effectively developed alongside each other without leading to over-training and fatigue.