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Preparing for Phase 1 Camp: Your Off-Ice Guide

As we approach Phase 1 of the Canada Games Ringette Program, it’s time to dial in your physical and mental preparation. This one-month-out guide outlines key focus areas to help you arrive ready… strong, mobile, recovered, and sharp. Whether you’re training on your own or with a group, use this as your basic checklist for day-to-day habits and targeted off-ice development.

Suggested training volume over all of the different prep areas would be 6-9hours per week leading up to Camp 1.

Your preparation reflects your commitment. Start now.

Canada Games Ringette – Phase 1: Off-Ice Physical Prep

One Month Out – Athlete Readiness Guide

1. Mental & Lifestyle Readiness (Ongoing - Integrated to your daily habits, sleep, nutrition tracking and journaling)

  • Sleep: 8–9 hours per night, consistent schedule.

  • Hydration: 2–3L/day plus electrolytes if training hard.

  • Nutrition: Prioritize protein, whole foods, and timing around training.

  • Mindset: Reflect after each session — 'What went well? What do I need tomorrow?'

2. Strength & Power Development (2-3 session/week - 2-2.5 hours/week)

  • Lower Body: Split squats, step-ups, glute bridges/hip thrusts.

  • Upper Body: Push-ups, TRX or table rows, overhead press (dumbbell or band).

  • Core: Dead bugs, bird dogs, side planks with reach-throughs.

  • Power: Squat jumps, broad jumps, med ball throws (if available).

3. Explosiveness & First-Step Quickness (2 sessions/week - 1-1.5 hours/week)

  • Short Sprint Work: 10m sprints, skater bounds, resisted band shuffles.

  • Vertical Power: Tuck jumps, pogo hops (focus on ankle stiffness and spring).

4. Agility & Change of Direction (1-2 sessions/week - 0.5-1 hour/week)

  • Lateral Drills: Cone shuffles with reaction, 5-10-5 shuttle, mirror drill.

  • Control: Lateral lunge to balance, 90°/180° landing control, foot ladder drills.

5. Mobility & Movement Quality (Daily/short - 1.5-2 hours/week)

  • Daily Flow: World’s greatest stretch, 90/90 hip switches, deep squat hold + reach.

  • T-Spine and Ankle: Thoracic windmills, ankle rockers, foam rolling major muscle groups.

  • Recovery: Breathwork, box breathing, and downregulation post-training.

6. Aerobic Conditioning & Recovery Capacity (2-3 sessions/week - 1.5-2 hours/week)

  • Zone 2: 20–40 mins jog, bike, swim, or brisk hike 2–3x/week.

  • Repeat Intervals: 30s fast + 30s rest (run, bike, stairs) × 6–10.

  • Recovery: Light walk, stretching, yoga, or foam roll on off days.