Speed, Agility, and Quickness (S.A.Q.) trains a basic set of skills required for proficiency in any sport that stops, starts and changes direction. Because learning these basics requires training the nervous system, we emphasize training movement rather than muscles. When movement is learned with proper form, we can then focus on making that movement more efficient, ultimately using less time and energy to perform the athletic skill.

Training the nervous system through S.A.Q. can begin at young ages. Though athletes of any age can benefit from S.A.Q. training, the nervous system is most primed to learn between roughly the ages of 7-14. Thus, the sooner these efficient sport movement patterns become automatic, the sooner our athletes can begin to reach their athletic potential.

A group of Edge Athletes learn from one of hockey's best.  Peter Friesen guest instructs a training session for Edge.  Pete is the Strength and Conditioning Coach and Head Athletic Therapist with the Carolina Hurricanes, 2006 Stanley Cup Champions. Breanne George (Team Sask, Saskatoon Midget AAA Comets) gets a hand from Pete Friesen while working on core strength. Pete Friesen emphasizes the importance of hip mobility to Patrick Cey(Vernon Vipers, BCJHL).

With proper form and efficient movement patterns gained through Edge Conditioning programs, athletes can develop first-step quickness and explosiveness. Most sports require athletes to be powerful, power being product of speed and strength. With proper fitness training including S.A.Q., our athletes are further ahead once strength gains are made due to physical growth and development.

Linda Boryski is a certified power skating instructor with over 20 years of experience. Linda’s programs are based on the latest in sport science as she continually uses her expertise in physical therapy to give her students the best possible instruction. Linda has experience working with athletes of all levels from beginners to NHL and College ranks.

Linda’s power skating programs include the use of Dartfish.

Dartfish is an advanced video analysis software used by many leaders in the sporting and fitness industry. This software allows Linda to use video analysis to further correct skating deficiencies. Posture and stride mechanics are easily analyzed using on-screen drawing and tracking features. The analysis can help detect physical limitations, such as muscle imbalances or insufficient flexibility. Linda then uses her physical therapy skills to address the physical limitations by prescribing corrective exercises. This leads to a more efficient and powerful skating stride.

Along with Dartfish, Linda’s uses a number of tools to enhance her programs. Resistance belts, parachutes, reaction belts and medicine balls are some of the equipment used to train for speed, agility, quickness and power.

Linda helps some U of S Huskies work on explosive starts.
Using a bungee cord, Linda helps this Huskie athlete with over-speed drills.

Dry land training and strength training with Edge Conditioning will further increase the learning opportunity for improving hockey skating skills. Skating stride simulation goes a long way to reinforcing skating fundamentals. Full instruction packages include power skating instruction, Dartfish video analysis, and dry land training to enhance on-ice skills.