Player Development: Athlete Hardware vs Software
Why people are like computers (and how it relates to player development)
When thinking about development, it’s important to think about people like computers. There are 2 big components - hardware and software.
Just being transparent, yes, we are sneaking in a high-level non-hockey lesson on how computers work.
Hardware (The Body)
Hardware is the physical computer itself. This drives the computer’s ability to perform tasks. If the physical computer can’t handle what the software asks it to do, it doesn’t matter how great the software is.
Hard drive is the memory and storage of the computer. This is where files and software are stored. Think of your C-Drive.
Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the computer’s center for interacting with the files and software programmed onto the computer. It’s what pulls your files and runs the software programs.
Random Access Memory (RAM) is short term memory that allows the computer to operate quickly by temporarily storing data here rather than in the larger hard drive. This is where your Ctrl-C (copy), Ctrl-V (paste), and web browsers live. RAM prevents the CPU from having to dig through slower storage in your hard drive.
Software (The Mind)
Software is the programming that allows the hardware to perform tasks. In the sports world, this would be considered the mental side of the game, hockey IQ included.
Operating System is the user interface that allows you to interact with the computer. Think Windows or Mac-OS or iOS. It’s the base that talks and makes the computer user friendly.
Programs/Apps are the specific individual codes that instruct the computer to complete a task. Think Microsoft Word/Excel or the Facebook app.
While the hardware itself is of vital importance, without the software humans are unable to use it effectively.
Relating this to hockey
There are limits to both hardware and software. In the computing world, there is a constant struggle to upgrade hardware to meet software needs and using new hardware capabilities to create improved software to solve problems.
When there is an upgrade to hardware there is more capacity. This allows for more upgrades to problem-solving software capability.
When it comes to player development, both sides of the coin must be addressed. It’s not enough to just upgrade hardware by lifting weights and becoming more agile. Each player’s software needs to be programmed to help fulfill the new computing capabilities.
In order to advance to the next level of the game, there is a huge focus on training and improving the hardware. But even more pressing is understanding the need for constant upgrades to the software in conjunction with hardware improvements.
Elite level players are not always those with the best hardware, but those with the best software who are able to process more information to problem solve quicker.
Elite Level players use fundamental skills far better than average players to solve problems.
Development for capacity is a starting point.
Developing the capability to solve problems with skill is the difference-maker.
Further Reading
Previously we have talked about increasing the processing speed of a player by slowing down their perception of speed. Check it out here.
Answering the question of routes and how to position to provide proper puck support.
Did You Enjoy This Newsletter?
Help us spread the ideas within and share it with the people you care about