Unpacking Game Speed: Beyond Average with the Jaggedness Principle

In Todd Rose’s enlightening book, “The End of Average,” he introduces the jaggedness principle, which challenges the conventional reliance on average measurements to understand complex traits. This concept resonates deeply within the realm of sports performance, particularly when evaluating game speed in team sports like ice hockey. Here, we explore this multifaceted concept and how it applies to developing athletes in dynamic environments.

Defining Game Speed in Hockey

Game speed in hockey is a multi-dimensional attribute, not limited to how fast a player can sprint across the ice. Instead, it encompasses a player’s ability to process, anticipate, and react to changing conditions on the ice efficiently and effectively. This broader definition helps us appreciate the layers of speed, which include capacity, ability, and skill, as discussed in a recent episode of the High-Performance Hockey Podcast with Stu McMillian.

Efferent vs. Afferent Capabilities

A common conundrum in sports training is determining when an athlete is “strong enough” or “fast enough.” While the development of physical capabilities (efferent outputs like strength and speed) is crucial, the best players often excel in their sensory and cognitive inputs (afferent inputs). These athletes utilize their physical skills judiciously, positioning themselves optimally and selecting the most effective actions based on game dynamics. Thus, the integration of physical training and cognitive development is essential, as the latter often distinguishes the great players from the merely good.

The Complex Nature of Game Speed

Game speed is inherently “jagged” — it varies greatly across different dimensions that are only loosely related. Coaches can readily measure outputs such as linear speed, power, and strength. However, inputs like hockey IQ, processing speed, and tactical awareness, which significantly contribute to a player’s effectiveness, are more challenging to quantify and develop. Consider two hypothetical players:

  • Player #1: High hockey IQ, excellent processing speed and tactical awareness, but average physical attributes.
  • Player #2: Exceptional speed and strength, but limited in game understanding and decision-making.

Both players might have identical scores in traditional performance metrics, but their contributions to the game could be vastly different. The more valuable player could well be the one who thinks the game more effectively, even if they are not the fastest on the rink.

To Fix or Not to Fix

When deciding whether to enhance certain attributes, coaches should consider:

  • Potential for Development: Which attributes can realistically be improved given the player’s current skill set and physical condition?
  • Contextual Factors: How do factors like injury history, body type, playing position, and age influence what should be prioritized?

Fergus Connolly’s viewpoint that “just because something is below average does NOT mean it should be automatically developed” is crucial here. Athletes are often adept at compensating for less developed areas, utilizing their strengths to negate their weaknesses.

Practical Application

Training for game speed involves more than just physical exercises; it requires cultivating an understanding of the game’s subtleties. Attributes like hockey sense and tactical awareness are often best developed through targeted practice on the ice and strategic use of video analysis, rather than through traditional physical training alone.

Conclusion

As we train the next generation of hockey players at Hardbody Athlete, it’s essential to remember that speed and strength are just parts of the equation. The real challenge—and opportunity—lies in nurturing the cognitive and perceptual skills that allow players to “slow the game down” mentally, enabling them to make quicker, more effective decisions. By respecting the jaggedness of game speed, we can develop more rounded athletes who excel under the complex and dynamic conditions of competitive hockey.