What is ACCELERATION?Updated 10 minutes ago

What is Measured:

• Acceleration shows the acceleration of the first 3 strides from a stop measured in G-force (g). 
  • Units of G-force [g] where 1g = 9.8 meters per second squared [m/s^2].
• Game Application: Acceleration determines a player’s ability to win loose puck battles, close gaps, and create separation.

What Impacts Acceleration: 

• Physical Strength: Muscular and overall body composition affects force production.

• Skating Posture & Mechanics: Optimized form can improve Acceleration

  • Knees bent

  • Strong edge engagement

  • Legs under the body

  • Proper hip hinge
    
    

• Style of Play: Many skaters who play a casual, low-effort style of play will have low Acceleration data compared to hard working players. For example: 
  • Player A constantly stops and starts when changing direction. Player B takes big wide turns. Player B will have lower Acceleration scores than Player A. 
• Skating Efficiency: efficient skaters generate more force per stride
  • Fewer strides needed to get from A →B.

Why it Matters:

• Acceleration is the primary driver of top-end speed.
• Low top speed is often linked to low Acceleration.
• Acceleration reflects how quickly a skater can generate powerful bursts. For example: initiating a sprint, driving out of tight turns, or accelerating after stopping. It’s measured in “G-force” (basically, how hard they push off and generate force into the ice).

How to Use It:

• Focus on Acceleration and Power: Hockey is inherently a game of stop-and-start action, or "burstiness." Therefore, a critical factor in increasing Burst Speed (getting faster) is enhancing the player's acceleration and power.
• Track Progress: Monitor improvement by tracking progress across monthly, seasonal, and all-time intervals.
• Contextual Comparison: Compare performance metrics between practice and game situations. Identify the gaps and use those as opportunities for improvement.
• Improving Low Scores: If Acceleration is consistently low, try adding a focus on building strength in the gym and incorporating off-ice explosive movements, evaluating your skating posture, or assessing in-game performance.