Feeling "blah"...

[AnthonyJTa 0]

So I skate year round, and I don't play any other rec sports.... but lately, I really, really haven't had it in me to play. I've been bailing on my 2 pickup skates every week for the last 3 weeks now... I'm scheduled to play tonight at 9:45.. and I just don't have it in me to get up and out. What do you guys do in situations like that? Is a "break" warranted? Or should I just battle through, and get my a** to the rink? Don't get me wrong, I love hockey (It's the only sport I follow, play/am passionate about), but lately I just got nothing. Anywhoo, that was my vent-session... hopefully some responses will motivate, or smarten me up.

[Bmplam 1]

Sounds like you are just burned out. Take the summer off, relax at the beach and come fall, you will come back refreshed. I think it's pretty normal to feel that way when you play as much as you do.

[Trooper 8]

Responses can't motivate you, only you can. No idea how old you are, but get involved in some other things. I only coach now, and by the end of the year it can be a grind, even when we are doing well. If it was year round I wouldn't last more than another year or two. Recharging the batteries is a must.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

Yeah.. I mis-worded that, as I'm not really needing motivation in general. (I just turned 30, for the record...) I was just looking for some advise from the guys who've been playing a long time- I've only been ice skating about a year and 2 months and like I said... a lot of the guys take the spring/summer off, play some softball, whatever. I'm not too big into the ball, etc... I workout 3 times a week and whatnot.. but like Bmplam said, I think I just need a break from it. I obviously won't take the whole summer off... but a month or so won't do any harm, I don't think.

[Bmplam 1]

... and you can always play pick-up if you miss the ice.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

that's all I really play... I have 2 to 3 pickup hours a week that I play in. Like I said, I'm a relatively new player, so I don't play in any leagues yet.. I've subbed a few times, that's about it.

[chk hrd 164]

it sounds to me like you are burned out on the same routine. If you've been playing pickup for a while then stop and join a team. Getting on a team will help motivate you. You start being part of something and make new friends. Playing for a team is alot different than pickup. Once you find a good team and get comfortable you realize you are all in it as a group and will go a long way for each other.

[Aussie Joe 0]

I've had guys do the same thing on my team. Some started playing different roles (D rather then F, enforcer rather than power fwd), some also have had success going from player to goalie.

Then again maybe you just need a good old fashioned summer by the sea.

[sitzlejd 0]

it sounds to me like you are burned out on the same routine. If you've been playing pickup for a while then stop and join a team. Getting on a team will help motivate you. You start being part of something and make new friends. Playing for a team is alot different than pickup. Once you find a good team and get comfortable you realize you are all in it as a group and will go a long way for each other.

Great call. I've played more team hockey than pickup and I find that the league aspect really makes the game more exciting. Even though beer league isn't serious, it's fun playing when wins and losses are being recorded and championships can be won. Gives you something to shoot for.

[daca 0]

Take some time off, you'll come back more hungry to play for sure.

[DamnLocust 0]

I get this once in a while and it shows in my game when I feel like I'm stuck in a rut. I definitely agree with changing things up in some way- be it a change in position, a change in your regular icetime, joining a league, or even just scaling back your play a bit or -gasp- taking time off.

Usually for me it works itself out when I have one of those games or pickups where everything just clicks and things are just going right. Those nights tend to bring back the excitement, and will get me pumped to play again.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

See DamnLocust, that's right where I'm at... I'm a beginner, and still learning a lot. When I'm in a funk it shows in my game even more. Usually I'm first one out to practice skating a bit, and last one off doing the same. My skating needs to improve a whole lot (forwards/limited backwards, stopping- I have just about zero lateral movement haha).... but lately I just don't have it in me to hit the rink and play. I agree I'm just burnt out, and bored with the routine I'm doing... but I also feel like I've hit a plateau in my learning.... I read articles/watch video clips, follow this board everyday to look for insight/knowledge that will hopefully help me improve. And on top of it, I'm really trying to drop about 50-60 pounds... so between the gym routine, and hockey on top of a 50 hour work week.... I've just been worn thin lately.

I'm heavily considering taking a month or so off, and saving up some money whilst doing so, and instead of joining a team... signing up for some instructional classes/leagues like a PuckMasters, or something run by the Hockey Academy (great beginner program here in MA...) since I never took anything more than simple 'Learn to Skate' classes... I've been going the 'Trial by Fire' route in learning to play ice hockey. And it will probably cost me almost the same as league registration anyways.

[forbs02 20]

Definately take some time off. I'm feeling the same way right now so I'm going to take at least a month off, I might even take the whole summer off. I'm sure that if you take some time to yourself, you will rediscover your urge to play.

[wc19 1]

Yesterday I was where you were at but I just picked up a new warrior dolomite and my excitement came back again. Not telling you to buy a new stick but change things up that could motivate your game. If not, I suggest taking a week or 2 off and you'll be roaring to get back on the ice.

[Bmplam 1]

Have you had any coaching at all? It sounds like frustration as well as being burned out. The idea of some instructional activity this spring / summer is a great one. It will break up the routine that is dragging you down, and it will help you overcome some obsticles in your skill developement. Once you feel a jump in your skill, you will feel a jump in your desire to play. You are just in a rut, and it's no big deal. Take a break, then get some help in taking your game to the next level and the game will be fun again.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

It's definitely a combination of frustration, and being burnt out... I've been going through some personal stresses as well, non-hockey related. Not to divulge into it too much, but it's about the 1 year memorial for one of my best friends, and it's put a pretty grim demeanor on me lately. Hockey is usually my release, but lately it just hasn't been doing it for me. Because of such stress, stuff on my mind, etc. - I took a 'personal day' off of work today.... I think it was an omen or something, because a buddy called me to tell me stick time was changed to Mon/Tues/Wed for the spring... so I went down to the rink.. just to 'see where my head is at', and I lucked out and had the sheet to myself for about 45 minutes. I got to concentrate on some of the stuff I've been needing to work on (I never get to at pickup, because we get right into dividing teams 10 minutes into the skate), and just whiz around the rink. It felt great to just dump the bag of pucks and just shoot for 15 minutes. I needed to get out all that aggro.

But yes, I am seriously considering dropping out of pickup for a bit and taking up instructional... as I've had no prior coaching. And wc19, I've been doing that for about a year, and I'm broke... haha. That sorta mentality has gotten me in a lot of trouble. I love new gear, but it can't be my sole motivation.

[DamnLocust 0]

Instructional sessions are definitely something that could help the situation. I totally feel you on the "plateau" mentality. You continue to progress for awhile and then all of a sudden it seems like you're not going anywhere in terms of development. It's tough to keep working and not see the results right away, but I assure you, it will come. It's the same as times when your game just suffers in general. For me, just getting back to basics helps. Play simple, fundamental hockey, and it will click on its own.

Doing an instructional clinic will do the same for you, and will likely elevate your game almost immediately. The only thing you want to be cautious with is the level of the instructional you take. Too low-level/beginner and you won't reap much benefit. Too high a level and you will become frustrated with it.