Upper Body / Pull

Band Pull-Apart Speed

Rhomboidsmid/lower trapsrear deltoids Strength/neural (speed-endurance)
i.

How to Do It

Hold the band in front at shoulder height, arms straight. Pull apart and return in a fast, rhythmic cadence, squeezing the shoulder blades on each rep while keeping the ribs down. Maintain crisp form at speed for the prescribed reps or time; don’t let the shoulders shrug up.

ii.

Why It Works

Trains the scapular retractors and rear delts at higher velocity and rep volume, building rate of activation and muscular endurance in the postural muscles that hold the shoulders back under fatigue.

iii.

Hockey Transfer

Builds fast and endurance qualities in the rear shoulder and upper back that stabilize the shoulder during repeated shots, passes, and contacts across a shift, supporting durable posture.

iv.

Coaching Cues

  • "Fast but full squeeze"
  • "shoulders down, ribs down"
  • "crisp rhythm"
v.

Common Mistakes

Shrugging at speed; shortening the range; losing the shoulder-blade squeeze

vi.

Progression / Regression

Progression

heavier band or longer sets

Regression

lighter band or slow-tempo pull-aparts

vii.

Primary Muscles

Rhomboidsmid/lower trapsrear deltoids
viii.

Energy System

Strength/neural (speed-endurance)

Ready to train?

Put it to work
on the ice.

This exercise is part of a fully periodized 12-week off-ice program — built by a sport scientist who coaches at the national level.

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