Trimble’s Drill of the Week – 3 Off-Ice Drills to Improve Balance, Coordination, and Athleticism
Drill #1- The Skier
You can do this with skates on synthetic ice or sneakers without ice. Lots of series of variations (once or twice stickhandling, moving the puck with your body or against it), but the central purpose of the drill is not only balance and coordination, but developing the ability to have your lower body move independently of your upper body.
Drill #2- Two Stick Crossover & Control
Do off the ice with a street hockey ball or puck. Can do variations of shuffles, crossovers, hops or crossunders. Add in a third stick. Coordination, balance, and power. Having your hands away from your body when controlling the puck. Similar to drill #1, this drill also enhances a players ability to have your lower body move independently of your upper body.
Drill #3- Change of direction sprints
Eliminate the ball and stick. 3 long lines or markers to indicate where to transition. Can do sprints, shuffles and other variations. Not only will this improve your conditioning and lower body power/ strength, but also knee bend and change of direction.
Now that the off- season is here, the gym and field are GREAT ways to improve your game. Step away from the rink and out of your comfort zone to improve your game and take it to new heights in 2024-25!
