The Snipers hockey balance board is a phenomenal way to train your body’s core for the strength that it will need to be a great hockey player. If you have never used one before, you are in for a treat. However, if you are completely new to the balance board way, it is best if you start your first practice sessions on a soft floor so that when you fall, you won’t get hurt too badly. And yes, you will fall…but you’ll have fun doing it. If you are afraid of falling, you probably shouldn’t play hockey in the first place. Right?
What is a Hockey Balance Board?
A typical balance board looks a lot like a skateboard without wheels. It is longer, and wider than a skateboard, but has basically the same shape. The other part of the board is a barrel-shaped wheel that the board rests upon. You simply balance the board lengthwise over the roller and stand on it while keeping your balance. It may sound easy to do, but it might take a while for you to get used to it. Now that you know what one is, here are some drills for you to practice with.
Hands Out Drill
When you do the hands out drill, or any drill for that matter, always make sure that you are in a safe place where you won’t crack your head open if you fall. Although you will develop some great balancing skills, there is always the chance that something will go wrong and you could get hurt. Wearing a helmet when you balance on a board is probably the best idea ever.
For this drill, when you get yourself correctly blanched on your board simply put both of your hands out directly in front of you and hold your balance. As you get more comfortable in that stance, start bending your knees and lowering your body kind of like doing a squat, but on the board. Keep your arms out straight as you lower your body. Get down as low as you can, then push yourself up into a straight stance again. Repeat this five times.
Stick Balancing Drill
For this drill, you will need your hockey stick. It is safe to assume that since you play hockey that you have access to a stick. If not, you can probably use a broomstick if you are careful. In any event, start by getting yourself positioned on the balance board. Once you are where you feel comfortable, hold your stick straight out in front of you and hold your balance. Switch the stick from one side to the other, from your right hand to your left hand, or vice versa. Once you get the feel of that, do the same process as the last exercise. Bend your knees and slowly lower your body as you balance, but this time, keep passing the stick from left to right. You should immediately feel the burn in your core as you start this exercise. When you do, you know that it is working.
Stick and Ball Drill
After you have mastered the first two drills, this one should be a breeze. Hopefully, you have a hockey ball or two lying around somewhere. If not, you might be able to steal one of your dogs fetch balls and use it. Anyway, get yourself a ball to practice with, your stick, then get back on your balance board.
Once you get your balance simply work the ball back and forth with your stick as you balance on the board. If it gets easy for you, remember that you can bend your knees and get closer to the ground. This will work your core and your legs while you build the strength and stamina you will need to become a champion.
Conclusion
Hockey is a very competitive sport and it takes a lot of practice to become good at it. Keep up your drills and your practice sessions every day, and you will continue to build on your game. No matter how awesome you are, you can always become better.
