Want to improve your balance, build your core strength and stick handling skills? These drills with Coach Jeff Loveccio will help you reach your next level.
Here’s What You’ll Need for this Drill
- BAUER Reactor Balance Board
- Optional: Hockey stick
- Optional: BAUER Blade Protector
- Optional: BAUER Stick Handling Ball
How to Set Up
The Reactor Balance Board is built with an anti-slip top, a grip-taped underside and side stoppers. With just two pieces, setup takes less than one second. To set it up for your drills, you’ll want to place the board on the roller.
There are a ton of different ways you can use the Reactor Balance Board. Here are some drills that will test your balance and stabilizer muscles.
Follow along with video instruction.
Balance Drill 1
With the board placed on the roller, start by standing on the board and getting a feel for your balance (this will roast your inner thighs and the muscles you use to skate, like your adductors and glutes). Try to keep the board from touching the ground. This won’t be easy, but it will be a fun challenge!
Balance Drill 2
With the board set on the roller, balance on the board. While you do this, try to roll the board along the roller as far to the right as you can without touching the ground. Repeat on the left side.
Progression Tip: Try increasing the number of slides you do in a session. For example, if you got one on each side the first time you try this drill, try to get one or two more the next time you do this drill.
Squat Drill
Set the board on the roller. Balancing on the board, try to squat while keeping the board from touching the ground. There’s no need to add weights to this drill — your stabilizer muscles will be on fire!
Progression Tip: Make this drill even more challenging by raising your arms overhead as you squat.
Stickhandling Drill
Grab your stick and a ball and practice stick handling with a ball as you balance on the board. Try to keep your eyes up as you do this, and for an extra challenge, try looking to the right, left, and even behind you.
- Variation 1: While balancing on the board, try bouncing the ball on your stick.
- Variation 2: While balancing on the board, try reaching as far forward as you can with your stick while staying balanced. Next, try reaching diagonally with your stick. This will challenge your ankles, knees, hips, and core.
Single Leg Pistol Squat
Make sure the lip of the board is resting against the roller. Step onto the board with your left foot so your heel is positioned over the roller. Once you are stable on the board, extend your right leg in front of you and squat down as low as you can. Then, stand up. This exercise that will help you with your leg and core strength, as well as your balance.
Want to make your hands quicker? Practice stickhandling and speed drills with Swaggy P.
