Training for Hockey in the Offseason
The offseason is where the real work gets done. While others are taking a break, our Hockey Experts know this is your window to get better. We'll take you through our top picks for off-ice hockey training aids, helping you hone the skills that truly matter. Whether you're looking to elevate your puck control, fire more accurate shots, or build explosive on-ice power, we've got you covered. This guide will help you train smarter and get ready to hit the ice faster, stronger, and more confident than ever.
Why Train in the Offseason?
These tools don't just mimic the game—they will help you train with purpose. While nothing beats being on the ice, these training aids provide a strategic way to get better, faster. They allow you to isolate and perfect specific skills, from your shot accuracy to your quick hands, getting high-volume repetitions that are crucial for building muscle memory. Beyond skills, these tools help you build the foundational core strength, balance, and leg power essential for explosive strides and dominating puck battles. Plus, the convenience of training at home means you can work on your game anytime, year-round, giving you a serious competitive edge when you step back on the ice.
Bauer Synthetic Ice Tiles
Bauer Synthetic Ice Tiles are a game-changer. They connect easily to create a smooth surface that feels just like real ice, so you can practice your skills anywhere—from your garage to your basement. They're built to last, letting you glide effortlessly as you perfect your puck control and shot.
Putting it into Practice: Set up four tiles in a row and practice wide stickhandling, pushing the puck as far out to your side as you can while maintaining control. Then, set up three cones and work on figure-eight drills to improve your puck control in tight spaces.
SuperDeker Pro (2-Panel) Advanced Hockey Training System
Take your stickhandling to the next level with the SuperDeker Pro Advanced Hockey Training System. This piece of gear features a slick, ice-like surface with built-in sensors that track your movements. Lights and sounds guide you through drills, so you can train your hands to be faster and more precise. It's the perfect way to build muscle memory and improve your reaction time off the ice.
Putting it into Practice: Put the system on game mode and work on puck control from your forehand to your backhand. As you get faster, try incorporating a one-handed push as the puck crosses a light to mimic a deke around a defender.
Bauer Reactor Shooting Tarp
Tired of chasing pucks all over your driveway? The Bauer Reactor Shooting Tarp is the solution. You can hang this rugged tarp in your garage or backyard to create a dedicated shooting zone. It features seven target pockets, helping you practice shooting for the corners and top shelf, just like in a real game. Plus, it collects your pucks so you can spend less time retrieving them and more time shooting.
Putting it into Practice: Start by building muscle memory. Take ten shots at each of the five target pockets, focusing on consistent accuracy on every shot. Once you feel warmed up, challenge yourself to improve shot placement under pressure. Have a partner call out a random target for you to shoot at before each puck. If you're training alone, try setting a timer and shooting at a different target every 10 seconds.
Bauer Modular Training System Center Starter Kit
Looking for a training tool that can do it all? The Bauer Modular Training System Center Starter Kit offers a dynamic way to train. Its unique design lets you quickly switch from drills focused on passing and deking to shooting and agility. It's a smart way to challenge your mind and body, helping you read and react to in-game situations so you can be a more well-rounded player.
Putting it into Practice: Set up the rebounder to simulate a give-and-go. As the puck returns to you, transition immediately into a deke or a quick shot on a target, combining multiple skills into one seamless drill.
Bauer Reactor Skating Slide Board
Improve your on-ice speed and agility with the Bauer Reactor Skating Slide Board. This versatile tool simulates the gliding motion of skating, helping you build the leg muscles needed for explosive power. It's an excellent way to work on your balance and agility, so you can feel more stable and confident with every stride.
Putting it into Practice: Start with basic side-to-side glides, keeping your legs bent and your core engaged. To add a challenge, grab your stick and a puck and work on puck control while simulating your skating stride.
Bauer Reactor Balance Board
The Bauer Reactor Balance Board is a simple but powerful tool for any hockey player. It helps you strengthen your core, improve your stability, and enhance your overall balance—all essential for making quick turns and staying on your feet during intense plays. By mimicking the constant micro-adjustments you make on the ice, this board is a perfect way to improve your performance.
Putting it into Practice: Start by simply balancing on the board. Once you feel stable, try adding stickhandling drills. You can also work on your passing by standing on the board and passing a puck against a wall or a rebounder.
If you have more questions about building your ultimate off-season training aids, stop by your local SCHEELS and speak with a Hockey Expert. We'll help you find the right training aids to take your game to the next level.