Mastering Edge Work in Hockey: On-Ice and Off-Ice Training Tips

Edge work is a crucial skill for any hockey player, as it allows you to maneuver quickly and efficiently on the ice. Here are some on-ice and off-ice training tips to help you improve your edge work in hockey:

On-Ice Training Tips:

1. Skating drills: Incorporate drills that focus on edge control and transitions, such as figure-8s, crossovers, and mohawks.

2. Power skating: Take a power skating class to improve your overall skating technique, including your edges.

3. Practice with a puck: Incorporate stickhandling into your edge work drills to simulate game situations.

4. One-foot balance: Practice balancing on one foot while skating, which will help to improve your edge control.

5. Agility drills: Incorporate drills that focus on quick cuts and changes of direction, such as cone drills or ladder drills.

Off-Ice Training Tips:

1. Balance training: Incorporate balance training exercises into your off-ice routine, such as standing on one leg or using a balance board.

2. Plyometrics: Incorporate plyometric exercises into your off-ice training routine, such as box jumps or lateral hops, to improve explosiveness and quickness.

3. Strength training: Incorporate strength training exercises that focus on your legs and core, such as squats, lunges, and planks.

4. Yoga: Practice yoga to improve your flexibility, balance, and overall body control.

5. Cardiovascular training: Incorporate cardiovascular training exercises into your off-ice routine, such as running or biking, to improve your overall endurance on the ice.

In conclusion, improving your edge work in hockey requires a combination of on-ice and off-ice training. Incorporating skating drills, power skating, and agility drills into your on-ice training routine can help to improve your edge control and transitions. Off-ice training tips such as balance training, plyometrics, strength training, yoga, and cardiovascular training can also help to improve your overall skating ability and endurance. By incorporating these tips into your training routine, you can become a stronger, more agile hockey player with improved edge work skills.