Randy Rhoads asked:




Hockey requires diligent training, and hockey training equipment can really go a long way in helping you get the most out of your workouts. Working out without training aids is good, but working out with training aids will increase your gains. Here are the three best training aids to use in your off-ice workouts.

1)??? Smart Hockey Stick Handling Ball

These things are absolutely great. Smart Hockey’s stick handling balls emulate the weight, slide, bounce and contact height of a puck, so you can work on your stick handling on any surface. These are great to bring out when you do your dry-land training. Russian and European players used wooden stick handling balls for decades. This ball is the next evolution of that.
2)???Ankle Weights

Ankle weights are great because they can be used in just about any area of your training. You can wear them when you run, when you do your plyometrics, when you inline skate or when you hit the ice. The added weight will force you to work harder and will increase your gains.

3)??Exercise Balls

These are my absolute favourite when it comes to hitting the gym. Hockey is an inherently unstable game, and adding instability into your training can be of great benefit to you. Exercise balls provide exactly that. Simply doing your normal exercises on an exercise ball instead of a bench will activate your core and your stabilizer muscles far more, which will help you greatly when you hit the ice.

These three training aids will go a long way in helping you maximize the gains you get from your off-ice workouts. However, these aids won’t take you all the way on your own. If you want to get the absolute most out of your game, consider getting a good hockey specific training manual, or consult a coach or trainer to help you design a complete workout plan.