If you really want to up the challenge in your off-ice training, try rollerblade drills like Mohawk Dangles! With a sweet name like that, you'd be a fool not to watch this video. We worked on the footwork and technique last drill, but now let's take it up a level by adding stickhandling drills.
Before getting into the drill itself, many viewers had questions about the awesome Marsblade in-line skates. As Jeremy explains, unlike other chassis (frame that holds your wheels) that remain stiff and rigid, the Marsblade chassis moves with you giving you an extra challenge and strengthening the most important parts of a hockey player, your legs! It also gives the skater a more realistic feel with turns and strides while also forcing your legs to bend to get extra power. If you're not bending your legs while protecting the puck, you won't last very long!
The first drill Jeremy shows us is simply one fluent motion where your heels are still together and toes pointing outward. It may feel uncomfortable so get your footing and feel down before worrying about speed. Next Jeremy gets us to shift on both sides using "The Crosby Move" while continuously stickhandling. This will force you to think while moving, and is a great way to start practicing before using real defenders. If you really want to challenge yourself, try using one hand as if defenders are holding you up with their stick or arms. This may seem impractical but at high levels you're always being tied up in the corners and whether it is legal or illegal, you have to keep moving! The third drill is another stickhandling while in motion strategy. Jeremy recommends doing this on both sides so you get the feel of your backhand and forehand while in motion. It also helps with mastering the toe drag. Here we see Jeremy using the Green Biscuit that is an ounce lighter than standard pucks. This puck is not meant for shooting, but is perfect for stickhandling and passing. If you want to work on your dangles even more, try saucing the puck over the stick while still maintain puck control; it's not easy!
Next, Coach Rupke uses HockeyShot All-Star Dryland Flooring Tiles to avoid ruining his stick and moves in a circular motion while keeping the puck on the training surface. This helps improve stickhandling while still implementing "The Crosby Move" and maintaining that leg strength you need to protect the biscuit. If you don't have a Shooting Pad, the Green Biscuit is perfect for the pavement and other non-ice surfaces. Finally, Jeremy tries another add on to this drill be using another stick to this drill. These drills develop your stamina while stickhandling fluently while still remaining in motion at a high tempo. These are the skills you need to get the edge on your opponents!
Be sure to try out these drills on our Synthetic Ice Revolution Tiles.
