Slideboard Training Ideas

The focus of this program is to use the Slideboard as a conditioning tool and as a tool for the improvement of skating technique.  I have highlighted repetitions, board length, stride goals, work time, rest time, weekly progressions and technique cues.  The use of a Slideboard in your off-season training program is a great way implement lateral movement skills and to strengthen your adductors.   If you can, set your board up in front of a mirror so you can assess your technique. 

Enjoy, Mike Potenza

The focus on "WORKOUT A" is to maintain the low athletic position with great posture during each stride.  I am prescribing a short board so it will be easier for the lead leg not to "reach out."  Keep the lead leg under the torso in the stride position.  This is critical for glide on the ice.  In the first two weeks of this program, time to complete the given repetitions is not a concern!!!  Technique is the main goal for each set in weeks 1 and 2.  In weeks three and four, the goal changes to achieving 25 to 28 touches in 30seconds.  This is where you add speed and increase your heart rate during the exercise. 

The focus of "WORKOUT B" is to be explosive with each push across the board and to maintain the low athletic position with great posture.  I like the long board to work on explosive push and stride length.  The lead leg should be kept under the torso in the stride position.  Again, this is critical for glide on the ice.  In each week of this program, touches are the focus and NOT WORK TIME!!!  While 1:30 seems like a long time to rest, you should be given enough recovery to be explosive for each set.  The quality and effort for each set should not deteriorate from set to set.