Balancing on a hockey balance board might be a little bit more difficult than you would expect. Some people just jump right on one and balance like they have been doing it for years without any problems. Others, well…have issues. In any event, balancing on a balance board for hockey is one of the best ways to improve core strength and generate stamina.
Getting on the Board
The thing about balance is that all of us do it, whether we realize it or not. Whenever we stand up from a sitting position and walk across a room we are using our core muscles to get ourselves around without falling over or twisting our backs out of whack. For many people, standing on the balance board and not falling is all in the mind.
We are natural balancers, so we don’t have to think in order to do it. When it comes time to get up on the balance board try not to think about it. Just get in position and allow your body to do what it does best.
First Step of Balance Boarding
The first thing you need to do is to make sure that you are using your balance board in a safe place that will not be crowded with sharp objects that could cause extensive injury if there is an accidental fall. Although we do all have a natural balancing mechanism in our bodies, unexpected things can happen and cause a fall. Make sure that you train on your balance board safely.
Place the Roller On the Floor
There are different types of balance boards out there on the market, but a balance board for hockey, in most cases, will be a two-piece package that has a board and a roller.
For beginners it is recommended to place the roller on the floor, then to place the balance board over the roller so that it is lengthwise over the roller kind of like a teeter-totter. Some advanced balance boarders like to put the roller sideways with the board so that the board and the roller are on top of each other on the short sides of them.
In this case, place the board over the roller longways, and allow one end of the board to touch the floor, while the other end is in the upward position.
Step one foot on the end of the board that is closest to the floor. It may seem a little awkward at first, but you will get used to it in a minute.
Once you are ready, place your other foot on the upward side of the board and move your body weight over to that side where the foot on the ground is raised up, and the other foot is just about level with the board.
There you are, you will be nice and balanced on that board.
Conclusion
Once you are up there and comfortable with your balance, take a moment to feel your core muscles working to hold you in place. You might notice that your abs, your obliques, and the muscles around your pelvis are engaged. All of these muscles work together to keep your balance, and to help you avoid injury by swinging too far one way or the other.
Congratulations, you are now balancing on your board!
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