Ice Hockey Built for the Skating Athlete

Ice Hockey Built for the Skating Athlete

Hockey is a lateral power sport. Every stride is a forceful push, glide, and recovery—repeated at high intensity, shift after shift. UltraSlide directly trains that exact movement pattern, making it one of the most effective off-ice tools for hockey players at any level—from youth to NHL pros.

The slick polymer surface and sturdy bumpers let you replicate the side-to-side skating motion right in your basement, training facility, or garage. No ice required. Athletes build explosive stride power, sharpen edge control, and develop the game-specific conditioning needed to dominate late in the third period. The continuous lateral motion reinforces proper mechanics even under fatigue, so your on-ice skating becomes stronger, more efficient, and more consistent.

Why UltraSlide Is the #1 Slideboard for Hockey Training

Traditional gym workouts (squats, sprints, bikes) miss the frontal-plane demands of hockey. UltraSlide fills that gap by training the exact muscles and movement patterns you use on the ice: powerful hip abductors and adductors, explosive glutes and quads, rock-solid core stability, and lightning-fast edge work.

Used by nearly every NHL team, top NCAA programs, and professional organizations worldwide since 1993, UltraSlide delivers measurable results that transfer straight to the rink. Professional strength coaches rely on it for off-ice development because it builds lateral quickness, endurance, balance, and injury resilience in one low-impact tool.

Performance Impact for Hockey Players

Increases stridepower and push-off force

Develops the explosive leg drive that translates to faster acceleration and harder shots.

Reinforces proper skating mechanics

Trains knee bend, ankle extension, and full stride recovery so you skate more efficiently on ice.

Builds game-specific conditioning

Improves stamina for sustained high- intensity shifts without breaking form.

Improves balance and edge control

Sharpens proprioception and single-leg stability for tighter turns, quicker pivots, and better puck battles.

Enhances lateral agility and quickness

Directly improves change-of-direction speed and reaction time. 

Strengthens core and stabilizing muscles

Keeps your body stable during high-speed collisions and stickhandling. 

Supports injury prevention and rehab

Low-impact ACL-friendly training that builds resilience in the muscles most prone to hockey injuries.

5 Proven Slideboard Exercises for Hockey Players

These hockey-specific moves (pulled straight from UltraSlide’s training resources) target the exact muscle groups you rely on every shift. Perform them 2–3 times per week for noticeable on-ice gains.

Speed Skaters

Push off one bumper, glide across the board with bent knees, and land softly on the opposite bumper. Swing your arms like you’re skating and add speed or a medicine ball for progression.

Benefit: Builds lateral endurance, coordination, and the powerful stride you need for end-to-end rushes.

Side Lunges

Start with one foot on the board and one off. Lunge forward on the board foot to 90 degrees, sliding as far as you can while keeping form. Alternate legs.

Benefit: Strengthens the major leg muscles responsible for explosive speed and powerful push-offs.

Reverse One-Legged Lunges

Stand in the center, slide one foot backward into a lunge while keeping balance, then alternate.

Benefit: Improves single-leg stability and agility—critical for quick transitions and maintaining balance in traffic.

Mountain Climbers

Hands on the bumper or floor in a plank position, rapidly slide one foot forward and back (or both together for an advanced version).

Benefit: Delivers cardio conditioning while firing up the core for better ice stability.

Gravity Pushups

Lie face-down, grip the bumper overhead, and pull your body up parallel to the board (like an inverted row).

Benefit: Strengthens shoulders, chest, and arms for stronger stickhandling and checking.

Trusted by Hockey’s Top Coaches

“UltraSlide slideboards have been a staple in my hockey strength and conditioning programs for 15+ years. They are the most durable and reliable piece of equipment for lateral off-ice conditioning. I highly recommend UltraSlide to any strength and conditioning coach who works with hockey players.”

— Sean Skahan, M.Ed., C.S.C.S.,
Head Strength & Conditioning Coach, Boston University Men’s Ice Hockey

“I’ve been using UltraSlide slideboards for over 18 years with professional teams… The UltraSlide Octagon board has been invaluable for goalies, providing the freedom to move in multiple directions in a butterfly position—replicating real in-game situations.”

— Mark Nemish,
Strength & Conditioning Coach, Washington Capitals

Woman in a gym performing a lunge on an ULTRASLIDE slide board with weights in a fitness setting

Shop UltraSlide models now or contact our team at info@ultraslide.com for personalized recommendations based on your age, height, space, and goals. Year-round off-ice training starts here.

UltraSlide. Built for the skating athlete. Built to win.