Did you know that the moment that you step onto a balance board for hockey and engage your core muscles you begin to build strength throughout your whole body? The very second that you engage your core you are building muscle, and coordination. This is exactly why working out on a balance board is such a great exercise for hockey. But how do you get a great balance board that can withstand your body weight for extended periods of time? It is best to purchase a professionally designed board from a trusted source like Sniper’s Edge, but if you would rather build one yourself and take the risk, here is an idea that you might be able to use for yourself.
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Start With an Old Skateboard
The best way to begin the project of building a balance board is to find an old skateboard that you don’t use anymore. If you don’t have one lying around you can search around online for used skateboards or have a look through some garage sales. If you can’t find one used, you might be able to purchase a new board without trucks and wheels at a parts store online. In any event, a sturdy skateboard top is an ideal piece of equipment to start out with.
Removing the Trucks
If you are able to find a standalone board without the rest of the parts, you can skip this step. However, if you find a whole skateboard you will need to remove the trucks from the board so that you will have the board and no wheels or other obstructions.
Depending on the type of skateboard that you find, there can be a number of ways to remove the trucks. Trucks are the axles of the skateboard that hold the wheels on. They are usually fastened to the board by screws that go through the top of the board and attach by nuts and washers on the bottom of the board. You can use a screwdriver and a socket wrench to remove the trucks.
Attaching Stoppers
Once you have the trucks from the board removed you can attach a set of stoppers on the bottom of the board to keep the roller from rolling too far to one side and causing you to fall. This is an optional step, you don’t have to put stoppers there. However, they could help you from falling.
Cut two small pieces of wood, one inch wide, a half of an inch tall, and four to six inches long; depending on the width of your board.
- Measure out one inch from the ends of each side of the piece of wood.
Use a drill and attach the boards to the bottom of the board so that you have a stopper at both ends of the board with wood screws. Make sure the screws are long enough to go through the wood and attach to the board, but not go all the way through the board. If they do go through, you will have to use a grinder to grind them down so you don’t step on them while you use the board.
Go to the hardware store and get a three-inch PVC pipe piece. Make it between one or two inches longer than the short side of your board so that it does not stick out any further than an inch.
- Place the PVC pipe that you cut onto the floor, and balance your new balance board over it.
Conclusion
Any time that you use a balance board make sure that you protect yourself and practice in a safe place. Practicing on a do-it-yourself balance board could be dangerous, so it is always better to purchase one that has been manufactured by a professional. As you develop more skills you will be able to incorporate more and more hockey training aids into your practice sessions. Keep working at it, and don’t give up until you are a master.
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