what is dryland training?
Dryland training (also called off-ice training) is any type of hockey-specific training that takes place off the ice. It focuses on building the skills, strength, and conditioning players need to perform better when they step onto the rink. Think of it as everything that makes a player faster, stronger, and more skilled — without needing ice time.
Why Dryland Training Matters
Dryland training is a huge part of player development because ice time is limited and expensive. Off-ice work allows players to:
Improve strength and endurance
Develop speed and agility
Build stickhandling and shooting skills
Increase balance and coordination
Reduce risk of injury
It helps players show up to the ice already prepared so they can focus on gameplay, not basics.
What Does Dryland Training Include?
🏒 SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Shooting drills (accuracy, power, quick release)
Stickhandling (hands, control, creativity)
Passing and puck control
🏃♂️ STRENGTH & CONDITIONING
Core strength and stability
Lower-body power (legs = skating power)
Upper-body strength (shots & puck battles)
Cardio and endurance training
⚡ SPEED, AGILITY & SKATNG MECHANICS
Agility ladders and cone drills
Sprint work and acceleration
Skating treadmill training
Edge work and stride technique (without ice)
🧠 MENTAL & GAME AWARENESS
Dryland isn’t just physical—it can also include:
Reaction drills
Hand-eye coordination
Hockey IQ and situational awareness
🏆 Who Should Do Dryland Training?
Youth players learning fundamentals
Competitive players looking to improve performance
Adults wanting to stay sharp or get back into the game
👉 In reality: every hockey player benefits from it
Simple Way to Explain It
Dryland training = building your hockey game when you’re not on the ice.
It’s what turns:
Good players → Great players
Skilled players → Strong, fast, and consistent athletes