7 Best balance boards for hockey (2022) – improve off-ice!

Looking to take your hockey training to the next level? But not enough time on the ice?
Then, you definitely need a hockey balance board for your off-ice training routines.  
It greatly increases balance, core strength and endurance. Plus, with a shooting pad and a stick, it is ideal for your hand eye coordination training.
Below you can find the best balance boards for hockey training. And next, you can learn more about them to help you choose.

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Best balance boards for hockey - Summary

Let's dive directly into the list of the best balance boards for your off ice hockey training.

Best Balance Board for hockey - The Revolution kit

This is the best option of all because the kit offers:

• A roller motion for amplitude movements and working on directional changes.
• A 360° wobble motion to work on all your core muscles.
• A rocker motion for smaller everyday balance exercises.

Your exercises list is infinite. It gives you the best of all worlds.

Revolution FIT 3 in 1 balance training system

Best Rolling balance boards for hockey

Next are the rolling boards.
They allow players to work on direction change and core strength with high amplitude movement - the point of balance is changing all the time.
It is also often a preferred one by hockey players because of the fun factor looking like a skateboard.

Some of the best ones are:

Best wobble boards for hockey

Wobble boards may seem less fun to young hockey players, but the 360° movement is great to work on the core muscles that are essential to balance.
They are easy to use anywhere.
Below are 3 options for you to consider. They are equivalent but with slight differences:

• with handle
• without handle
• from a hockey brand (for those who love having everything branded hockey)

 In the next section you will learn:

• why the other shapes / types of balance boards are not ideal for hockey players' training.
• the criteria to consider when choosing your board
• reviews of each of those boards
• exercises you can do on them to improve your hockey skills
• how to make a DIY balance board.

Balance boards are a great gift for hockey players!

Criteria to choose your hockey balance board

Why should hockey player train with a balance board?

Considering the limited time you can spend on the ice, it is important to develop an off-ice training routine.
There are different pieces of equipment that can help you work on core elements of your performance.

Practicing exercises with a Balance Board will help with:

• Balance
• Core Strength
• Endurance
• Reaction time (constant micro-reactions to changes in balance)

You can use it by itself to work on core muscles and balance. And it strengthens your ankle and knee joints to prevent injuries.
Or you can combine with a shooting pad to practice your balance while controlling the puck. This is quite a complete routine!

I am listing exercises ideas after the reviews

Add a shooting pad to your off-ice training set.

Shapes / Types of Balance Boards

Now that we know balance boards are a great tool for hockey player to improve their skills, let's have a look at the different types to decide which ones are the best for off-ice training.
Some models have an attached fulcrum, others a detached one. The detached ones give a more challenging workout.
Some models have a 360° directional tilt other only a bidirectional one. The 360° calls for more muscles. The bidirectional allows to work big amplitude moves to work on special tricks.

With those in minds, the different types and their use are:

• Roller Board - best for hockey
  A roller balance board is a rectangle or oval on top of a cylinder.
  It tips in 2 directions. 
  Because of the detached elements, the point of balance moves constantly. This makes the exercise more challenging.
  This is one of the 2 the best options for hockey players as it will challenge constantly their point of balance, as if they need to change direction quickly on the ice.
• Wobble Board - best for hockey
  Normally, a round board with a small inverted dome at the bottom.
  It has a small point of contact with the floor (the size of the dome will have an impact on the difficulty level).
  The board can move in any direction.
  They can be used with one or 2 feet.
  This is the second of the best options for hockey players. The fact that it can move in every direction makes the workout very complete as if having to move around very quickly shooting and changing direction.
• Rocker Board - not recommended for hockey training
  A wobble board but that tips only in 2 directions.
  Good for very beginners but quickly it is not challenging enough (unless the shape creates a big balance).
• Balance Pad - not recommended for hockey training
  Foam pad that establishes an unstable surface under your foot.
  Low tech and less expensive.
  Best to recover form an injury as the switch in balance is more gentle
• Balance Disc - not recommended for hockey training
  Similar to balance pad but filled with air.

Safety (grip)

Next you want to check:

• how the top of the board is, so that you are not slipping on it
• how the bottom of the board is, so that it is not slipping on the floor.

Some products have developed special grip surface to make their product safer.

Size

Make sure the board is big enough for your feet.
Some have a small circumference or width and will be more adapted to small feet.
Check out the size before buying the product.

Weight limit

Also, depending on your weight, make sure to check the weight limit. Depending on materials, it can be 250lbs to 600lbs. 
You want a product that will be durable under your weight.

Durability / Cost

And of course, there are the classic criteria of durability and cost to take into consideration.

Reviews of the best balance boards for hockey training

Now that you have learnt the criteria to look at when choosing your balance board, let's dive in the reviews of the best boards for balance hockey I listed earlier.

Review - Revolution FIT 3 in 1 balance training system

Specifications:

• Brand - Revolution
• Type - it is a set that allows you to create all the styles of balance boards: roller, rocker and wobble.
• Size - 30 x 12 inches (76.2 x 30.48 cm)
• Grip - durable soft grip - can be used with or without shoes or with our hands
• Comes with an exercise guide
• Durable
• Made in the USA
• Excellent reviews by users
• Weight limit - 350lbs (158kg)
• 3 colors

Review:
This is a great set that covers all your basis. You can work 360° with the wobble or directional balance with the roller.
The soft grip surface is especially appreciated as it can be used with or without shoes, and also not bad on your hands!
Plus the exercise book will get you started.
Better to start on a carpet or a yoga mat as a beginner and move on to hard floor later.

See latest price / Read reviews

Review - Revolution Balance Board

Specifications:

• Brand - Revolution
• Type - roller board
• Size - 30 x 11.5 inches (76.2 x 29.21 cm)
• Roll - around 4.5" diameter
• Grip - durable soft grip - can be used with or without shoes or with your hands
• Durable
• Made in the USA
• Excellent reviews by users
• Weight limit - 400lbs (181kg)
• 3 colors

Review:

Popular board built to last with quality materials. 
The soft grip surface is especially appreciated as it can be used with or without shoes, and also not bad on your hands!
Easy to transport anywhere and practice.

See latest price / Read reviews

Review - 4TH Core Balance Board

Specifications:

• Brand - 4TH-BEE
• Type - roller board
• Size - 29 x 10 inches (73.6 x 25.4 cm)
• Roll - cork
• Grip - Rubber plastic surface anti-skid and high friction - can be used with or without shoes or with your hands
• Durable
• Training guide included
• With stop plates at each end 
• Lifetime guarantee
• Excellent reviews by users
• Weight limit - 500lbs (226kg)
• 4 designs / colors

Review:

Another excellent roller option.
This one comes with stop plates that prevent the board from rolling away.
The roller is made of high-density cork which does not scratch the floor.

Buy it / Read reviews

Yes4All Balance Board Review

Specifications:

• Brand - Yes4all
• Type - roller board
• Roll - wood + TPE layer - can be used on any surface
• Grip - ANTI-SLIP PEEVE SURFACE - can be used with or without shoes or with your hands
• Durable
• 2 stop plates that can be added at various positions to adjust difficulty
• Excellent reviews by users
• Weight limit - 300lbs (136kg)
• 4 designs / colors

Review:
Another strong option. The main advantage of this one is that the stop plates can be set up in 3 different positions to that it is easier for beginners and the difficulty increases as the player progresses.
Buy it / Read reviews

Reviews of the best wobble balance boards for hockey players

Now, let's have a look with more details into my 3 recommendations for wobble balance boards for hockey players.

Review - Nalanda Wobble balance board

Specifications:

• Brand - Nalanda
• Angle - 24.5°section angle (3.9inch height - 9.9cm)
• Diameter - 16.34 inch (41.5cm)
• Grip - Anti-slip TPE material
• Weight limit - 660lbs (300kg)
• Easy to wash
• With 2 handles

Review:

A great option for tall player with long feet. A durable product with excellent reviews.

Buy it / Read reviews

Review - Fit4All wobble board

Specifications:

• Brand - Yes4All
• Material - wood
• Angle - 15° tilting degree (3" height - 7.62cm)
• Diameter - 15.75 inch (40cm)
• Grip - anti-skid pad
• Weight limit - 300lbs (136kg)
• 9 colors / Designs
• With or without handles

Review:

A popular option and brand. Better for less advanced users because of the smaller tilting angle.

Buy it / Read reviews

Review - Hockeyshot wobble board

Specifications:

• Brand - Hockeyshot
• Diameter - 15.5 inches (39.4 cm)
• Height -  3" (7.62cm) - 15° tilting degree
• Weight limit - 250lbs (113kg)

Review:

A hockey brand product, if you want everything hockey.

Buy it / Read reviews on Pure Hockey

5 balance board exercises for hockey players

CAREFUL!!!
Before any exercises:

• Make sure you have enough space to practice and nothing dangerous nearby in case you lose balance
• At first, practice on a soft surface like a carpet or a yoga mat
• Don't forget to warm up before any workout
• Make sure you keep a neutral spine position: the tailbone, upper back in between the shoulder blades and back of the head must form an imaginary line
• Take your time, stay in control. Always move in a slow and controlled manner to get the most benefits (and safest exercise)
• Drink water and stay hydrated

#1 - Don't move! - Reaction time improvement

Simply stand on the balance board.
It forces your brain to focus on many micro-reactions to keep your balance.

Once you are more confident, bend your knees as much as you can and hold the position.
Keep staying as long as you can forcing your brain to react to the imbalances.

#2 - Forward and backward or side tilt

No start introducing movement, tilting forward and backward or side to side.
If will help with the muscles and joints around your ankles. For a stronger body and to avoid injuries.
It will help with fast changes of directions when skating.

#3 - Squats

Complete the classic exercise of squats but on the board with your feet on the outer edges or the board.
The extra unbalance will make your core muscles work even more - especially glutes, thighs, core
Plus it mimics the constant flexion of skating while balancing on the blade.

#4 - Toss and catch the ball

If you have someone you can train with.
Stand on the board, with spine straight. Have the partner throw the ball in the direction of your tilt (in alignment with the board if using a roller board)
Catch the ball and throw it back.
This will help with your hand-eye coordination, improving your vision awareness.

#5 - Mountain climber / Push-up / Plank

With your balance board, you can also work on your upper body.
By doing the classic mountain climber or push-ups, or plank exercises with your hands on the board, you increase your workout and always improve reaction time.

Hockey exercises with balance board and shooting pad

Standing on a balance board challenges your balance like being on skates does.
If you can't be at the rink or on synthetic ice, a balance board is your 3rd best option.

By working on your stickhandling drills and puck control while standing on a balance board you are getting your body used to unstable situations. 

You just need a shooting pad, and you stand next to it on your balance board (roller board or wobble board).
Check out my article about the best shooting pads.

You can practice the exact same exercises you would without the balance board.
It just makes it more difficult and makes you work on your balance at the same time as your stickhandling.

Stickhandling drills include:

• 7-point drills
• Stickhandling from line to line
• Figure 8
• ...
• Or many other drills around stick handling tools - see best options

And then, to complete your set up and work on more, you can even add:

•  a shooting tarp or shooting targets - to improve your shooting accuracy even when off balance - see my article on the best shooting targets
• hockey passing aid - to be able to receive a pass even when your balance is challenged - see my article about the best hockey passers

DIY hockey balance board - homemade

Don't want to buy one? 
It is possible and not difficult to make a roller balance board yourself. 

Material

• Plywood for the board - over 30" x 16" so as to have the best size for your foot when cut (but don't go too long or too wide) - 3/4 in tick or more
• 1/2 Pint Clear Gloss Polyurethane
• For the roller - 2 options: PVC pipe OR high-density foam roller (choose the right diameter for you - 6 inches traditionally)
  The bigger the diameter, the less balance. The smaller the diameter the easier for beginners.

And if you want stop plates at each end:

• 4 small screws (if you want the stop plate)
• Plywood for the stop plates if you want some - rectangle 1.5" in height - 8 to 10" length 
• Wood Glue

Equipment

• Jigsaw or hand detail saw
• Safety Glasses
• Sandpaper or Power sander 
• Power Drill or Screwdriver

Instruction

• Trace the shape of you board on the plywood (don't go too fancy on the tails as they will be slamming on the ground)
• Cut the outline of your board
• Sand your board a lot (start with coarse grit sandpaper, and then medium and then fine grit). Make sure you sand the top, the bottom and the edges.
• Clean your board
• Stain your board
• Apply 2 or 3 coats of polyurethane (to avoid splinter if using barefoot) - with long drying periods

And if you want the stop plates (it gives the roller a stopping point and keeps the board from flying away from under you): 

• Cut and sand your rectangular pieces of wood
• Screw them at opposite end of the board (symmetrical) - the closer to the middle of the board, the less room you have to roll, the easier the exercise.

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