Off Skate Session 3 of 3 by Alexander Bont

Land Training (Off-Skate) — Session 3 of 3

by Alexander Bont

The information in this article is copyright © 2000, Bont Skates Pty Ltd. No unauthorised reproduction in whole or part is allowed without the written authorisation of Bont Skates. First published 18/1/00.


Warm up: 5 minutes jogging.

Stretching: 5 minutes.

Today's session differs from the other two because it focuses on lactic tolerance and fitness rather than explosive power. The split jumps, tuck jumps, cross overs, and low walk are the same as in sessions 1 and 2. The only new exercise is the side-to-side jumps.


Side-to-Side Jumps

Get into the skating position. Head up. Keep your body in one position. Extend one leg to the position you would be in at the end of a push. In one movement, change legs to the other side. Your body should hardly move. This movement should be continuous — don't stop or stand up until the alarm goes off.


The Programme

It's handy to have a watch where you can programme in all the alarms before you start. A mum or dad with a stopwatch is just as good 🙂

This programme is continuous — there is NO RESTING.

Exercise Advanced Intermediate Beginner
Low walk 2 mins 2 mins 1 min
Tuck jumps 30 secs 30 secs 30 secs
Low walk 2 mins 2 mins 1 min
Split jumps 30 secs - -
Low walk 2 mins 2 mins 1 min
Side-to-side jumps 30 secs 30 secs 30 secs
Low walk 2 mins 2 mins 1 min
Cross overs 30 secs 30 secs 30 secs
Low walk (final) 15–20 mins 2–10 mins 2 mins

Warm down: 5 minutes jogging.


Additional Training (Leg Speed)

If you find yourself lacking in leg speed, you can do the following exercises. These are best done in the weeks leading up to a race meet when you still want to train but nothing too hard. Don't do these on the same day as the session above.

Small Stairs — 5 Sets, 1 Rep each

Find some small stairs — 1 flight will do. Run up as fast as you can taking only 1 step at a time, NO MORE THAN 1. When you get to the top, turn around and run back down as fast as you can without losing control. Always run in control. Take a big rest (1–2 mins) between sets.

Downhill Running — 5 Sets, 1 Rep each

Find a small grassy hill. Gently take off and let your legs do the work without pushing them to run faster. This exercise forces your legs to move faster than they normally can. Walk slowly back to the top and start again when you get there.


Well that's it — I hope you get a lot of benefit from these exercises. Remember that technique is very important!