Partner VOR while skating (forward or backward)

Category: Neck control & endurance

Level: 2

15-30 seconds

  • Maintain visual focus on your partner's jersey logo as you move your head from side-to-side (as if shaking your head to say 'no') while skating forward or backward
  • Progressions:
    • Slow to fast (increase speed)
    • With puck: stick handle or pass back and forth with partner
  • Shaking head too quickly where point of focus becomes blurry
    • Cue "Only go as fast as you are able to while still focusing on the target"
  • This exercise engages the vestibular system. The vestibular system provides a sense of position and balance for the body. This is essential in hockey when one might make contact with opposing players.
  • It is important for this exercise to be completed on-ice whenever possible. VOR training is context specific, so it needs to be trained in the same environment as a practice or game.
    • If time is a barrier, players can complete this while standing in line for a drill by focusing on a spot on the boards or the glass