Girls hockey players know they are going to get hit out on the ice…but do they know how to protect themselves properly?

The majority of concussions that I have seen happen when a player doesn’t see the contact coming and gets knocked off balance. Here are 2 simple stability exercises that you can do to increase your balance out on the ice, prevent injury and take your game to the next level.

1) Single-leg Balance: Most girls hockey players stand up “too tall” on the ice which leaves you prone to getting knocked off balance. By keeping your knees bent, hips back and chest up, you will be in a much better position to withstand contact. Once you can hold a low balanced position on one leg for over 30 seconds, challenge yourself by having a teammate try to push them you balance in that single-leg position. Developing this ability to “fight” for your balance will help you hold your own out on the ice when you are getting pushed around.

2) Core Stability: It’s your core stability that will allow you to maintain a low balanced position when the opposition is trying to push you around. The key to keeping yourself balanced is to keep your core tight and braced, like someone was coming to punch you in the stomach. A great way to increase your core stability is by doing exercises that force you to fight to maintain your position. By holding a stick or stability ball out in front of your body and having a partner push and pull on the object, you will be working on your ability to hold your ground and stay balanced no matter what your opponents try to do to knock you over.

The exercises that will prevent concussions and increase performance are the same. Start with these two simple stability exercises today, and I guaranteed you that you will be stronger and safer out on the ice.

What steps are you taking to prevent concussions? What else are you doing to get stronger and more stable out on the ice?

Share your tips and strategies below and help the rest of the world of girls hockey get this problem under control.