Off-Ice Training Guide for Figure Skaters in 2026!

Off‑ice training is one of the most effective ways to improve strength, balance, jump height, and overall skating performance — and it’s essential for skaters who want to progress faster on the ice. Whether you’re working on basic edges or building power for doubles and triples, structured off‑ice training builds the foundations every skater needs.

At Willies.co.uk, we support skaters on and off the ice with specialist equipment, including Off‑Ice Skates — a unique product offering that sets Willies apart from other UK retailers. This guide breaks down the best off‑ice exercises, tools, and training methods to help skaters of all levels improve safely and effectively.

Why Off‑Ice Training Matters for Figure Skaters

Off‑ice training helps skaters develop:

• Strength for jumps and landings
• Balance and stability for edges and spins
• Flexibility for spirals, Biellmanns, and positions
• Explosive power for take‑offs
• Core control for posture and alignment
• Consistency when ice time is limited

Skaters who train off‑ice progress faster, stay stronger, and reduce the risk of injury.

1. Off‑Ice Skates: The Closest Thing to Real Ice Training

This is where Willies leads the market.

Off‑Ice Skates are designed to mimic the feel of figure skating blades — but on dry land. They allow skaters to practise:

• Edges
• Turns
• Three‑turns
• Crossovers
• Spins
• Jump take‑off mechanics

…all without stepping onto the ice.

Why Off‑Ice Skates Are a Game‑Changer

• Build correct technique without ice time
• Improve balance and alignment
• Strengthen stabiliser muscles
• Perfect for home training
• Ideal for warm‑ups before sessions
• Safer than practising jumps in trainers

Willies is one of the only UK retailers offering high‑quality Off‑Ice Skates, making them a must‑have for skaters who want to train consistently.

2. Strength Training for Figure Skaters

Strength is the foundation of powerful jumps and stable landings.

Key Areas to Train

• Legs: squats, lunges, step‑ups
• Glutes: hip thrusts, bridges
• Core: planks, dead bugs, Russian twists
• Upper body: light resistance for posture and arm control

Why It Matters

Stronger legs = higher jumps
Stronger core = better spins
Stronger glutes = safer landings

3. Plyometrics: Building Jump Height & Explosiveness

Plyometric exercises help skaters develop explosive power for take‑offs.

Recommended Plyos

• Box jumps
• Tuck jumps
• Split‑jump drills
• Lateral bounds
• Single‑leg hops

These exercises improve fast‑twitch muscle response — essential for doubles and triples.

4. Balance & Stability Training

Figure skating relies heavily on balance and edge control.

Tools to Use

• Balance boards
  
• Sliders
• Off‑Ice Skates (best option for realism)

Exercises

• One‑foot holds
• Spiral position holds
• Off‑ice spins
• Edge‑lean drills

Balance training improves control, posture, and confidence on the ice.

5. Flexibility & Mobility Work

Flexibility is essential for:

• Spirals
• Biellmanns
• Layback spins
• Split jumps
• Artistic lines

Daily Stretching Routine

• Hamstrings
• Hip flexors
• Back extensions
• Shoulders
• Splits (left, right, centre)

Consistent stretching improves range of motion and reduces injury risk.

6. Jump Technique Training (Off‑Ice)

Off‑ice jump training helps skaters refine:

• Take‑off mechanics
• Rotation speed
• Air position
• Landing stability

Drills to Practise

• W‑position take‑offs
• Off‑ice axel drills
• Rotation jumps
• Landing position holds
• Harness or resistance band drills

Using Off‑Ice Skates makes these drills more realistic and safer.

7. Spin Training Off the Ice

Spins rely on:

• Core strength
• Balance
• Body alignment
• Entry technique

Off‑Ice Spin Tools

• Spin trainers
  
• Off‑Ice Skates for realistic entry mechanics

Practising spins off the ice helps skaters build muscle memory and improve consistency.

8. Conditioning & Endurance

Skating programs require stamina.
Off‑ice conditioning helps skaters maintain performance from start to finish.

Recommended Conditioning

• Interval training
• Skipping
• Dance cardio
• Cycling
• Running (light to moderate)

Better endurance = cleaner programs.

9. How Willies Supports Off‑Ice Training

Willies offers:

• Off‑Ice Skates from Edea, Graf, & Risport built with Snow White Off-Ice Chassis' (exclusive in the UK market)
• Expert fitting services
• Training tools and accessories
• Guides for measuring and fitting
• Advice from experienced skaters and coaches

Whether you’re a beginner or a competitive skater, Willies helps you train smarter — on and off the ice