Leg Press
The Elite Hockey Drills app builds drills like this into your personalized off-ice program, week by week. Your first week is free.
How to Do It
Sit in the leg press. Feet shoulder-width on the platform, mid-height. Unrack the weight. Lower the platform by bending the knees. Descend until knees reach 90° — thighs parallel to the platform. Drive through the full foot — not just the toes — to press back to start. Do NOT lock the knees out explosively — stop just short of full lock.',. Keep the lower back flat against the pad throughout.',.
Why It Works
The leg press allows higher absolute loads than the squat with significantly less spinal compression — making it ideal for developing pure quad and glute strength in players with lower-back limitations or during high-volume phases when spinal fatigue is a concern. Sled-press force output correlates well with skating acceleration, and the machine's guided path allows full attention on maximal force production.
Hockey Transfer
Safe way to load leg strength without spinal compression. Leg press is supplemental, not primary. Heavy squats remain king. Use leg press to add volume without CNS cost.
Coaching Cues
- "Feet shoulder-width"
- "Lower to 90°"
- "Press through heels"
- "Do not lock knees"
Common Mistakes
Feet too low — increases knee stress. Mid-platform is neutral.',. Lower back peeling off the seat at the bottom — reduce the range of motion.',. Locking out the knees with a jolt — controlled extension only.',. Using the leg press as a squat replacement entirely — it doesn't train stabilisers.',.
Progression / Regression
Single-leg press — unilateral loading corrects imbalances and increases demand.',
Bodyweight squat — learn the pattern before adding any external load.',
Primary Muscles
Energy System
Strength/neural
Put it to work
on the ice.
The Elite Hockey Drills app builds exercises like this into a personalized off-ice program — created by a sport scientist and former national-team coach. Your first week is free.
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