It is absolutely essential that skaters of any age, especially at a young age, perform the proper off ice training to not only optimize performance but also to prevent injury, especially when jumping becomes more frequent. The ability to stabilize the pelvis in one leg stance, control the knees, maintain an erect thoracic position, maintain stiffness during rotations and perhaps most importantly, the ability to absorb force correctly upon landing are some of the most important needs to address within an off ice strength & conditioning program. An article is in the works that will get more in depth with off ice training. Stay tuned kids.