Balancing off the ice will help you, but you will get the greatest benefit by standing on either a 1/2 foam roll, air filled disc, or balance board. Just standing on one foot won't get you too far, but adding a dynamic component is key. A lot of the exercises in our programs have a dynamic balance component, which means that you are moving your arms and/or leg away from the center of your body while trying to stabilize your standing leg. Or you do a functional exercise (body weight resisted) with one of both feet on a balance challenge. In skating, your body is always being tested dynamically, and this type of training will significantly improve your skating skills.