Reply To: Game Intelligence / Decision Training

Dean, I agree that the NHL practices could be a lot better. They are very command style and lack game situation; especially transition games where the play continues naturally and no whistle is needed to go from one 2-1 to the next 2-1 (or any situation you want)

The Red Bull pro teams had 45 trainings a month which included team practices, games, skill practices, recovery sessions and off ice training including skating treadmill. They monitored the players energy level by taking blood samples from their ear lobe as they road the exercise bike and had a machine righ there to measure lactic acid levels. So Page has periodization built into the yearly plan and many other European teams do as well.

I don't know what Pittsburg does but the video clips I see of Crosby working on his skills and the quick pace of their practices makes it appear that they practice at a higher pace and with more purpose than other teams.

Middlebury has been winning the Div. 3 NCAA for years and Bill Beaney uses game situations almost exclusively. (I think he is still there)

The whole purpose of this site is to change coaches mindset on how to run effective and productive practices that are Game Centred and follow the ABC's. Everything starts with the Game and goes back to the Game.

A-skating and individual skills.
B-partner skills.
C-Game situations
D-Games for skill and game situation with competition.
DT-Transition games that isolate varying game situations.
E-Shootouts and contests.
F-skating and skills done at full speed.
G-goalie skills