Quote by: DManDean,
You sure know how to guilt a guy into posting.......
Thanks to all for the input. I have a group that's pretty rough around the edges this year, so here's what we've been focusing on for good habits....I welcome any feedback.
1) Skating low (helps everything)
2) Stick on the puck (defense)
3) Calling for the pass and exaggerating the target (offense)
4) Offensive triangle on attack
4) Carry the puck on the forehand & in power (Tom calls it "triple threat") position whenever you can.
I've been keeping it real simple and trying to minimize extra puck-handling, passes and touches wherever possible. Using small games a lot in practice, starting to integrate transition games too.
On another note I really like Kai's video of team Finland a little while back.....never thought of the advantages of having the puck in the center of the ice through the neutral zone....hope to work on that next. Also never heard the term "the big ice" before reading Tom's books, and the videos sure help (though my Finish needs help desperately). I'd love to see more video from those Pro practices if you can put it together.....I get so much from those.
First games this weekend. Time to work on special teams before leaving town. Thanks again for the info...have an Old Style Pilsner for me, eh?
Kai,
Thanks for the .ppt and video. Erkka occupied a Coaching Chair position at Hockey Canada in the early 1990's when I was working there in Video Production. He was indeed a very smart student of the game and it is good to see he is still contributing. I enjoyed his booklet (1994) that was produced in conjunction with Hockey Canada - "Transition:From Game to Practice". Slava Lener previously occupied a Coaching Chair position (1992) and produced another book - "Transition: Defense to Offense".
Dave,
Please clarify - (1) what do you mean by skating low?
(3) For calling for the pass, I would also emphasize that we as coaches should continually emphasize playing "heads up" hockey... scan the ice, be aware of your surroundings and ultimately, eye contact and body language are the best ways to communicate. Calling for the pass alerts the defenders (takes away much of the element of surprise) and allows them to adjust their coverage accordingly.
My suggestion is to try playing drills and games with the "silence" rule - no talking / banging of sticks, etc - otherwise STOP! Now EVERYONE (offending team, non-offending team, goalies) does pushups, etc. Try not to use whistles to start / stop the drills / games (or at least minimize it). Teach the players they need to watch to know when to go and when to stop. It is beautiful. This forces the kids to use their eyes and ears and "sense" the game! As coaches, we should try to foster the independence of the individual athletes - rather than further enable their reliance on the coach. Trust me... I didn't believe it either - I always wanted kids to talk - now I have changed my mind. (Obviously, there is the odd time talking is beneficial...)
When I say this, I realize it is like the old saying... "if you want to sail the seas to discover new worlds, you need to to lose sight of the land." You need to get out of your comfort zone, (as do your players) and stay the course. You will feel like you are taking a huge risk, but once you 'break through' your comfort level, you will be rewarded!
When you say you are "trying to minimize extra puck-handling, passes and touches wherever possible" - I am presuming you are trying to reinforce one-touch passes (no dust!), push the puck ahead instead of over-handling it while carrying it, and quick release shots, etc?
I try to maximize puck touches in practice (pass and receive) to help develop skills. Again, I presume this is different than your meaning of "puck touches?"
I have given Tom my video camera with 4-5 pro practices on it and a major junior practice. He needs a Firewire cable to download it but is working on it... stay tuned.
Dave, I have selected a "Blue Monk Barley Wine" at 9.9% as my drink of choice for this evening's coaching roundtable discussion. Tom is invited, plus my new friend from Finland, Olli, "my Colombian" (John) and Danny from Peru is also on the docket. We should be able to solve some of the world's problems tonight.....!!!
Dean,
Thanks for the feedback. A few points for clarification.
Skating low: We have a relatively unskilled group for their age, and they tend to play the game very straight-legged. By skating low I'm referring to deep knee bend / low center of gravity. I think this improves every aspect of a players game, but it's a hard thing to change. We spent a good deal of time in the weight room in the off-season trying to improve leg strength. It still needs a lot of attention and work though.
Calling for the pass: I like your idea of silent hockey. Unfortunately we already play silent hockey, but it's a different quality. I agree that calling tips off the defenders, but we are not at that level yet. For us communication speeds up our puck movement, which is a primary challenge.
Minimizing puck handling: We tend to overhandle the puck in game situations instead of driving / transitioning with the puck already in passing / shooting position. As a result we are very predictable to other teams because we have to pull the puck into position before passing or shooting. Again, we're dealing with much lower talent level than you do though.
Thanks again.....looking forward to that video. Sure wish you could attach one of those beers to your post....they sound awfully good.
ps. I played some pick-up yesterday with that wood stick I picked up and what a difference! I was able to spend way more time looking up at the play (what a concept) instead of playing catch-up with the puck. I'm inspired to convert some players. Thanks again.