Reply To: Diary of a Season 2011-12

[hockeygod]

I ran a 75 minute, full-ice Timbits (2005) practice early this morning at 630 am.

This was my first one with this group. They have only had about 20 practices so far this year! (Sounds low to me but I don't know Timbits! Can anyone else on here tell me if this is 'normal / high / low' for this time of year (late January)?

We warmed up with a few reps of British Bulldog (8 minutes). The players had to skate the length of the ice controlling their puck, with their head up so they could see the ice (open ice and checkers and other kids). The coaches turned their sticks upside down and tried to steer the kids; they could even try to put their stick onto the individual pucks (but no knoocking pucks away!)

12 skaters, so we created four teams of 3 players each, put pinnies on, and played two cross-ice games 3 v 3 inside each end zone. We had four nets, so the coaches acted as goalies but they had to turn their sticks over (like ringette). We kept the nets a few feet off the boards; just like in a real game. The coaches kept score for their own team. We played 14 minute games (four) and after each, we checked the scores. Winners got a quick drink and relax; all of the losers had to do 10 jumping jacks on the spot (for balance) with the group – keeping it as a team 'punishment'. Then the losers got a drink and we switched opponents / ends.

We played 'normal' hockey: you attack one end and defend one end. No transition stuff… yet! I will slowly add the 'rules of engagement' as the practices go on…

'Rules of Engagement' taught today:

1) Pick captains (coaches keep track and rotate each time) to do Rock Paper Scissors to see who starts with the puck.

2) Always change sides for each 'new' game (even when switching ends to play another team).

3) If the puck goes outside the area (blueline), closest player gets the puck and brings it back to the line where it went out. Opponents have to give him 5 feet; other players get open!

4) Focus on the skills (skating, puck control, shooting, angling) – respect your teammates and opponents (no penalties!)

5) Shut up and let them play! (Coaches could encourage "heads up play" at most.) Have fun… repeat!

6) After every game, bring them in to get the scores. Ask the players first, then confirm with the coaches (goalies). Do the punishments, get water. Then a quick reinforcement of the critical things today: Heads up play!!! Ask why and guide them with their answers. Three things to do with the puck: Skate with it (puck control / stick handle / deke); pass it; shoot it.

The coaches (and parents watching) were blown away that we didn't use any pylons AND we hardly talked to the players! After two games, we asked the kids if they would rather get some pylons out and do some skills or should we keep playing these games, and they all yelled, "GAMES!" Afterwards, a couple of kids came over to say "Thanks for a fun practice" as did several of the parents!

Dean
M.Ed (Coaching)
Ch.P.C. (Chartered Professional Coach)
Game Intelligence Training
"Great education depends on great teaching."