Reply To: Game Intelligence / Decision Training

[hockeygod]

DaveM wrote:
Thanks Dean & Tom, for making me think…….I thought I got Sundays off!?

Teaching anticipation – Hopefully players have a general understanding of anticipation meaning something like "being ready for what comes next before it happens," but I would ask them to explain what it is and why it matters. Simplifying the game into 3 possible situations (loose puck, they have it, or we have it) is important here as the transition from one to the other is what we are trying to anticipate better. Using some examples from recent games or even other sports could help establish relevance too…..think of a shortstop in baseball turning a double play. This play does not happen unless the shortstop and 2nd baseman size up the situation first and then react properly and quickly. This is the kind of reaction we are looking for, only on the fly over and over again in hockey…….making proper reads and reacting to the ever changing state of possession, and it needs to happen with ALL 5 PLAYERS, not just the ones closest to the puck. That is why I really like Kai's video of Detroit with the red, yellow & green indicator on the screen…it is a great example of all 5 players doing just that.

In order for anticipation to happen properly players need to read visible cues that indicate the level of puck possession by either team, and I would next switch the focus to this. I would ask players to indicate what those cues might be and how it might affect their positioning on the ice (assuming they have a basic understanding of d-zone coverage). Playing even strength transition games should help demonstrate the need to be ready for changes in possession, and I would gradually add players (D2, F2 & F3) until we have built up to full 5 v 5 situations. Playing games with modified rules, like only 2 sec. for puck possession before passing or shooting, would help re-enforce the concept. If I had a little more tech savvy I would look at video of our own team play in the same way that Kai looked at the Red Wings and ask players to evaluate how we are doing, and I would keep the concept front and center through all the areas of the game for the season.

Thanks for making me think it through. I could write more, but I didn't anticipate having to do so much work on a Sunday. (Actually, I slammed my finger in a car door today, so it's going pretty slowly!) How did I do?

Dave

Dave, no rest for the wicked; not even on the Sabbath!

Sorry to hear about the fingers…

I like your response. Here are some comments… I am speaking in somewhat general terms here. The percentages could be played with a bit, but I would do lots of 1 v 1 at the start and this would be my 'go-to' activity throughout the year; especially if I have the kids for 2-3 years as I would take a longer-term focus. In Kai's case, if you have kids during their Golden Years of development for 2 years… DEVELOPMENT using the LTAD is where the emphasis should be placed!

1) Good definition of anticipation.

2) Good job helping educate the players to build a depth of understanding. 0-1-2 explanations, video, use of other sports, situational play on ice all help. With the price / availability issue of ice, I would also look to use off-ice spaces too – play handball games or floorball with modified rules to enhance their understanding of the importance of transition – specifically within the first three seconds – both on offense and defense. "Let the game be the best teacher.'

3) Play 1 v 1 45% of the time; 2 v 1 35%; 1 v 2 10%. Keep track of the scores (individuals v individuals / teams v teams / goalies v goalies) as people will be competing. Hold them accountable with punishment / rewards. Do this for a month or two if you believe in the statistics! You can use different activities to achieve the 1 v 1 / 2 v 1 / 1 v 2 if you want. There is no hiding 1 v 1 and it allows for the 'ultimate accountability' – which builds positive work ethics and habits. This helps reinforce the reads players must learn for a 0-1-2 situation and lays the foundation for the 2 v 1 / 1 v 2 / 2 v 2 (where the other playing roles enter the picture!)

4) Constantly touch on 1 v 1 / 2 v 1 throughout the year; Begin adding players to the competitions after two months. Add 2 v 2 for a month (all 4 game playing roles); Then add 3 v 2 / 2 v 3. If you feel your effort is lagging, go back to 1 v 1!

5) You can use all 5 players for some team systems / strategy application 'walk-through's' (on and off ice).

6) Like what Tom does with his U18 girls, if you have the ability to 'play special teams' situations with another team; or combine teams (local bantam and midget together) for realistic practices using game situations… do it! Use the score clock to track time and score to help simulate the game. Can you also get refs? (If you can't get another similar team, divide your team into 2 teams – you might need a few affiliate players – and play each other.)

7) Don't forget / neglect the 1 v 1 / 2 v 1 / 1 v 2 situations as these are the most commonly occurring situations in hockey! If your kids truly learn the 1 v 1 (from both O + D perspective), your team will become better collectively! You are only as strong as your weakest link!

Thoughts…? This isn't the only / best way, just some late night thoughts… I might have more to add later…

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