Reply To: Game Intelligence / Decision Training

[Tom Molloy]

I am reposting this booklet because it is a good resource for using SAG's. It is permissible to share this amongst coaches.
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This booklet by PAUL WILLETT was posted on the old bulletin board. It is a great starter for using SAG's in practice.

It is very difficult to teach transitioning from; 1 puck carrier to 2 pass receiver or 3 first checker or 4 defending away from the puck if you don't use games during practice.

If you simply use drills there is no higher thinking and problem solving required. The coach has already given the What, Where, When and How. The player doesn't need to solve these problems. There usually is no Why. So following instructions and skills vs no pressure are learned. Even when situations are practices like a 2-1 the player knows beforehand that it is a 2-1 and only needs good technique and mechanics, which are very important but not the ideal way to develop the Complete Player.

So transitioning between roles and problem solving are the main reasons for using games. The tacit learning is really how we learn to do most things. Other benefits are the fitness from efficient use of the ice and the F word which I have gotten in a lot of trouble for using over the last 30 years. I will say it. FUN

Attachments

• Small Area Games – Paul Willet.pdf (1 MB)

'The Game is the Greatest Coach'
'Enjoy the Game'