Reply To: Game Sense, Play Reading

[hockeygod]

Good stuff Tom! This was one of my favourite threads too but as per your earlier request, I have been putting my comments concerning this topic into the Game Intelligence thread; so I will continue to do that; unless you say it is OK to post here!

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Dean, I think the game intelligence thread is your topic. I like this thread because about 5 different coaches contributed their ideas; Kai, Dman etc..

Kai's video presentation of the ever changing game playing roles is exceptional. If coaches understand that the puck changes possession about 6 times every minute of the game they will realize that their practices have to reflect these changes in game situation and game playing roles.

So players are continuously solving the game situations of 0-loose puck, 1-offense, 2-defense and reading where they are on the ice in relationship to their net and the puck (1-2-3-4-5) and in the game playing role of puck carrier, puck support, checking the puck carrier or covering away from the puck.

It isn't good enough to carry the puck around pylons or do flow drills in the neutral zone. These type of activities may be ok for warm up or learning technique but they don't help game sense or reading the play. We need to give the players both the tools to play the game and the toolbox to use the skills in the proper context.

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