This week’s video drill is a lot of fun. In this clip, we focus on explosive jumping and balance. While jumping itself doesn’t always have a direct use in games, the skills and techniques it works on play a vital role in skating ability.
Often when the season wraps up, I’ll get asked the question: “Coach, what do I need to work on in the off-season?” I usually respond to this by reversing the question and asking them what they think they need to work on. When they look at me with a blank stare, I usually try to guide them through a series of questions to help evaluate their play and identify “holes” in their game – and of course share my feedback with them after they’ve started to identify things for themselves. The off-season provides a great opportunity for committed players to develop and improve their fundamental skills. I believe players need to approach off-season training in the following sequence…
I had the pleasure of catching up with fellow hockey coach and blogger, Coach Nielsen this past week at the USA Hockey U18 Tier I National Tournament down in Woodridge, IL.
Minnesota Hockey Coach in Chief expresses his concerns about the growing number of games played at the youth levels.
I’ve decided to start a new weekly section called “Learn from the Pros” which will feature plays from professional hockey. The idea is to take small pieces of the game and break them down so they can be used as learning tools for coaches and players. This week, we’ll look at two goals – the first from Andrew Ladd against the St. Louis Blues, and the second from Justin Williams against the Anaheim Ducks.
Goal scorers score goals because they put the puck on the net when they’re in the prime scoring area and they shoot the puck with a purpose.
This quick agility shooting drill works on quick moves and shot release, slap shots, and shooting against your body’s momentum. Visit www.m2hockey and www.hockeyshare.com for more tips and drills.
Spring time marks the end of a long-cold (but exciting) hockey season – and for many, brings with it a set of tryouts. Older players begin trying out for junior teams, younger players try out for select spring teams, and many Tier I teams hold their tryouts for next season.
The game of hockey is arguably the best sport on the face of the earth and teaches many life lessons which prove to be invaluable to children as they get older. In order for our sport to continue to grow and take strides in a positive direction, each of us must take some responsibility and “step up” to help expand our game.