How to Coach Hockey

Hockey is an exciting sport for players and spectators alike. It's fast, physical, at times high scoring, always interesting. At the higher levels, play requires a high degree of strength, agility, quickness and hand-eye coordination, and the style of this international game varies by country. With many line changes in the course of a game and special team play (power play or shorthanded units), hockey is a game of tactics. Even youth and beginning players learn early that there are many facets to the fastest game on ice. Teaching the game to others can be a rewarding experience.

Things You'll Need

  • Coaching certification
  • Scheduled ice time
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Instructions

    • 1

      Understand the game at the level you'll be coaching. Teaching hockey requires the ability to demonstrate. You need to at least be able to skate forward and backward, stop, pass and perform a wrist shot and slap shot for the most beginning level of players. You should have playing experience that is at least equal to the level you are coaching, whether its Pee-Wee, high school or college.

    • 2

      Get certified. According to USA Hockey certification is a national standard for every single age group. Level I coaches have credentials for coaching players 8 and under, with the hierarchy of certification eventually reaching Level 4 for coaching 19-year-olds who play at the very competitive "Juniors" level. Certification clinics are scheduled periodically in different locations across the country, and some course work can be completed online.

    • 3

      Hold regular practices. Ice time can be expensive and even hard to come by when hockey season is in full swing, but a season limited to games only doesn't allow you to get to know your team well and analyze players' strengths and weaknesses. Practices are also crucial for drilling skills like passing, shooting and defense, and trying out different plays and formations that may or may not be used in a game.

    • 4

      Organize forward lines, defensive pairings and special teams units. Successful coaches don't attempt to put the five most skilled skaters on the ice at all times. Players might be grouped according to speed, scoring ability, defense or physical, intimidating play. Some coaches like to put three fast players on one line, while others prefer to have a speedy forward grouped with the most physical one for the purpose of winning battles along the boards and counterattacking with a fast center who goes straight to the goal.