Easy Explanatory Hockey Coaching for Kids

Hockey is a tough and challenging sports that requires cohesiveness, dedication and passion. It also is a good sport for kids to play because it teaches the importance of team work and discipline, while keeping players hooked on the ice for years to come.

  1. The Best Coaching

    • As a mentor, you must know the rules of the game. Coaches should know how to skate well in order to interact with players during practice. The best coaching is hands-on, not shouting orders from the bench. Getting to know your players and developing a strong bond of trust is imperative.

      Although being aggressive and quick are important in hockey, players also need to be taught good sportsmanship and how to maintain a cool temper. The coach must emulate an outward appearance of fairness, strength and a willingness to help players perform.

    Practices

    • Practices are just as important as the game. Using a clipboard is fine when you are on the bench during a game, but otherwise the more involved you are with your players, the more comfortable they will be while playing. Creating games for skill drills will be more fun and educational than traditional conditioning methods. Eventually, hard work and cohesiveness will show when a player knows instinctively where to be during a rush, or where to be for a pass. After practices, handing out simple drill graphs or watching video of a previous game can help players understand their mistakes and improve their skills.

    Penalties and Discipline

    • Penalties are part of the game, so avoid being harsh on a player who commits one. Explaining what happened by showing a replay of the game. The player will be less likely to react negatively. No one likes being screamed at. However, if a player reacts negatively to discipline, earlier practices for the team, laps around the rink or suicide skates across the ice will leave a lasting impression. Having fun is part of the game, but a coach needs to enforce discipline when necessary.

    Teaching

    • Enhance your teaching by installing a large dry erase board in the locker room. The large surface can provide easy viewing for the players and using bright colored markers instead of black ink will get the attention of the athletes. Athletic shops offer specialized field or game sheets for most sports and coaches should take advantage of this. Studying is part of the game. Sending players home with plays to memorize can add to their development as a hockey player. It will assure the coach that he is trying everything possible to help his team improve.