TIPS FOR FIRST TIME MINOR AND YOUTH COACHES
Your role as a Minor or Youth Hockey coach is to provide fun, while at the same
time teach the basic hockey skills, rules, systems and strategies of the game
over the course of the entire season.
Explain and make corrections/suggestions when you see them not after the game or
practice.
If your players and team can improve from the start of the season to the end of
the playoffs you have done a good job of coaching. Congratulations!
Remember, the kids are there trying to have fun and learn, not to be yelled at,
and it is your responsibility to ensure they have fun by providing a safe and
learning environment both at the rink during games and at your practices at the
rink or in a school gymnasium setting.
Giving each player as close to equal ice time is a goal that should be followed
as well as encouraging hard work, skill development and providing all with
positive feedback.
Winning or losing is not that important at this stage of their young hockey
careers
but fun and skill development is priority number one.
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME HOCKEY PARENTS:
PRIOR TO THE GAME
Try to get your child to the rink about 20-30 minutes prior to the start of
each game or practice in order to get them dressed and to tie up their skates
(if necessary)
If they get dressed at home, arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the game or
practice as this leaves a few minutes for the coach to talk to the kids
explaining who is playing with whom and at what position, to talk about game
strategy such as forechecking and backchecking assignments and still leaves time
for a brief pep talk.
If they put on their skates at home, make sure you have them wear skate guards
to protect your floor and to ensure they don’t loose an edge by walking on
cement or gravel from the car to get into the rink or onto the ice.
DURING THE GAME:
Sit in the stands with other parents and applaud the good plays and skills
executed by the players on both teams.
Do not yell or shout at the Referee or Linesmen as they are volunteers trying to
be fair and unbiased with their calls or penalties.Remember they are human and
will make honest mistakes.
Do not yell at the Coaching staff of either team as they are also volunteers
trying to teach your child and other children the basic skills and rules of this
great game.
And last but not least, do not yell instructions or criticize your child, as
they should only be listening to their coaches and your suggestions may differ
from what the coach has taught them.
Shouting encouraging comments such as "good play Billy" or "great
pass Susie" are certainly welcomed but negative comments are not.
Finally, don't get into a negative verbal shouting exchange with fellow or
opposition parents, as this will only bring you down to their level and causes
tension and stress. Take the high road and act professional.
Remember, hockey is only a game intended for your child to have fun, winning is
not life and death at this age or any age. Try to keep everything in the proper
perspective.
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE ICE:
Parents of House League or Recreational players should expect their son or
daughter to get as close to equal ice time as everyone else. Representative or
Travel team players may have to earn their ice time but the coach usually
discusses this before they sign a card at the start of the year.
Most Coaches try to be fair to every player on their team.
The exception to equal ice time occurs during penalty killing and on some power
plays, or in the last 2 minutes of a close game or tournament where the coach is
allowed to use his best players to try to win or tie the game.
This is a universal rule of most Minor/Youth Hockey programs around the world.
FOLLOWING THE GAME:
Parents, if your child is between 4 and 10 years of age, they will want you in
the dressing room prior to and after the game to help them put on or take off
their skates and equipment etc.
But players around 10 and older may not want you in the dressing room as this
may embarrass them, giving fellow teammates the idea they still need their
parents help to get dressed or undressed. Talk to your child about this to see
what he or she would like you to do.
However, after the game, make sure you praise your child with kind words whether
they won or lost the game or whether they personally had a good game or not.
DURING THE TRIP HOME:
If you are going to offer some hockey advice, the rule of thumb is to offer
2-3 positive comments for every constructive suggestion.
EXAMPLE:
1. You really skated well tonight.
2. Your passes were right on the mark.
3. If you had moved a little closer to the net before you shot, you might
have been in a better position to score or create a rebound.
FINALLY:
If at all possible, one or both parents should try to be at most games or
practices. This may be impossible in some situations but it does build family
unity and your child would most likely want you there for moral support.
TIPS FOR FIRST TIME PLAYERS:
Hockey is a game about having fun, making new friends and developing the
skills and knowledge necessary to make you a better all around player.
Hockey is a fantastic sport and in order to play it safely and enjoy the
experience you must have equipment that fits properly to protect your body.
Your role is to be on time for all games and practices and to listen to your
coach and try to do what he or she tells you about playing the game so you can
improve your skating, puck handling, passing, receiving, shooting, scoring and
checking skills.
Give 100% on every shift and remember preventing goals is just as important as
scoring them.
If you try your best at both ends of the ice you will enjoy this wonderful game.
Practices are the building blocks of all hockey teams and players. If you have a
good
practice the odds are you will have an excellent game. Good luck and enjoy the
ride.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST:
Should you find these tips helpful, please check out http://
www.HockeyMadeEasy.com
Yours in hockey,
John Shorey
Author - Hockey Made Easy
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