| From managing substitution patterns to knowing when | | | | of a sort, because they have to deal with the distinct |
| to pull the goalie at the end of the game, coaching ice | | | | personalities of all the players on their team. Knowing |
| hockey might seem like it mostly entails strategic | | | | what buttons to push and how each player responds |
| decisions during game play. While that is a big part of it, | | | | to certain tactics is a necessity. How a coach deals |
| the well-rounded hockey coach also does much of | | | | with players who want more playing time or are |
| their work before the puck is ever dropped at the | | | | struggling with their confidence might make the |
| start of a game. Developing an efficient practice | | | | difference between a great team and one in the cellar. |
| routine, handling the day-to-day administrative duties of | | | | Strategy |
| the job, and learning the subtle psychological tactics to | | | | Once all the practice and preparation is done, it's up to |
| maximize the performance of each individual player | | | | the coach to make the right decisions on game day. |
| are just as crucial to developing a great team. | | | | Much of the strategy might depend on the opponent, |
| Practice | | | | so a good coach must also be willing to take the time |
| Practice is the foundation on which all great teams are | | | | to scout his opponent. Knowing the opponents |
| built in any sport, because teams that are | | | | strengths and weaknesses is almost as important as |
| well-prepared and are not surprised by a situation that | | | | knowing one's own team's abilities. |
| arises during a game have a distinct advantage. | | | | Again, much of what happens on game day is |
| Coaching ice hockey requires a practice routine that | | | | determined by the team's preparation in practice. But a |
| develops individual skills, especially on the youth levels | | | | coach must know how to adjust during a game, nixing |
| of the sport, by constant drilling of fundamental | | | | a certain plan of attack if it isn't working or trying a |
| aspects like skating, puck-handling, shooting, passing, | | | | different strategy if an opponent is having success in |
| and defense. But a coach must also fit in ample time | | | | one particular area. Coaches should also be ready to |
| to develop team concepts, including offensive and | | | | adjust their game plans depending on how their |
| defensive plays, special teams, and specific game | | | | individual players are performing. For instance, a player |
| situations, all while trying to strengthen chemistry | | | | having a good night might become a focal point, while |
| between players. | | | | one who is struggling might need a pep talk or some |
| Administrative | | | | extra time on the bench to get them going. |
| Administrative duties are more important to coaches | | | | The Juggling Act |
| on lower levels. This part of the job entails creating a | | | | Coaching ice hockey is a juggling act of sorts. Good |
| practice schedule and making sure a rink is available, | | | | coaches can drill on the physical aspects of the sport |
| maintaining equipment, and oversight of all team | | | | and deal successfully with the psyches of each player |
| operations. While this isn't a glamorous part of the job, | | | | on the team. And, in the end, they must have the |
| it can't be allowed to slide at all. | | | | confidence in their team to get it done when it matters |
| Interacting with Players | | | | most. |
| Coaches in any sport must be amateur psychologists | | | | |