| Over the past few years, hockey has evolved from a | | | | passing and rebounds are more common, it is more |
| sport where bigger guys are being punished more, and | | | | important then ever before to always be ready for |
| overall skill is being emphasized. In modern hockey, the | | | | anything. |
| only way that you are going to become a better | | | | Another common mistake that players will make is |
| hockey player, is by getting rid of bad habits and limiting | | | | getting frustrated. I cannot tell you how many times I |
| the amount of mental mistakes you make. Now it is | | | | have seen kids try to get even with another player |
| impossible to go game by game with the same | | | | and end up getting a penalty themselves. All this does |
| strategy, with the same moves. This is why it is more | | | | is hurt the team, and is a sure way to get less playing |
| important to become more flexible, and eliminating the | | | | time and recognition. |
| bad habits that many people try to "avoid." | | | | Kids also are more likely to try to cover up their |
| One of the most common bad habits players will do is | | | | weaknesses, rather then fix them in practice. Normal |
| not keeping their stick on the ice. This is a habit, which | | | | kids will only work on the skills that they are already |
| means that it will take many practices and a lot of | | | | good at to make themselves look better. This is |
| commitment to get used to. However, if players want | | | | something that needs to be understood by all coaches |
| to be successful at higher levels of hockey, then it is | | | | and watched very carefully. |
| crucial. Especially in the new era of hockey where | | | | |