How to Coach Mini Hockey

Mini hockey relies on passing and skill.

Mini hockey rules and drills are similar to ice hockey or roller hockey. Small teams of players compete on a smaller ice surface (or field). Mini hockey involves smaller sticks and nets and is similar to its Olympic full-field hockey version or ice hockey games. It also sometimes refers to the "knee hockey" type of recreational activity played in hallways and basements, which doesn't require coaching.

Things You'll Need

• 5 to 7 players
• Sticks
• Nets (measured 26 by 28 inches wide)
• Field or level indoor playing surface (can also be played on ice)

Instructions

Passing

1. Instruct players to pass the ball pack and forth as much as possible during practice to get the feel of the ball (or puck) on their sticks. Passing is the most important part of mini hockey. The smaller playing dimensions negate the effectiveness of ice or roller hockey skates, making the movement of the ball (or puck) through passing the main way for players to create offense.

2. Line your players up with one person controlling the ball in the middle of the area and two players standing ahead of him on each side of the attack zone. These two players become passing options for the ball-controlling player (this is known as the triangle formation). The triangle formation is the accepted beginning formation for new mini hockey players.

3. Count the number of touches each player makes before attempting an attack on goal during practice. Make sure inexperienced players receive three to five touches (times they contact the ball or puck) on each play, while more experienced players should only need one to two touches.

4. Watch your players closely. If a player appears more talented or experienced, ask them to distribute the ball to less experienced players. This ensures the drill is performed accurately and inexperienced players improve.

5. Get players used to having more than one passing option.

6. Take breaks every 15 to 20 minutes to ensure proper hydration and rest.

Adjusting to Dimensions and Scrimmages

1. Get players to practice shots on mini hockey nets (26 by 28 inches wide). This will improve players' accuracy. These nets allow smaller groups of players to practice together. Smaller net dimensions will keep things even based on regular hockey sizes.

2. Select teams and play a game. Mini hockey practice should be scrimmage-based.

3. Play games to a reasonable score based on the players and size of the surface. On a smaller surface with few players, a higher score target is expected. Lower the victory target if the dimensions or number of players increase.

4. Expand the playing space if more players are added. Mini hockey is designed to replicate tendencies in a larger surface with fewer (or smaller) player. Do not try to fit too many players on a small surface.

Defense

1. Instruct the goaltender to remain on her feet until an opposing player takes a shot at the goal. This keeps the goaltender in the proper position to make a save. The goaltender's task is to keep opposing shots out of the net.

2. Ask your defensive players to remain in front of their goal (maintain some space between the defenders and the goaltender's playing crease) and await attacking players.

3. Keep defenders from chasing the attacking player carrying the ball. When this happens, it creates space in front of the goal, and the goaltender is often left defenseless against opposing attacks. Defenders must guard their position rather than chase an attacker.

References

• Bharatiya Hockey: Mini Hockey Coaching For Young Athletes
• Hockeynets.com: Uses of mini hockey nets