How to Train for Hockey Coaching
Hockey coaches need to be as ready for practices and games as their players. Coaches need to be fit both mentally and physically and be up-to-date on all the latest hockey rules and league information. Preparation goes a long way for hockey coaches. Being prepared is often the difference between winning and losing. If a coach is dedicated and determined, these attitudes will translate to the players.
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Instructions
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Hit the ice and practice like a player. If you are planning on coaching hockey, you must brush up on your own hockey skills. If it has been a while since you've played hockey, grab your stick and get out onto the ice to practice. The best coaches are the ones who give instruction while on the ice as well as from the bench.
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Study the game. Hockey rules and equipment change every year. You need to know all the latest rules, amendments and equipment being used in the game. Read your league's most up-to-date rule book and see what equipment regulations are being implemented.
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Read coaching manuals. If you are unsure about your coaching abilities, watch and learn from the best. There are many coaching manuals written by famous and established coaches such as Don Cherry and Scotty Bowman. You will be surprised at how much you can learn from reading about someone else.
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Develop a game plan and brainstorm a list of goals you want to accomplish when coaching. Think about the things you want to teach your players and what you wish for them to improve. Then, think of ways you can meet these goals.
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Create a play book. Every coach has their own personal touch and secret weapons. These secrets are usually found in a coaches self-written play book. Watch drills, training videos and game tapes and develop your own plays you can teach your team.
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Meet and collaborate with management and other coaching staff. The best teams have coaches, trainers, team doctors, general managers and owners all working in tandem.
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Meet and collaborate with your players. Find out what goals your team has and listen to what the players have to say. Knowing your players will help you tailor your season's coaching plans.
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Tips & Warnings
Listen to your players. Don't just talk at your players. Good coaches always listen to the suggestions and concerns of their players and ask for their in put.
Keep yourself mentally and physically fit. Coaches should be able to do many of the same drills their players can within limit. Some players may see it as hypocritical if a coach is demanding things beyond even their own limits.
Remember that a coach is a part of a team and there is no "I" in team. Never let personal goals come before the team's well-being.
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Resources
- Photo Credit outdoor hockey image by Inhumane Productions from Fotolia.com
