One of the biggest mistakes players make on a breakaway is deciding what move they are going to use long before they reach the goalie. They convince themselves they are going to deke, shoot high glove side, or fake a backhand move no matter what the goalie does. Hockey does not work that way…
We were unexpectedly stuck without an Internet connection, and it knocked out my ability to post, update, or even check in. Not the way I like to operate, especially when I know many of you look forward to the regular flow of ideas, tips, and discussions here at CoachChic.com…
Helping young defensemen stop panicking under forecheck heat is really about building habits that become automatic. Smart scanning, strong skating, constant communication, realistic practice drills, positive coaching, and growing confidence all work together to slow the game down…
The latest hockey research and coaching methods for 2026 are putting even more attention on first touch skills because coaches now understand that the first second after puck possession is often the most important moment of an entire shift…
Hockey players often look for complicated ways to get better, but the truth is that real improvement usually starts with simple, foundational work…
Hockey IQ is much more than having quick hands or fast skating. It is the ability to read the play, anticipate what will happen next, make smart decisions under pressure, and consistently be in the right place at the right time…
Many players believe that shooting harder is the secret to scoring more goals, but experienced coaches know that accuracy usually matters much more than pure power…
Summer is one of the best times of the year for hockey players to improve their stickhandling skills. With no games to prepare for and fewer team practices, players finally have the freedom to spend extra time working with a puck, ball, or stick. Driveways, garages, basements, and outdoor training areas become personal hockey development centers. Many young players dream of returning to the ice in the fall with quicker hands, better puck control, and greater confidence. Unfortunately…
Every coach collects drills — books, videos, binders full of them. I’ve got hundreds myself. But no drill library is ever enough, because every team is different and players’ needs change quickly. That’s why the best coaches don’t just use drills… they create them…
With mental toughness always being a key to solid hockey play, we’re thrilled to once again present Shawnee Harle’s monthly insights into that area. And, in this video, she addresses an obvious concern with “Negative Self-talk”!