Drills
Why Young Players Misread Pressure — And How to Fix It
Many young players panic the moment a defender skates toward them, even when they still have time and space to make a smart play. Others hold onto the puck too long because they fail to recognize that pressure is closing fast. Understanding why young players misread pressure — and how to fix it — is one of the most important steps in building true hockey IQ, better decision-making, and long-term player confidence.
Read MoreThe Most Misunderstood Skill in Youth Hockey: Angling
Many young players think angling means skating hard at an opponent and trying to deliver a big hit. Others believe it is simply about chasing the puck carrier as fast as possible. In reality, proper angling in hockey is about control, positioning, patience, and smart decision-making.
Read MoreThe Hidden Skill Behind Winning Puck Races
Winning puck races is one of the most underrated skills in hockey, yet it often determines who controls the game. Coaches talk about speed all the time, and players assume that the fastest skater always wins the race to the puck. The truth is very different. The hidden skill behind winning puck races is not just straight-line speed. It is anticipation, smart angles, explosive first strides, and the ability to read the play before it fully develops.
Read MoreTeaching Players to Think One Pass Ahead
Thinking one pass ahead simply means that a player already knows their next option before the puck arrives on their stick. Instead of receiving a pass and then trying to figure out what to do, they scan the ice early, read the defensive pressure, and prepare their next move. This type of anticipation separates reactive players from intelligent, proactive players.
Read MoreA Smarter Way to Teach Net‑Front Play (Without Chaos)
When the puck goes low and shots start coming from the point, things can quickly turn into chaos around the crease. Sticks are swinging, bodies are pushing, and players often forget their assignments. For young hockey players, especially at the youth and high school level, net-front battles often look like survival mode instead of structured defensive hockey.
Read MoreWhy I Need to Hear From You — Often
This site has always been about teaching the game — and teaching it in a way that actually helps you, your players, or your son or daughter. And here’s the truth I want to put front and center today:
I can only do that if I hear from you. Not once in a while. Not once a season. Regularly.
Read MoreThe “Quiet Hands” Technique for Better Stickhandling in Traffic
Stickhandling in open ice can feel comfortable, but the game becomes much harder when space disappears and pressure increases. This is where the “quiet hands” technique becomes one of the most valuable skills a player can develop. Quiet hands refer to calm, efficient, and controlled puck handling that allows players to maintain possession even in heavy traffic.
Read MoreHow to Build a Confident Breakout Defenseman
Building a confident breakout defenseman is one of the most important goals in hockey player development. Defensemen play a huge role in transitioning the puck from the defensive zone to the offensive zone, and a strong breakout often determines whether a team can create scoring chances or stay trapped under pressure. Many young defensemen have the skills to move the puck but struggle with confidence when forecheckers close in. Confidence is not just about personality.
Read MoreUNILATERAL SHOULDER PRESS TRAINING
Follow along with Dave as he shows you how to use these bands to train your body for more strength and endurance…
Read MoreCoach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 71
Don’t forget to grab all you can from this awesome site, and make this coming month one to truly remember…
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