Thinking the Game – as a Goaltender
Teaching 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 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 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 MoreCoach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 71
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Read MoreHow to Scout Your Own Child (or Player) Without Bias
Scouting a hockey player is never easy, and it becomes even harder when the player is your own child or someone you coach closely. Emotions naturally get involved. Pride, worry, hope, and frustration can all shape what you think you see on the ice. Because of this, many well-meaning parents and coaches struggle to evaluate players fairly. Learning how to scout your own child or player without bias is an important skill, and when done right, it can support development instead of creating pressure or confusion.
Read MoreHow to Build Hockey IQ at Home in 10 Minutes a Day
Hockey IQ is the ability to read situations, anticipate what will happen next, and make good decisions under pressure. For high school players, this skill often separates those who look calm and confident from those who feel rushed, even if their physical skills are similar. The good news is that hockey IQ can be trained at home in as little as ten minutes a day.
Read MoreTurning Defensive Zone Chaos Into Predictable Structure
Turning defensive zone chaos into predictable structure is one of the biggest challenges in hockey, especially for young and developing players. If you watch most youth or high school games closely, you will see the same problems repeat themselves over and over again. Players chase the puck, leave the middle of the ice wide open, lose track of opponents, and panic when pressure arrives.
Read MoreHelp Us Teach the Game
The truth is, teaching the game works best when it becomes a team effort. Every time someone shares a real experience, a smart observation, or a lesson learned from a practice, game, or season, it helps someone else grow. That’s why your voice matters here, and why your comments under each post can help us teach the game in ways no single coach ever could.
Read MoreCoach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 70
Don’t forget to grab all you can from this awesome site, and make this coming month one to truly remember…
Read MoreBuilding Smarter Breakout Habits
When breakouts are rushed, sloppy, or unorganized, teams spend too much time defending and chasing the puck. When breakouts are smart and consistent, players gain confidence, create offense, and control the pace of the game.
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