Thinking the Game – Offensively
Improving Hockey Reaction Speed
Hockey moves too fast for anyone to rely on instinct alone. Players must be able to see what is happening, process the information quickly, and respond in a way that supports their team. This is one of the biggest separators between average players and impact players. Reaction speed isn’t only about how fast someone can skate; it’s about reading plays, adjusting on the fly, and making confident decisions in a split second.
Read MoreCoach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 69
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Read MoreLate Bloomers in Hockey Training
In the world of hockey, players often develop at very different speeds. Some seem to dominate early, skating faster, shooting harder, and standing taller than everyone else. Others, though, might take a little longer to grow into their game. These are the late bloomers, the players who might not catch everyone’s attention at age twelve…
Read MoreCoach Chic’s Hockey Podcast 68
Don’t forget to grab all you can from this awesome site, and make this coming month one to truly remember…
Read MoreBreaking the Pressure Cycle and Resetting After a Mistake
Every hockey player, no matter how talented or experienced, has made a mistake that felt like the end of the world in the middle of a game. Maybe it was a turnover that led to a goal, a missed open net, or a bad penalty that gave the other team momentum. What often happens next is what really matters…
Read MoreLow Slot Attack Strategies
In hockey, few places on the ice are as dangerous — or as rewarding — as the low slot. It’s the area directly in front of the net, where goals are most often scored and where defenders fight the hardest to protect their territory. Mastering how to attack from this zone is one of the surest ways to elevate offensive play, and understanding the strategies that make it work can help any player or coach turn scoring opportunities into consistent results…
Read MoreVoice of the Bench — Communicating Under Pressure on the Ice
From the bench to the ice, the sounds of players calling for passes, coaches shouting adjustments, and teammates cheering one another create the rhythm of a game. That communication can be the difference between a team that reacts late and one that anticipates every play. The best teams sound alive, connected, and focused, with everyone sharing one goal: staying organized and confident even under pressure. When the pace picks up and decisions must be made in fractions of a second, communication becomes more than noise — it becomes the heartbeat of success…
Read MoreThe Role of Micro-Habits in Hockey
Hockey is often seen as a game of speed, skill, and strength, but what truly separates the good from the great are the little things players do when no one is watching. These small, consistent actions—known as micro-habits—can be the secret ingredient behind long-term success. Micro-habits are the simple routines that shape who you become on and off the ice…
Read MoreGoalie Mindset in Reading Shooters and Choosing Your Save
Every great goalie knows that goaltending is about far more than quick reflexes or flashy saves. It’s about mindset — the mental discipline to stay calm, read the play, and make the right decision in a fraction of a second. The best goalies in the game have learned how to study shooters, recognize their tendencies, and choose the right save for the moment…
Read MoreHow to Train for Game Pace Without an Ice Rink
The speed of the game isn’t just about skating fast; it’s about thinking fast, reacting fast, and staying physically and mentally sharp from the first puck drop to the final whistle. When players can’t train on ice every day, finding ways to simulate those demands off the rink becomes essential for maintaining game readiness and improving overall performance…
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