Thinking the Game – Offensively
How to Teach Young Players to ‘See the Ice’ Like Pros Do
When coaches talk about players who “see the ice,” they are usually describing someone who seems calm, aware, and one step ahead of everyone else. These players know where teammates and opponents are before the puck ever reaches them. To many young players, this skill looks like magic or natural talent, but it is not…
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 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 MoreThe Science of Staying Calm With the Puck Under Pressure
Staying calm with the puck under pressure is one of the biggest differences between players who simply work hard and players who consistently make smart plays. Many high school hockey players have solid skating and stickhandling skills, yet those skills seem to disappear when the game speeds up or defenders close in. This is not…
Read MoreWhy Most Players Misread the Neutral Zone — And How to Fix It
Most hockey players are taught from a young age that the neutral zone is simply the space between the blue lines, a place to skate fast, get the puck deep, or rush through as quickly as possible. Because of that mindset, the neutral zone often becomes the most chaotic and misunderstood area of the ice. Players feel like they are working hard, yet turnovers keep happening, rush chances disappear, and teams struggle to gain clean entries.
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 MoreBetter Puck Support for Young Players
Better puck support is one of the most important team habits young hockey players can learn, yet it is often one of the most misunderstood. Many young players focus almost entirely on the puck carrier, thinking the job is done once someone has control of the puck. In reality, hockey is a game of constant movement, spacing, and decision-making. Strong puck support gives teammates options, reduces turnovers, and helps young players feel more confident when they have the puck on their stick.
Read MoreReading Pressure at the Blue Line
The blue line is where offense and defense collide, and decisions made in this small area can quickly lead to scoring chances or costly turnovers. Players who learn to recognize pressure early gain more time, make smarter plays, and stay confident with the puck. Understanding how to read pressure helps players at every position, especially defensemen and forwards entering the offensive zone.
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.
Read MoreMastering Hockey Tempo Changes
Tempo is the speed and rhythm of the game, and learning how to change it at the right moments can separate smart players from players who only rely on speed. Hockey is not played at one constant pace. The best teams know when to attack fast, when to slow things down, and how to control momentum during a shift, a period, or an entire game.
Read More