Mental Toughness & Focus Training
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over all my years of coaching hockey players, it’s that talent and skill only take you so far. What separates the good players from the great ones — especially at the high school level — is mental toughness and the ability to stay focused when the pressure’s on. I’ve seen players with average skill outperform stars just because they were stronger between the ears. That’s why I believe building mental toughness and improving focus should be just as important in your practices as working on skating or shooting.
Mental toughness in hockey is about bouncing back from mistakes, battling through fatigue, and playing your role no matter what the scoreboard says. It’s the mindset that says, “I’ve got this,” even after a bad shift or a tough game. Focus, on the other hand, is the ability to stay locked in during every moment on the ice. It’s staying alert during your line change, making smart plays under pressure, and not letting your emotions or distractions throw you off your game. If you want to develop well-rounded, dependable players, you’ve got to start including these skills in your training sessions.
One of my favorite ways to build mental toughness is by throwing in a little adversity during practice. I might create a drill where one team starts with fewer players or where they’re already down a goal with limited time to come back. These types of challenges force players to stay determined and push through discomfort, just like they should in a real game. I also use consequence-based drills from time to time — not to punish, but to raise the stakes. For example, if a unit doesn’t communicate well during a drill, they owe us a quick lap or some push-ups. It keeps everyone honest and focused, and it reminds them that every shift counts.
Focus can be trained too. I like to include distraction drills — maybe there’s background noise or added pressure to complete a pass within three seconds. It makes players zero in on the task instead of zoning out. We also practice fast-paced, small-area games that force players to think and react quickly. These drills demand full attention and sharp decision-making in tight spaces. Another tool I’ve often used is a pre-practice focus routine. This can be as simple as a couple of deep breaths, a quick visualization of making a smart play, or mentally reviewing a personal goal for the session.
Off the ice, I recommend journaling. It helps players reflect on what they did well and what they want to improve. I’ve also encouraged athletes to use free mental training apps that teach breathing techniques or help build a stronger mindset. These habits might seem small, but over time, they build confidence and consistency. Hosting short workshops with guest speakers like former players or local sports psychologists can also reinforce the importance of mindset (as can reviewing Shawnee Harle’s many mental training posts).
And maybe the most important piece? Creating a team culture that values effort, composure, and resilience. In other words, don’t just praise players for scoring goals or landing big hits — but recognize the guys and girls who stay composed under pressure, who pick up a teammate, or who grind every shift without complaining. That’s the kind of toughness that wins games in the long run.
If you’re serious about improving your team’s mental game, it starts at practice. Make it a priority. Train the brain like you train the body. And if you ever need more ideas or support, you know where to find me — I’m always here to help. Visit me here at CoachChic.com anytime.
