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Game
Plan & Roster: Controlling The Momentum
By:
Tim Hannen
RMHS Instructor
After
playing varsity hockey for 4 years and graduating from RPI, Tim
played professional ice and inline hockey before serving as the
Director of Hockey at Big Bear Ice Arena in Denver, CO for 4
years. Currently, Tim is the Athletic Director for South Kent
Prep in CT.
How does a team actually steer the momentum of a game in their direction…
Coaches often tell their teams "you
have to stick to the game plan", or "don't let the opponent
take us off our game." Great idea, but how does a team actually
start the momentum in their direction?
The most important part of controlling
a hockey game is a team plan designed to work within the teams’ current
roster. The coach must evaluate, as early as possible, the job that
must be done throughout the season, as it relates to the physical
ability, coachability, and discipline of the team. After this is
done, a weekly schedule of team accomplishments can be mapped out
as part of the overall practice plan. This is a term we call periodization:
When a coach breaks the season down into specific teaching periods
and plans accordingly for each separate period. To organize the season
properly, a coach must have as much information about each player
as possible regarding the needs of player, team weaknesses and strengths,
the type and quality of the opposition, and so on. Every organized
coach should keep a log of information on each player, the teams
performances, and progress towards team goals. Team parents are usually
more than willing to assist the coach in record keeping and data
collection.
Just as important as the team plan is the example set by the
coach. If the coach is not well-organized ort prepared, he/she
can hardly expect the same from the players. "Do as I say, not as I do",
does not work with hockey players, or anybody else for that matter.
There is nothing that influences an athlete's development more than
their coach and mentor. If the coach has everything planned, with
clearly defined goals and well-designed practice plans, the players
will develop respect for the team and their learning environment.
Once the year long plan is in place and the team is headed towards
the playoffs the coach must maintain player interest and development.
A few methods are listed below:
Create exciting practices
I know this may some obvious, but it is too often overlooked. Every
effort should be made to give each practice a unique or "big
time" feel. The equipment to be used should be ready and the
coaches should exude confidence, dressed in the proper coaching
attire, ready to have the best practice ever!!
Maintain interest and variety
The key to skill development is hard work. The greater the work capacity
of the individual or the team as a whole, the greater level of skill
will be attained. One of the basic principles a coach must encourage
is the highest possible work ethic. Some coaches believe the answer
is to threaten the players. This may work in the short term but the
players will soon grow tired of this and will not help build the
long term growth that is needed.
Always tell them why
Psychologists maintain that when a person knows the reasons behind
a specific activity and the desired end result, they will be able
to create a better mental image of the drill and continue with
more drive and effort. The coach should never say, "do it!"
The coach should always preface each drill with a statement similar
to…"we are doing this drill to help develop…etc."
A brief conversation prior to each practice explaining to the players
what they will working on and why it is important to the team plan
will do a great deal to improve results.
Vary your teaching methods
People learn three different ways, unless my Psych 101 professor
was pulling my leg: visual, what people see; audio, what people
hear; and motor, what people feel or do. Each person is different,
so it is extremely important for the coach to tailor the training
methods to the players you have. It is also essential to use as
much of each method as possible.
When your team is losing composure during a game, have them try to
stick to the game plan you as a coach and team set forth. The important
components of making your opposition play to your game plan are as
follows: stay focused on your team plan, win the races to the puck,
compete hard, and win the 1 on 1 battles.
Good luck!!
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