Coaches Corner

Check out the following link for information on positive coaching and for resources for coaches: http://www.positivecoach.org

From the TVRHL Newsletter Volume 1 Number 1

As the final regular season stats and the post-season tournament schedule appear on the League's bulletin board, you can just feel the excitement level rise all around the hockey rink. The most exciting games of the season are here!

Nothing matches the excitement of the third period of a close game in the playoffs: the players are exhausted but reaching for every puck and scrambling for every rebound; the fans (mostly Mom and Dad) are screaming at every missed pass or referee call (or non-call); the coaches are sweating blood hoping for a bounce to go his team's way -- just once!

I am also reminded that during these games, the kids on the ice (I refuse to call it a court) have a very hard time keeping their composure while their coach (I plead the fifth) and parents are going berzerk. I also know from first hand that the kids play better (and maybe more importantly -- get better) when they are concentrating on their positioning and their flow rather than how bad that last call was by one of the refs.

The trophies are awarded based on regular season finish. Final league standings have already been decided. I suggest we all view the post-season tournament as a new "season." It is an opportunity to showcase how far each of the players and teams have come from those first games when positions were a mystery. I suggest we all try to make the emphasis in these games on good team play: such as positioning, passing, good flow through the center zone, and defensive responsibilities.

Therefore, I encourage everyone involved in these games to give the kids a break. Let them concentrate on the things that they are doing right, rather than what their team... or coach... or the refs... are doing wrong.

From the TVRHL Newsletter Volume 1 Number 2

Where Should I Be?

My topic this month is player positioning, especially for forwards in the defensive zone. By the end of the season, I think that all players in all divisions should understand that forwards (both centers and wingers) have definite responsibilities on both ends of the ice. No matter how many goals they score, or how dominant they are on offense, good and great forwards play the entire ice surface, not just the offensive zone. Even Wayne occasionally drifts into the defensive zone.

All forwards, centers included, have positional responsibilities in their own zone, especially when the puck is in the corner. The near-side winger's responsibility is against the near-side boards near the Blue Line. He is there for two reasons: if his teammate in the corner gains control of the puck, he is there against the boards for an outlet pass. If his Defenseman gains control of the puck, this winger is now in position for an outlet pass to start a full speed breakout.

Secondly, if the opposing forward should gain control of the puck in the corner, the winger's responsibility is to deny the pass to the point or to an offensive player breaking toward the crease on his side of the slot. This will stop dangerous shots from the point, wide slot, or face-off circle.

The center's primary responsibility is to deny a pass into the high slot. In addition, if control of the puck is gained in the corner by his defensive teammate, the center should be positioned on the near-side of the high slot to accept a pass so that he can circle wide out of the zone.

The far-side winger has two responsibilities, and has to be somewhat more fluid in his positioning. If the puck is thrown behind the net to the corner on his side, he has to be wide on his side to support his defenseman. And if the defenseman on his side gets hung up in front of the net, and can't get to the corner, he has to be able to go into the corner to retrieve the puck. His second responsibility is the command of his entire side of the ice, denying the easy cross pass to an opponent. This includes being especially careful to deny a hard pass that gets by the center into the slot.

Now, of course, hockey is a fluid game and all players should be continually moving, so precise positioning is impossible. But if each offensive player knows his primary and secondary responsibility in the defensive zone, it will give him an ability to be instrumental in stopping easy passes and shots and in the correct position to facilitate his team's break out into center ice.

The Secret To Scoring More Goals!

Keep your stick blade down and flat on the rink surface! Next time you are skating up the rink without the puck or waiting for a pass to score that big goal that gets you the extra allowance, look at how you are holding your stick. If it is not flat on the "ice", you wont be ready for that "one-timer" that scores the winning goal. it is especially important near the impact areas: near the crease and along the boards.

We see too many missed opportunities because players either don not have their blades on the "ice" or when they do, it is only the heal of the blade. it is okay to skate at full speed with only one hand on the stick. You can move your other hand to the stick faster than you can drop the stick to the ice and get it ready.

So what is the secret of keeping the blade flat? Roll your wrists either on the forehand or backhand side of the blade so that it lays flat. it is easy to do and we guarantee you will become a better goal scorer, assist maker and a better passer if you

KEEP YOUR BLADE FLAT!!

From the TVRHL Newsletter Volume 2 Number 1

Getting Quality Shots

Since most of our league members are starting to get the skills and fundamentals down better at this point of the season, most teams still do not do enough puck movement in the offensive zone. Teamwork in the offensive zone (just like in basketball) is the key to getting more quality shots and scoring more goals.

When your team gains control of the puck in the defensive end, don't just rush up the rink for one shot on goal then rush back on defense. Set up your shots and you will score more. Your team may only get two or three breakaway chances all game. Those should be the only time your team rushes up for one shot.

Instead, when your team gains control of the puck, move up the rink by passing more to open teammates. Players without the puck should skate to open spots on the rink then once open, let their teammate know they are open and get ready to receive a pass. As you transition across the blue line, your teams should work the puck around the zone by passing back and forth until someone has a clear shot on net. This might be as many as nine or ten passes until your team is in the position for a good quality shot.

Take your time, and remember the only way this works is if the players without the puck get open and the player with the puck only handles the puck for five or six dribbles before he/she either passes or shoots. Great examples of well controlled puck movement are in our High School and Adult Divisions.