Each time that we take the ice as coaches, it is a daunting responsibility that we have before us. We are asked to take our timeless and exacting game, and bring it to a level that players as young as five years old will be able to comprehend and appreciate. It is a responsibility that we carry not only for our current players, but also for the state of the game that many of us have grown to love and cherish.
Tryouts for all levels of hockey are brutal realities at this time of year. They are unfortunately a necessary evil if we to continue to give talented players the best opportunity to reach their potential. The process is stressful on players, turns parents into anxiety filled child psychologists and is simply miserable for coaches.
Bottom Up Approach Hockey Written in 1992. Re-written in 2005.
There are many ways for players to develop in the sport of hockey. The optimal way for players to improve is by playing unstructured games - in particular shinny hockey. However, in today's world of adult organized leagues, teams and practices shinny hockey one of the best methods for young players to develop overall hockey playing ability is under utilized. Players need to experience the pure joy of the sport devoid of adult misdirection, judgment and criticism.
