West Vancouver Minor Hockey Association

 

The Coach - Questions

  1. Atom C1 What back-checking tactics do you believe are best to pressure the puck carrier and eliminate options off the puck?
  2. H3 . Playing games in practice (controlled scrimmages with clear objectives) can be an effective way to highlight fundamentals while having fun. Without the use of diagrams, give 3 examples of a game (please state the rules) and the skills necessary to play.
  3. H2 . Make a list of some possible reasons for teams having difficulty moving the puck out of their zone - consider both teams.
  4. Peewee A . Explain the concepts of puck possession and defending the prime scoring area, and how this affects support assignments for your players when playing defence in your zone..
  5. Midget A . What motivates you as a coach and what excites you about the game of hockey?
  6. Midget C2 . Discuss the key elements of effective forechecking (cover the offensive and neutral zones).
  7. Peewee C1 . Outline what options are available at the offensive blue line and what strategies you teach for break-in's and net drives (assume you have even numbers or an odd-man advantage). What do you hope to accomplish with zone entries?
  8. Atom C2 . Describe the activities of your goaltenders in practice. Include the type and number of shots, conditioning elements, game condition scenarios, etc.
  9. H2 . Discuss these four facets of speed in the game of hockey.
  10. Players individual speed (foot speed, hand speed, etc.)
    • team speed
    • puck speed
    • thinking speed.
  11. Midget C1 . Discuss, in full, transitions in the game of hockey.
  12. Midget C3 . How do you determine what to practice? Detail the process you use for building a practice plan. What function do drills serve in your practices?
  13. H3 . When we are teaching players to `read the game', what exactly are we asking them to look for?
  14. Bantam C2. What teaching progression do you use for practicing breakouts from turnovers created by your team’s defensive zone coverage?
  15. Peewee C2 . What special skills, fundamentals, and techniques do you instruct specifically for your forwards and for your defensemen? How do you organize their time to practice these?
  16. Atom A . Explain how coaches can teach various systems and reinforce the basics and fundamentals of the game with drills that are also skill enhancing.
  17. H4 . For the sake of discussion, we'll define hockey fundamentals as the components that are the essential part and form the foundation, or basis of a tactic (team and/or individual) – and agree that the execution of basics and fundamentals supersedes any team system of play, regardless of age. Make a comprehensive list of defensive fundamentals.
  18. H4. Developing a player's awareness of and appreciation for concepts (especially support) and fundamentals is mandatory for a coach. Make a comprehensive list of offensive fundamentals.
  19. Bantam C1 . What role does leadership serve in the development of a team identity? How do you cultivate leadership qualities in your players and on your team?

I urge everyone to take a few minutes with each question and come to an understanding on all of these topics. You don't have to write everything out unless you have the time, but please print out the questions and leave them in a place that you will see frequently in your spare time so that you might keep them in mind. Also ... keep thinking about how various elements of play get connected to each other. Remember that you can practice something to perfection but may not be able to do it in a game. Part of being a good coach means asking yourself "what if it doesn't work"? Don't forget that there are two teams on the ice! For instance, if you have dealt with question 7 on break-in options, you might want to progress to questions 1 (in the event of a turnover), or question 6 (in case you have to chip it in).