Observations & Explanations
Why do we avoid asking open-ended or "yes/no" questions at the end of a high-quality explanation?
Want to check for understanding.
What is one way we can "even up" a 1-on-1 drill when we have players with different technical abilities?
- Placement of puck.
- Head start/Start on knees.
- Take away eyes.
What is one way a coach can "check-in" with their players?
Any of the following:
Warrior Check-in
1-5 Scale
Thorn, Bud, Rose
Who makes the decisions during a game?
The players
When might a "blocked" drill (one with little variability and decision making) be beneficial to development?
- New technique.
- Trying to optimize a particular individual movement.
- Building confidence.
How does a high-quality explanation differ from a demonstration?
Separation of action and words.
What are two ways to make sure your team drill is great for your goalies?
Any 2 of:
- 1 Puck
- Time Between Reps.
- Variety of Shot Angles & Depths.
- Looks Like the Game.
- Age-Appropriate Skills/Techniques.
Why is it important to check in with our players before a practice/game?
- Players (and coaches) bring their day with them to the rink.
- Gives us an idea of how to support/push a certain player on a certain day.
When might a coach need to "push" information to their player(s)?
- When the player does not have the info.
- During a game.
What are 2 constraints we can change to take time and space away from a player?
- Smaller Space
- More Players
- Starting Position of Opponent
What are 2 items that go into a high-quality explanation?
Any 2 of:
- Plan what to say in advance.
- Gain attention.
- Short & Simple.
- Check for Understanding.
What is a challenge when it comes to practice planning? How can you use what you have learned as a coach this year to overcome the challenge?
Many answers.
What is the difference between position and positioning?
Position - location at drop of puck.
Positioning - location relative to the puck, relative to other players (teammate & opponent), on the ice, etc.
What does it mean to "pull" information from your player?
Ask questions that get your player thinking about what they just did/saw.
What is a benefit of using "small-area" drills and games in practice?
- More Touches.
- More Players Involved.
- Can Isolate a High-Frequency Play from the Game.
What are 2 items that go into a high-quality explanation?
- Watch the whole action.
- Focus on one part/phase at a time.
- Watch multiple times.
- Watch from different angles.
What are 2 ways you can help facilitate learning and proper rest for your goaltenders during practice?
- Switching in/out goalies.
- Have a coach dedicated to generating G feedback.
- Allow your goalie to step out of the net.
- Proper time between reps.
This is the belief that your intelligence, talents and potential can be developed and improved over time through hard work and dedication.
What is a growth mindset.
What is the difference between providing feedback and generating feedback?
Providing: Coach pushing information to a player. Coach is the one doing the thinking.
Generating: Asking questions to pull information from the player. Player is doing the thinking.
Would we rather a drill environment or the coach's explanation dictate a player's movement during practice? Why?
Drill environment.
What is the "Peer Review" process and why is it important?
- Generates feedback with coaches.
- Makes the explainer/planner think and be more intentional.
- Creates opportunities to improve our explanations, plans, etc. in the future.
Double Jeopardy
What are the 5 elements we want to incorporate into our practices to facilitate development & learning for your players?
Fun
Challenges the Players
Decision Making
Looks Like the Game
Touches/Repetition
Double Jeopardy
This is the phenomenon that describes how people perform better when they have high expectations placed on them and worse when they have low expectations placed on them. It is sometimes referred to as the "Self-Fulfilling Prophesy".
The Pygmalion Effect
What are 2 quality questions you an ask your players when they come out of a drill to help generate feedback and facilitate learning?
Many options...
What does it mean to use a constraints-led approach in hockey?
Use constraints to manipulate the task or environment and allow each player to find their solution.