Compete, Battle and Persevere

Developing the skills of competing, battling, and persevering in hockey requires a combination of mental and physical training. Here are some ways players can work on developing these skills:

Mental Training:

Competing, battling, and persevering are all mental skills that require a player to have a strong mindset. Players can work on developing their mental toughness by:

• a. Setting goals: Having specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goals can help players stay focused and motivated.

• b. Visualization: Visualization exercises can help players see themselves succeeding in different situations, which can improve their confidence and mental toughness.

• c. Positive self-talk: Encouraging and positive self-talk can help players stay motivated and confident, even in challenging situations.

Physical Training:

Developing these skills also requires physical training. Here are some ways players can work on developing their physical skills:

• Strength training: Building strength through weightlifting or other strength training exercises can help players compete and battle for the puck more effectively.

• Endurance training: Improving endurance through activities such as running or cycling can help players persevere through the physical demands of the game.

• Skill-specific training: Practicing and improving specific hockey skills, such as skating or puck handling, can help players feel more confident and better able to compete and battle on the ice.

Game Situations:

Finally, players can work on developing their skills of competing, battling, and persevering by putting themselves in game situations. Here are some ways players can do this:

• Play in competitive games or leagues: Playing in games that are challenging and competitive can help players develop their mental toughness and physical skills.

• Simulate game situations in practice: Coaches can design drills and practices that simulate game situations, such as 1-on-1 battles or penalty kill situations, to help players develop their skills.

• Watch and learn from other players: Observing and learning from other players who demonstrate these skills can help players understand what it takes to compete, battle, and persevere in hockey.

According to coach Zak at 247hockey.com, here are some situations you NEED to play fearlessly.

FORWARDS:

• Win every 1 on 1 battle in the corner

• Get to the loose puck FIRST and move your feet even if you know you will get hit

• Use offensive checks, instead of just letting the player hit you, throw a shoulder into them when you have the puck

• Take pucks to the NET. Don’t always shoot and pass from the outside

• Get to the front of the net without the puck

• Battle for rebounds and tips like there is 1:00 left and you’re down by a goal

• Block shots in the d-zone. Don’t try to block them, ACTUALLY block them

• Be willing to take a hit to make a play

• Be willing to take a hit to get a shot off

• Be willing to take a hit to take the puck to the net

DEFENSEMAN:

• Getting to the puck first on a forecheck even though you know you will get hit

• Be willing to take a hit to make a pass instead of panicking and throwing the puck

• Winning every 1 on 1 battle in the corner

• Winning every 1 on 1 battle in front of the net

• BLOCK every shot instead of letting the player shoot. Don’t pretend like you trying to block it, ACTUALLY block it.

• Take the body in every 1 on 1 situation. Don’t fish for the puck.

• Don't try and chip the puck with one hand and go around players. Chip the puck and go THROUGH them.

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