Establishing the Fundamentals!

Every Team and Every Player on the team needs to start with knowledge about the game that is built on a foundation of basic fundamentals.  

Regardless of the team's level (U10 - NHL), it is important to make sure every team understands what type of team they are and how they will be held accountable to the basic of hockey.  Every player needs to be reminded at the start of each season with these Basic Fundamentals of Hockey.

Basic Fundamentals of Hockey


Identity


Starts with a Good Work Ethic and a proper Attitude!

The team must spell out its 'D.N.A'.

Example:

Play fast (Take the info, attack space, move puck, quick transition)

Resilient (Never give up, 2nd effort, reload, block shots)

Selfless (great teammate, short shift, coachable, DO YOUR JOB!)


Player Roles

It doesn't get much simpler than this, but players often forget these simple roles or sometimes think they don't apply to them (especially the defensive roles).  Its critical to make sure your players know that you expect this from everyone. 

2 Offensive roles:


1. You’re the Puck carrier

 protect, pass or shoot


                                  or

2. You’re the None carrier 

Get open, find open ice, create a seem, be available


2 Defensive roles:


1. You’re the HUNTER (F1)

Attack or contain the puck carrier          or

2. You’re in COVERAGE prevent passing options, block the shot 

OFFENSIVE


1. Attack the space

   (Highway or side roads)


2. Create 2/1 (close support)

3. Triangles all over the ice 

DEFENSIVE


1. Protect the HIGHWAY  (the middle)


2. Cut TIME and SPACE


3. Active STICK

    (On puck or cutting passing lane) 

Areas of Play

Many coaches use different terms to refer or explain the ice area, it's always a good idea to let your players know all the terms that may be used with your team.  

 Areas of the ice - These are the different ways that coaches talk about the ice surface.

Every coach wants his players to embrace good habits and to always play with these concepts in mind.  Create your list early and keep repeating and repeating and repeating these good habits for offensive and defensive mode of play.

Defensive mode

Offensive mode

Execution                 Communication

Communication - Hockey Talk

Communication is key for any good hockey team.  A coach must make sure their team understands its importance and constantly encourages the use of hockey talk.

Hockey has its own unique language - Hockey talk', that players use by shouting brief one or two words to each other during play sequences.  These words are used to help their linemates make plays, mostly for their team to maintain possession of the puck or put it in the best position to regain it.