NY Hockey OnLine
Sedia / Page 6
LEVEL 3 stand that knowing both theoretical and practical aspects of hockey skills training is essential for successful hockey Practices are pre-planned, usually the result of experi- game performance. They emphasize building a deep skill ence, drill software, and utilization of hockey development and knowledge base to create exciting and dynamic hockey resources like books, videos, manuals and websites. Ice time players who can in turn optimize performance potential is efficiently used and discipline is part of the process. Play- and can apply learned skills in game situations. ers work harder at this level because systems are in place Level 4 practice coaches take game notes and/or watch and a stable/consistent pracgame film in an effort tice environment has been to find ways to improve established. Level 3 practice the team and prepare for teams usually have a good PRACTICE. Level 2 and 3 win loss record but ultimatepractice coaches do breakly measure their success by out drills (as an examplayer development. These ple) but a level 4 practice coaches usually look for some coach has identified which extra ice time to practice and part(s) of his team’s breakscrimmage. Skill technique out need attention and has and tactical skill developprepared drills designed to ment play a role at this level focus on those areas. Level as well as encouragement of 4 practice coaches provide 3rd party and home traincontinued development to ing. Regardless of this coach’s their players via manuals, experience and/or successes, videos, chalk talk sessions, they are open to learning as game film review sessions well as coach development and hockey homework etc. opportunities. Players and Coach Chris MacKenzie explains drills to girls attending Level 4 practice coaches parents are usually enjoying Nichols Hockey Camp in Buffalo. understand a youth hockey their hockey experience with player trains for the purlevel 3 practice coaches. pose to be great in games. He does not train for the sole purpose of training. Level LEVEL 4 4 practice coaches have the understanding that if you stop getting better you will soon stop being good (themselves ALL of the components found with level 3 practice and their players). They continue to educate themselves coaches are found with level 4 practice coaches but every- about the game and continually look for better ways to dething is tied together, everything means something, and the velop their players. Level 4 practice coaches are hungry for dial is turned up. A season development plan was put in information and usually have or seek out a mentor. They place before the players stepped foot on the ice. Core hock- ask a lot of questions and discuss hockey with other experiey skills are the foundation of a level 4 practice team early in enced coaches as often as they can. Most importantly, they the season and performance skating is part of almost every truly understand it’s not about what you did, it’s about what practice throughout the season. Drills are challenging and you are doing that’s important. purpose driven. They are high tempo and offer the players If you demand the best from your players, they deserve a high rep count. In addition to the high rep count, proper your best in return. High standards rub off! technique is a major focus. Players are not just taught how to do a drill the correctly, they are educated on why they are Rob Sedia is a Partner/Professional Instructor with the NewEdge doing the drill and how it relates to game situations. Players Hockey Training Company and will be writing a monthly column are pushed outside of their comfort zones and are expected for NY Hockey Magazine. If you would like to comment on this arto perform with maximum intensity. In addition to orga- ticle, ask questions, provide feedback, or share your thoughts, please nized off-ice training, level 4 practice coaches include mul- send an email to: rob@newedgehockey.com tiple team building events. Level 4 practice coaches under-
www.nyhockeyonline.com