For the first edition of the Coaches Corner, we will address the topic of "Competing"

Through my experiences over the last year, it has become increasingly clear that the level in which most players are willing to compete, is falling. Seeing it first hand, and listening to many coaches from across the country talk about how they have a hard time inspiring their players to compete harder, I decided that this would be the topic of our first Coaches Corner.

When you step back from your situation, there really is no standard answer or remedy, each player/team is different and each and every skater has different levels of motivation that they bring to the game. So how as a coach, can you raise the level of their competitiveness without taking away from their enjoyment of the game, regardless of the level you are at. My approach starts with getting to know each individual on your team, and trying to learn about them as a person, making mental notes of what makes them work. From here, you can decide on the type of motivational approach you will use on this player; whether it is a hard driving approach where you are always riding the player to give more and pay more attention to the details of the game, or whether you decide to lay off the gas pedal and use a more softer approach, one which is filled with positive reinforcement and less emphasis placed on detailed work. Your aim is to figure out an approach that works best for the player, it might take some time and tinkering before you ascertain how each player responds to your motivational style; but, in a matter of weeks, you should have a solid idea of how to motivate each individual on your team.

From this point, it is imperative that you motivate and challenge your players on a daily basis to be their best, by creating a challenging and fun environment in the team that promotes and rewards hard work. Although as a coach we can't instill a "fire" in the player's belly, it is our responsibility to try and cultivate this "fire" through the environment you subject these kids too. It starts with ACCOUNTABILITY. Regardless of the age/skill level which you are at, demand that your players become accountable for their actions to themselves and the team. How you cultivate this belief system is by creating practices which main theme centers on "Competition." Utilize drills that re-create game situation battles i.e., 1on1's, 2on2's, 3on3's down low, battles in the corners, battles in front of the net and odd man rushes down the ice. With these drills, try and put a meaning or consequence to the specific drill i.e., losing side skates extra with the coach at the end of practice, or if defensemen give up 5 goals in this drill they must do 10 push ups each. You understand the philosophy, put some extra meaning into the drill, to serve as an added motivator to work hard in the drill. If we can do this all year for the kids, sooner or later, the hard work becomes second nature and you will see them competing harder in their games.

In summary, hockey is made up of 1 on 1 battles all over the ice, and if a lack of competitiveness is holding back your team or an individual, it makes sense to me that we incorporate "Competition Drills" as a major influence in your coaching curriculum. Make these types of drills your signature, to push players out of their comfort zones and challenge them to develop and reach new levels in their game.

Once you inspire them their play will improve but, more importantly; the life lessons they will walk away with will be immeasurable.

Craig Woodcroft