To coach a hockey team and teach your players, you need to use physical, visual and motivational tools to help your team improve. These tools can help you explain plays, positioning and how to take advantage of your opponent. In short, they can help you play the game better to give your team a chance to win.
Cones
One of the keys to being successful on the ice is to have the proper spacing on the ice between you and your teammates. If the center is going to make a pass to the right wing, the two players cannot be standing right next to each other if the play is going to be successful. Coaches can use cones on the ice to represent the distances teammates should be apart when plays and passes are made. If players are too close to each other when passing, the plays will be easily defended by the opponent. If they are too far apart, defensive players will be able to step in the passing lane and intercept the pass.
Videotape
One of the most effective coaching tools is videotape. Video sessions allow coaches to point out what players are doing correctly and what mistakes they are making. The proper use of editing allows coaches to show the mistake that is being made and then the correct way of playing in back-to-back sequences. This makes for effective teaching. When you can show a precise video and say, "don't do it that way, do it this way," you have a much better chance of doing it correctly than if you don't have that video.
Voice
The tone of your voice is very important when it comes to motivating your team. Each individual is different. Some coaches are loud by nature but when they speak with a quiet tone, they get their player's attention. Others are quiet and can arouse their players by raising their voice and getting loud. A verbal lesson may motivate a team or a player to make a big play.
Playbook
The playbook is a vital tool when it comes to teaching your players what you want them to do when they get possession of the puck. A playbook will illustrate what the right wing is supposed to do when the center has the puck, what the center is supposed to do when the defenseman has the puck and what the defenseman should do when one of the forwards has the puck deep in the offensive zone. During a game, you can use a white board with a marker to go over the play once again and make sure all players understand their responsibilities.
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