Hockey moves quickly.
Players have very little time to see the ice, make decisions, and react to pressure. Because of that, good communication can make the game much easier for everyone on the Team.
That is today’s Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson:
TALK TO YOUR TEAMMATES.
Coach Joey’s 10-Second Lesson
“Hey everyone, Coach Joey here. Talk to your teammates. Tell them when you’re open, warn them about pressure, and help them know where the play is going. Good Teams communicate.”
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
1. Tell Your Teammate When You Are Open
Players cannot always see every option.
Therefore, a simple call can help the Player with the puck recognize an open teammate.
Use short, clear communication.
Call for the puck when you are available.
However, do not yell constantly just to get attention. Communicate only when it can help the play.
2. Warn Teammates About Pressure
A Player receiving the puck may not see a defender coming from behind.
For example, a teammate can call:
“Pressure!”
“Man on!”
“Time!”
That information can give the Player an extra moment to decide what to do.
As a result, communication can help reduce rushed decisions and turnovers.
3. Communicate Away From the Puck
Communication is not only for the Player carrying the puck.
In fact, Players without the puck may have the best view of what is developing.
They can identify:
- Open ice.
- Pressure.
- Passing options.
- Players entering the zone.
- Opportunities around the net.
Meanwhile, the Player with the puck can concentrate on making the play.
4. Talk on Defense
Defensive communication is just as important.
Players need to know:
Who has the puck carrier?
Who is covering the open Player?
Is someone coming backdoor?
Who is taking the Player in front of the net?
Because defensive situations change quickly, silence can create confusion.
Clear communication helps Players work together instead of reacting individually.
5. Keep Communication Simple
Hockey is too fast for speeches.
Short words work.
For example:
OPEN.
TIME.
PRESSURE.
BEHIND.
MIDDLE.
BACKDOOR.
As a result, Players can exchange useful information without distracting from the play.
Good Communication Builds Better Teams
Skill matters.
Skating matters.
Decision-making matters.
However, Players who communicate can make all of those skills work together more effectively.
Talking helps teammates anticipate the next play.
In addition, communication can build trust because Players know their teammates are helping them see what they cannot see themselves.
Coaches Can Reinforce Communication
Coaches should encourage Players to talk during drills, practices, and games.
Instead of treating communication as something that happens naturally, Coaches can make it part of Player development.
During passing drills, ask Players to call for the puck.
During defensive drills, require Players to identify pressure and coverage.
Over time, communication can become another Hockey habit.
Coach Joey’s Takeaway
TALK TO YOUR TEAMMATES.
Help tHEM:
see the ice.
recognize pressure.
find the next play.
Most importantly, remember that Hockey is a Team game.
Good Teams do not just skate together.
They communicate.
That is today’s Coach Joey™ 10-Second Hockey Lesson™.
ONE LESSON. ONE INSTRUCTION. ONE TAKEAWAY.™
Presented by The Hockey Resource™
Visit TheHockeyResource.com for more Coach Joey™ lessons, Player development information, Coach Leadership™, Hockey Parent Intelligence™, and practical Hockey answers.
As always, thank you for being part of The Hockey Resource Community.
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