President Mark — Even in the NHL: Coach the Next Play — Lesson 5 of 8.
Choose your age-specific lesson.
President Mark’s NHL example is adapted into five separate lessons. Each has its own Coach–Player and Coach–Parent exchange, practice steps ,and Parent quiz.
U8–U10 — Adjust Speed Near the Line
U11–U14 — Time Support With the Carrier
U15–U18 — Keep Entry Spacing Useful
Junior — Agree on Line Entry Cues
Even NHL Players mistime an entry. This lesson uses that perspective to improve the conversation after an offside. The goal is a useful exchange between Coach and Player, and a clear explanation between Coach and Parent.
All conversations are suggested THR language, not quotes from NHL Coaches. Return to the series guide for the full approach.
Start with the NHL example.
An Ovechkin goal was disallowed for offside in Washington’s October 2023 game against Minnesota. NHL review, published October 28.
Timing errors happen at the highest level. Teach the rule used by this age group and competition. Small-area formats may not use offside.
Coach Q&A: a recommended response
Question: How should I respond when a young Player is offside?
Coach: “Johnny, that timing mistake happens in the NHL too. Next time, watch the puck as you approach the line.”
Johnny: “I was trying to get open.”
Coach: “Getting open was the idea. The timing needs work. Next time, check where the puck is and adjust your speed before the line.”
This is an example exchange. Listen to the real Player’s explanation and adjust the instruction to the actual play. The NHL example puts the setback in perspective; the teaching gives the Player something to do.
Coach to Player: adapt the words by age
| Age group | Suggested exchange |
|---|---|
| U5–U7 | “Even NHL Players mistime an entry. Johnny, watch the puck cross first.” |
| U8–U10 | “Even NHL Players mistime an entry. Johnny, slow down near the line if you need to.” |
| U11–U14 | “Even NHL Players mistime an entry. Johnny, check the puck carrier before crossing. Adjust your speed.” |
| U15–U18 | “Even NHL Players mistime an entry. Johnny, time your support so the puck can enter legally before you.” |
| Junior | “Even NHL Players mistime an entry. Johnny, review your approach speed and spacing. Agree on the entry timing with your linemates.” |
Use the short cue during a game and demonstrate it at practice. Age is a starting point: experience, readiness and the program’s purpose also matter.
Coach to Parent: explain the same lesson
Parent: “Johnny knows the offside rule. Why does he keep doing it?”
Coach: “Even NHL Players mistime an entry. Knowing the rule and timing an entry at speed are different tasks. We will slow the entry down, rehearse it with a partner and then add speed.”
Coach, on support at home: “You can ask whether the practice helped. The Coach will handle the technical cue so Johnny has one clear instruction.”
| Age group | What the Coach can explain to the Parent |
|---|---|
| U5–U7 | Even NHL Players mistime an entry. Use this only if offside is part of the format. Otherwise, practice watching a teammate and the puck. |
| U8–U10 | Even NHL Players mistime an entry. We are learning to watch the puck and adjust speed near the line. |
| U11–U14 | Even NHL Players mistime an entry. Johnny will connect the rule to his movement and the puck carrier’s speed. |
| U15–U18 | Even NHL Players mistime an entry. We will review entry timing, spacing and the Team’s support options. |
| Junior | Even NHL Players mistime an entry. The Player and linemates will agree on timing cues and review execution together. |
For older Players, involve the Player in the conversation and let them explain their learning goal. A Junior Player should lead their own performance discussion.
Change the exchange
| Common phrase | A more useful exchange |
|---|---|
| “How many times do I have to tell you?” | Johnny, that timing mistake happens in the NHL too. Next time, watch the puck as you approach the line. |
| “He knows better.” | Even NHL Players mistime an entry. Knowing the rule and timing an entry at speed are different tasks. We will slow the entry down, rehearse it with a partner and then add speed. |
Practice the recovery
1. Explain or demonstrate the rule used in this competition.
2. Walk or slowly skate a two-Player entry while checking puck location.
3. Vary the puck carrier’s speed. Let the supporting Player adjust and try again.
What progress looks like: The Player checks the puck carrier and adjusts the approach. Look for a repeatable read, not simply one legal entry.
Keep the expectation clear: Use the competition’s rules. Do not burden a small-area beginner game with an offside lesson it does not use.
Parent quiz: apply the lesson
An offside call frustrates a U9 Player. Which Coach response connects NHL perspective to one useful action?
A. “It happens in the NHL. Next time, watch the puck near the line.”
B. “It happens in the NHL. Forget the rule and skate faster.”
C. “It happens in the NHL. You must never make that mistake again.”
D. “It happens in the NHL. Let’s review every rule before your next shift.”
Show the answer and explanation
Answer A. This response gives perspective and a specific cue suited to the situation.
What the Parent can say to the Player
“That play was frustrating. What did you learn about the timing?”
The Parent’s role is to listen, encourage and support the agreed learning goal. In House League, keep the primary objective—having fun—visible in the conversation. Competitive development programs should explain their expectations honestly.
Even in the NHL, mistakes and setbacks happen. Put the play in perspective. Teach one adjustment. Practice the recovery.
Explore all eight lessons in Even in the NHL: Coach the Next Play.
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