President Mark — Even in the NHL. U5–U7 · Shooting · Theme 2 of 8.
President Mark’s U5–U7 shooting lesson connects an NHL example to a specific conversation between Coach and Player, and between Coach and Parent. Johnny takes a shot, does not score and stops participating.
The immediate learning goal is: Stay interested in the next puck after an attempt. These are suggested THR conversations. They are not quotations from NHL Coaches or a claim that children should perform at NHL speed.
Begin with the NHL perspective
Alex Ovechkin recorded 65 goals on 446 shots on goal in 2007–08. That leaves 381 shots on goal that did not score. Capitals statistical record.
Those 381 were not 381 missed nets or proven bad decisions. Shots on goal include goals and saved shots; missed and blocked attempts are different categories. Evaluate the chance before correcting the shooter.
Why the instruction fits U5–U7
Use a demonstration and an immediate, playful attempt. Skip the statistics lecture. If the child does not know the NHL, say “grown-up Hockey Players.”
For this lesson, keep the target narrow: Stay interested in the next puck after an attempt. The Player should understand the action and have a suitable chance to try it. Adjust the pace and difficulty to experience, rather than assuming everyone in the age group is ready for the same pressure.
Coach Q&A: What should I say to the Player?
Coach: “Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. Johnny, good try. Find the puck again.”
Johnny: “It didn’t go in.”
Coach: “Stay interested in the next puck after an attempt. I’ll show you, then you can try with me.”
Listen to the real explanation before choosing the correction. Check whether the problem was the read, the execution, an opponent’s play or an unclear instruction.
Coach to Parent: explain the same lesson
Parent: “Should we count his goals to motivate him?”
Coach: “Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. We want enjoyable attempts and continued play. Goals are a bonus. The learning goal is simple: Stay interested in the next puck after an attempt. What I will watch for is this: Johnny enjoys another attempt and looks for the next puck.”
Support at home: Offer reassurance, interest and another enjoyable visit to the rink. Technical reminders from the stands are not needed.
Practice it with U5–U7 Players
1. Offer a close, manageable shooting chance with safe spacing.
2. Let the puck remain available when appropriate after the attempt.
3. Invite Johnny to find it and keep playing in a short game.
Begin with a level of difficulty where the Player can notice and attempt the cue. Increase pressure when the action is understood.
What recovery looks like
Johnny enjoys another attempt and looks for the next puck.
Notice the adjustment specifically. A useful next action can occur even if the next result is imperfect. If the same difficulty returns, change the demonstration, the practice conditions or the amount of information.
Keep the expectation clear: The NHL comparison does not mean every shot is a good shot. If a better passing option was clearly available, teach that read.
U5–U7 Parent quiz
Johnny takes a shot, does not score and stops participating. According to this U5–U7 lesson, which next step connects NHL perspective to a useful recovery action?
A. Require a goal on the next attempt to prove improvement.
B. Invite another enjoyable attempt and help Johnny find the puck.
C. Treat every saved shot as evidence of a poor decision.
D. Compare every child’s scoring rate with an NHL scorer.
Show the answer and explanation
Answer B. This matches the U5–U7 learning goal: Stay interested in the next puck after an attempt. Johnny enjoys another attempt and looks for the next puck.
Take one conversation to the rink
The shared message is: Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. Stay interested in the next puck after an attempt. The Coach teaches the action; the Parent understands the focus and supports the Player’s next opportunity.
In House League, the primary objective is to have fun. Advancement programs should explain role expectations honestly. In every setting, speak respectfully and make the next instruction clear.
See this theme across all five age groups. · Explore President Mark’s complete Even in the NHL series.
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