How Coaches Can Maximize Their Team’s
By Weekend Hockey Tournaments, 12/13/24, 10:30 a.m. EST
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There is a lot of game action crammed into a short amount of time
Have you ever noticed how some teams perform better at tournaments than during regular-season play? Getting your team to play well during a tournament can sometimes require a different approach to preparing for any other game.
Coaching a single game can be an experience on its own. When a tournament comes around, teams often play multiple games in one day. That means numerous other factors come into play, and keeping your team focused throughout the weekend is another key responsibility. With the increased competition level, this is an opportunity for teams to be tested in a way they may not otherwise encounter during the year.
A tournament can be the highlight of a season. There are many offered throughout the province for teams of all ages and skill levels. It’s a weekend that is circled on the calendar – it often means hitting the road to play against other teams that you wouldn’t otherwise face off against.
Going into a tournament, the goal is obviously to perform as well as your team can. As the voice of the team, coaches will need to be able to adapt to the unique challenges that a tournament setting brings.
Use Your Entire Lineup
With a handful of games squeezed into a short amount of time, it will be necessary to use all of your players. We’ve emphasized why it is essential to have equal playing time among your skaters and goalies, and tournaments are a perfect example of why this is physically necessary. Keep your players engaged throughout the weekend – remember, tournaments can often be the highlight of a season, and everyone will want to remember how much fun they had together as a TEAM both on and off the ice.
Keep Warmups Simple
It will be a busy weekend, and players will need to conserve their energy. Players should still be adequately warmed up and stretched before a game, as it helps put their mindset back into game mode. The focus should be on being able to perform once the whistle goes. The last thing your team wants is tired, sluggish players when they may not need to be.
Sign up for a Tournament!
Check out the OMHA Tournament Listings page and register for a tournament! Associations across the province are hosting events for all age groups.
Eat Right to be at your best
On days with such intense physical activity that your players will encounter during tournaments, they must give themselves the right fuel to keep themselves playing at their best. Pre-planning meals is a great way to ensure players eat healthy, as well as save on some costs. Conducting a grocery run during the weekend to pick up fruits, vegetables, and snacks for the team can also help establish good eating habits.
Players need time to reset
Take full advantage of the weekend by scheduling some ‘extra-curricular’ activities outside of the tournament schedule. Go sightseeing or plan a team dinner. Players will appreciate the time away from the rink and hotel to reset and spend quality time with their teammates outside of a Hockey setting. They can come into the next game or day feeling fresh and ready to hit the ice again. Players will also need time to recharge if they had a mentally challenging game.
About The Hockey Tournament Resource
thehockeytournamentresource.com is North America’s central hub for everything tournament-related — with over 1,600 tournaments listed and growing, the platform includes a powerful tournament search function that lets users filter by location, date, tournament company, and skill level — helping families and teams quickly find the perfect event anywhere in North America and designated European trips.
Built by Hockey entrepreneurs for Hockey tournament operators, teams, and families, The Hockey Tournament Resource is your website.
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