Color-coded Breakout System and Options

As we discussed in our video on Hockey Systems for Youngsters, structured systems CAN be taught to young hockey players, and a color-coded breakout system is one way of doing this.

Young hockey players are often more advanced physically than mentally. Because of this, players at higher levels of play can typically execute the basic patterns of a breakout (i.e. skate the puck behind the net and pass to a winger on the boards) long before they can read which option to select in a given situation.

Color-coding a breakout system allows the “read” portion of “read and react” to be passed along to the coach, who can call the plays from the bench using the color code. Well-trained players will hear the call, and react accordingly.

As players get older, they are taught to read the plays for themselves.

CLICK HERE to watch our video on “Initiating a Hockey Breakout”

Enjoy!

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How early can youngsters be taught to play “systems hockey”?

Many people have varying opinions on the correct answer to this question… and, as is often the case with philosophical hockey questions, there is more than one correct answer. The answer depends on the physical skills of your players, the mental maturity of your players, and the manner in which the systems are taught and implemented. In this video, I discuss my own personal opinions on the matter, and why I believe what I believe.

When I was 8 years old, my dad had this idea of taking the top-caliber kids from around the city, and keeping essentially the same kids together for 5 years. The end goal of his vision was to win an Ontario Championship at the “AAA” level.

As 8-year-olds, we were taught to play systems hockey based on a “color-coded” breakout set-up. Our individual skills were advanced enough that we were able to complete the patterns of a structured breakout system, even though we weren’t quite ready to read the play ourselves. So, my dad gave each breakout option a color, and he would read the pressure and call out the play from the bench. We would hear it, and react accordingly. As we got older, we were taught to read the play for ourselves and make our own decisions.

This color-coded breakout system allowed us to learn “systems hockey” years before other teams in our league. I mention a few of our team’s successes in the video.

WARNING: Do not let systems and positional development rob individual skill development. They can both be developed simultaneously if practices are structured correctly.

ENJOY!

Technorati Tags: 8 Years, Bench, Caliber, Correct Answer, Dad, Decisions, Hockey Questions, Many People, Mental Maturity, Ontario Championship, Philosophy, Play Systems, Skill Development, Successes, Teaching Hockey, Youngsters

The Window Drill is one of my staples for working on hockey crossovers with youngsters

I love the Window Drill for a few reasons: It’s easy to set up, easy to execute, you can run it half ice, and it’s extremely effective for working on hockey crossovers!

As you run this drill with your team, make sure you emphasize that the players MUST keep their feet moving throughout the entire “window.” Also, teach them to use puck protection tactics as they execute their crossovers.

Enjoy!!

CLICK HERE for a PDF of the Window Drill

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Musical Pucks is a great game to help youngsters work on crossovers

Working on crossovers can be hard and frustrating for many young hockey players. I’ve found that turning skill development drills into shooting drills or games can make them a lot more fun and motivating to work on. Musical Pucks is a small area game that demonstrates this tactic well.

Enjoy!!

CLICK HERE for a PDF of Musical Pucks

Technorati Tags: Crossovers, Games, Great Game, Hockey Players, Pdf, Skill Development, Tactic, Youngsters

This power turn and passing drill is a great one for younger to intermediate age groups.

Use this drill to work on power turns, passing, and certain timing and support concepts with your youngsters. When done well, it’s a quick-paced drill that works on some of the key fundamentals that are important in the game of hockey.

Enjoy!!

CLICK HERE for a PDF of the Perpetual Power Turn and Passing Drill

Technorati Tags: Age Groups, Game, Pdf, Youngsters