Whenever I hit the ice with a team, especially with the high costs of ice rates, it's time to get to work and train with a specific goal in mind. Over the past year, I've shifted my focus from getting in a high-quantity of drills within a session, towards getting quality reps. Yes, some coaches might say that doing a drill for more than 8 minutes can lead to boredom and less motivated players. My counter is, you're doing the wrong drills then! Players love a challenge, and challenge is the birthplace of learning. When performing a difficult drill that might have your U15s look like mites playing Astros, players are more engaged, willing to take risks, and leave with the feeling of accomplishment.
Why Counting Reps Matters More Than Counting Minutes in Hockey Drills
Counting reps in hockey drills matters more than counting minutes because it allows players to focus on the quality of their performance rather than just the quantity of time spent on the ice. When coaches emphasize counting reps, they ensure that their players are fully engaged and attentive during each repetition, maximizing their learning and skill development. By counting reps, coaches can also track progress and provide targeted feedback to players, helping them identify areas for improvement and reinforcing good habits.
Counting minutes can lead to a passive approach where players are simply going through the motions, especially when they are tired or fatigued. In contrast, counting reps keeps players accountable and motivated, encouraging them to give their best effort on every repetition. This technique not only helps players build muscle memory and develop good habits, but it also translates to game situations where split-second decisions and quick execution are crucial.
Building Habits with Repetition
Building habits with repetition is a fundamental aspect of any successful training program. In hockey, repetition is key to ingraining good habits and muscle memory. By consistently performing drills and exercises, players develop automatic responses and reactions that can greatly enhance their performance on the ice.
Repetition allows players to fine-tune their skills, focus on key teaching points, and build consistency in their actions. It reinforces the correct technique and helps eliminate any bad habits or unnecessary movements. Whether it’s practicing shooting, passing, or skating, repetition ensures that players are constantly reinforcing the correct mechanics and improving their overall skill level.
Tips for Implementing Counting Reps into Hockey Drills
1. Set clear goals: Before beginning a drill, clearly communicate the specific objectives you want your players to focus on. This will help them understand what they should be striving for with each repetition.
2. Provide feedback: Regularly provide constructive feedback to your players based on their performance during each repetition. This will help them identify areas for improvement and reinforce good habits.
3. Track progress: Keep a record of the number of reps completed by each player. This will allow you to track their progress over time and tailor your feedback and coaching strategies accordingly.
4. Emphasize quality over quantity: Encourage your players to focus on the quality of their performance during each repetition, rather than simply trying to complete a certain number of reps. This will ensure that they are fully engaged and maximizing their learning and skill development.
5. Be consistent: Consistency is key when implementing counting reps into hockey drills. Make it a regular part of your training sessions to build good habits and allow players to continually refine their skills.
By following these tips, you can effectively implement counting reps into your hockey drills and help your players reach their full potential on the ice.
