How a Simple Visual Tool Transformed My U10 Team’s Understanding of the Game

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Jesse Candela
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As youth coaches, one of the biggest challenges we face isn’t just teaching skills — it’s helping players understand where to be and why. Systems like defensive zone coverage or forechecking can feel abstract to nine-year-olds, especially as they transition from half-ice to full-ice hockey.

Earlier this season, I decided to create a visual teaching tool for my U10 A team using CoachThem. I designed a custom document that clearly laid out our defensive zone responsibilities and forecheck structure — nothing overly complex, just simple, visual breakdowns of positioning and roles.

The goal was to give players (and parents) a clear, easy-to-understand reference they could review at home. I sent it out to the team, not knowing exactly what to expect.

Within three games, the difference was night and day.

Players were communicating better. They began to recognize where they should be without constant direction. Shifts became more organized, and decisions — especially in transition — started to look intentional. It was clear the document gave them a mental framework for understanding what we were doing on the ice.

An unexpected bonus was how engaged the parents became. Many told me it helped them understand the game better, which meant they could reinforce the right habits and positioning at home. It became a shared learning experience — players, parents, and coaches all on the same page.

From a coaching perspective, this simple tool has completely changed how I teach. When I reference positioning or system play in practice, players now have a visual to connect it to. They aren’t just reacting — they’re thinking.

For any coach working with younger age groups, especially those making the jump from half-ice to full-ice, I can’t recommend this approach enough. Taking the time to create a simple visual aid can make a massive difference in how quickly players grasp the why behind what we do.

If you’re interested in using or adapting the resource I built, I’m happy to share it. My hope is that more coaches can experience the same positive impact it had on our group.


 

About the Author

Jesse Candela played Junior hockey before spending eight years coaching U Sports football at the University of Waterloo. He has since transitioned his focus back to hockey, where he coaches youth teams and scouts for the Georgetown Raiders (OJHL). His long-term goal is to continue growing as a coach and eventually move into a Junior coaching or player development role.






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