Hockey has always been a significant part of my life. I played throughout high school, but like many, life took me in different directions. I put my skates aside in my late 20s. When I picked up the sport again, I quickly found myself burnt out only after a few seasons and disconnected myself once again. It was not until my 40s that I decided to give it another try, this time with a new perspective and healthier approaches to the game. Since then, I have not looked back. The passion I once had for hockey is stronger than ever, thanks to incorporating a few key strategies.
1. Focus on Fun and Creativity
One of the main reasons players fall in love with hockey is the sheer enjoyment of the game. The game moves fast. The hits are hard. Scoring goals feels amazing. And, the challenge to master skating, shooting, passing, and stickhandling keeps most people coming back for more. However, over time, the pressure to perform and get results eventually can overshadow this joy.
Exercise Recommendation: Fun Drills and Games
Incorporate fun drills and small-sided games into practice. For example, set up a "skills competition" day where players can showcase their individual talents in a relaxed environment. This could include fastest skater races, shooting accuracy contests, or creative puck-handling drills. Emphasizing fun and creativity will remind players why they started playing hockey in the first place.
2. Build Strong Team Bonds
Hockey is not just a physical game. It is also deeply social. The camaraderie and friendships formed within a team are powerful motivators. In fact, if you ask most people who grew up playing the sport, their best memories were not what happened on the ice but what happened off the ice. The bonds created and the memories made when staying in hotels on travel teams are what they reminisce about today. With that in mind, strengthening these bonds can reignite a player's love for the sport.
Exercise Recommendation: Team Building Activities
Organize team-building activities outside of regular practices. This could be something as simple as a team dinner or a weekend outing. During practice, introduce partner drills that require cooperation and communication. These activities will help build trust and create a sense of family within the team, making the overall hockey experience more enjoyable.
3. Set Personal and Team Goals
For those who know me well, they know I am always working on my life plan every December. Why? I love setting goals for myself. More importantly, I love having a clear roadmap or direction for my life in every area - family, relationships, finances, career, and so forth. For me, having clear and achievable goals can reignite my passion for any pursuit and the same holds true for a hockey player. By giving your athletes something to strive for in can provide a sense of direction and purpose which is essential.
Exercise Recommendation: Goal Setting Sessions
Hold regular goal-setting sessions where players can set and share their individual and team goals. Encourage players to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. For example, a player might aim to improve their slap shot accuracy by 10% over the next month. As a team, you could set a goal to improve overall defensive play. Regularly revisiting and adjusting these goals will keep players motivated and engaged.
Final Thoughts
Rekindling the love for hockey among players involves focusing on the fun aspects of the game, fostering strong team relationships, and setting meaningful goals. By incorporating fun drills, team-building activities, and goal-setting sessions into your routine, you can help players rediscover their passion for hockey. Remember, a passionate player is not only more likely to perform better but also to enjoy the game to its fullest. All that to say, take the time to implement these strategies and watch your team’s love for hockey flourish.
