As a proud advocate for women’s hockey, Kim McCullough is ecstatic that physical play is being incorporated into the women’s game more and more. It has always been a contact sport just like the men's game, but the skill and speed is increasing consistently, and that's led to more of an emphasis on incoporating proper techniques for physical play. McCullough gave an in-depth presentation at TCS Live on ways to teach physicality in both women's and men's hockey.
Using physicality is a big advantage in hockey, but it is often not a focal point in many practices. McCullough explained that getting prepared for body checking is a fundamental skill that needs to be taught throughout youth hockey. McCullough breaks down body checking into four areas of practice.
Own Your Ice
As a coach it is of value to tell your players to not accept being on the outside ice. Getting low and winning body position to get to the inside during a battle is something that coaches should instill in their teaching of players.
Win the Lane
Puck battles occur constantly all over the ice and being first to the lane to put yourself in the best position for contact is something that players need to take pride in to be successful. One of these key areas is the net - winning body positioning in front of the net is a huge key to winning the game.
Build a Wall
The third key is for coaches to teach players to build a wall with the body frame. Protecting the puck is an important part of the game when body contact is involved and needs to be practiced.
Spin Off Contact
Finally, coaches need to teach their players to be able to spin off of contact and make the next play. Being stationary is ineffective in hockey. With checking being allowed, it is vital that a player can accept body contact and be able to adapt and make a play after being hit by an opponent. Focusing more on small area games that have a pinpoint focus of handling and making plays after body contact is something that all coaches can take back to their team to work on. Much of hockey is spent on the boards and the better teams’ players are on the wall, along with experience and handling contact, the greater overall success a team will experience.
Noteworthy Timestamps:
- 0:45 Women’s hockey thriving
- 2:50 Introducing physicality
- 6:20 Physicality concepts
- 8:35 Queen of the Ring
- 10:55 Skate Through Gate
- 13:45 In & Out
- 16:00 Flippy Flip Flip
