This year I will be coaching a group of players that will be playing full-ice hockey for the first time. A few of the 9-10 year olds have a basic understand of offside from watching games on tv, or watching their older siblings play, but a handful are learning about an entirely new concept. 

All youth coaches know... the players eventually figure it out. Most of them, after a 15 segment dedicated to "offsides" in practice coupled with the first weekend games of the year, while others are nearing the Christmas break with some uncertainty still. But everyone eventually gets it. 

So I'm curious, How do other coaches teach the concept of offside in a way that minimizes having to reach back, spending additional time in practice rehashing the concept, and minimize lost in-game scoring opportunities?

I think a lot of coaches likely do a mix of some board talk, drawing examples either in the dressing room or on the ice, and then simply running through scenarios demonstrating what offside is. Coaches with the technology available may use video as part of their lesson as well. 

I think time at the board defining offside is essential, and the first step, but once that has been completed, experience is the best teacher. The kids need to be placed in situations where they have opportunities go offside, and stay onside.

Scrimmaging creates the game-like atmosphere, but sometimes doesn't create the offside interactions that we hope. Switching to cross ice, with an offside line can help create more of those opportunities. We include half ice 3 on 3 with an offside line right down the middle into our stations at practice. This small area game gives creates numerous offside opportunities that the full ice scrimmage doesn't. It even works at older ages to help players developing their timing when entering the offensive zone.  

Another helpful hint in teaching offside happens during drills. It is important that we as coaches don't "let" the players play offside. 

Take the example below:

This simply warm up drill is used to practice 2 on 1's. Many teams incorporate it into their game warm up as well. It is not uncommon when I watch teams perform this drill that I see a bobbled pass in the middle, and the skater without the puck enters the zone with no regard as to whether the puck has entered the zone yet or not. Depending on where your team is at in their development, this may be of no concern to you, but with a team that is learning about offiside, the rep should be blown down if offside occurs. This will quickly reinforce the idea to new players that they must be aware of their body's position on the ice in relation to the puck. 

The drill above is just one example, but their are many drills that involve carrying the puck or entering the offensive zone. We don't want our players to develop bad habits, and so blowing down the offsides even in practice will help them quickly grasp the idea, and prevent mistakes in those early season game situations. 

These are just a few ideas in regard to helping our young youth players grasp the concept of offside early on. 

What other strategies do you use? Leave a comment.