Confidence in movement and tactical play on the ice comes from a player's memory. When they instantly recall, "That worked then and it'll work now," this re-collection of rehearsal is powerful. When it is infused with positive affirming statements from coaches there is no limit to what can be accomplished!

Add these confidence-building phrases to your coach lexicon.

• You giving your best makes me proud. Does it make you proud?
• Who's going to show us how to have a good shift/period/game?
• That play reflects your effort and work in practice.
• You must have thought about that great play for a while.
• It looks like that you care about doing things well.
• Wow! You got the hang of that!
• Look at how much you have improved.
• The time you're putting into learning that skill is working.
• You make saves like that look easy.
• You make plays/passes/checks/shots/skating like that look easy.
• What do you like about that shift?
• Just like in practice. You did that so well.
• Your line sure has chemistry.
• You are quick on your feet.
• Do you think you can do it faster?
• I think their team is excellent...Do you think we are a bit better?
• I like how you helped your teammate out. I bet he appreciates having you on the team.
• You guys are getting good!
• You are strong on your skates.
• How did you do that?
• Where did you get that wicked shot?
• Do you think we can be even better?
• How did you shoot it so quickly?
• Our mistakes don't define us. Our response does!
• That's what I call never-ending perseverance.
• I see that you can learn anything.
• Your patience is paying off.
• I think it's amazing that we were down but you guys kept working. Your effort is impressive.
• Any mistakes we make in today's game are steps forward for us. I like how, as a team, we stay hungry?
• It seems like your potential is endless. Can you prove me wrong?
• We learned something today. I know we can accept the challenge to apply it next time.
• I love coaching you.