Getting Immediate Attention

1. Consistent Alerts - Use the same sharp 2-blast whistle or call-out to indicate “stop and listen.” Use phrases like, "Freeze" or "Hold" to lock players for ideal teachable moments.
2. Establish a Command Phrase - Say something unique like “Eyes on me!”, “Eyes and ears!”, "Focus"— and ask and expect players to respond immediately.
3. Change Your Voice - Shift tone, volume, or pace. A sudden whisper can grab more attention than yelling.
4. Use Physical Proximity - Walk toward the most distracted area or player—your presence alone often settles them down.
5. Name Drop Positively - Call out: “Love the focus, Carter!”—This praises one and cues others to follow suit.

Designing Practice with Engagement in Mind

1. Keep Lines Short and Players Moving -Long lines = boredom = distractions = disruption = active disengagement/ rebellion. Create stations or split into small groups.
2. Use Timed Drills or Designed and Themed Challenges -Add urgency: “You have 20 seconds—let’s go!” keeps focus and intensity high.
3. Gamify Drills - Turn routine drills into mini-competitions (e.g., “pass relay” keeping tallied successful passes vs attempts or “beat the blue, red, green line” or "defenceman vs. forwards").
4. Create Roles or Missions -“You’re the puck retriever,” “You’re the traffic cop” or better yet add descriptive cues and terms, "You're the anchor", "You're the bumper"- kids love unique identity and responsibility. It makes them feel vital and that they belong.
5. Break Drills into Shifts -2-3 short reps with a reset keep kids attentive vs. dragging out one long sequence. Flow drills may be good to warm up and get "touches" but they can also reinforce many bad habits like long shifts, floating and a disconnected mindset.

Building Buy-In and Mindset

1. Set Clear Expectations From the Start - Quickly state today’s objectives and behavioural expectations at the beginning of each session.
2. Create Team-Wide Cues - Use call-and-response: Coach says “Ready?” the team replies “Let’s go!” or "Break!" as they break the coach scrum, the team responds "Hustle!" -These affirmations are habit builders and create team cohesion and camaraderie. 
3. Explain the “Why” Behind Drills - A 10-second explanation like “This helps your shot get off faster in games” adds purpose.
4. Let Players Demonstrate or Teach - Rotate who introduces or demonstrates a drill—players engage more when they’re in front of their peers. Peer coaching and leadership development are vital. Use triads and pairs to see results jump off the chart.
5. Use Names Often - Kids tune in when they hear their name: “Liam, we need your focus here.” Consider the use of (respectful) nicknames to energize players.

Managing Disruptive Behaviour Tactfully

1. Redirect, but Don’t Shame or Scold - “Come help me with this cone” works better than “Stop messing around!”
2. Use Silent Signals - A hand up, finger to lips, or eye contact and silence can speak louder than words.
3. Pause Practice Momentarily - Stop, reset calmly: “We’re better than this. Let’s refocus and raise our level.”
4. Praise Publicly, Correct Privately - Highlight positive examples in front of others, catch them doing it right...and reward this, but also pull players aside quietly for constructive redirects.
5. End on a Positive Challenge - Wrap up drills and sequences on a positive outcome. Then end practice with a fun game, relay, or challenge to leave them excited and eager for the next training session.

    

   Most importantly, as a coach, bring your best to practice. Bring energy, enthusiasm and excitement. Practices are when we as coaches perform, teach and lead. Your excitement and energy, like a virus, will spread throughout the team.