At the 2019 TCS Live coaching conference in Toronto, Rikard Grönborg—head coach of the Swedish Men’s National Team—shared a powerful behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Swedish hockey and the role coaching played in driving that change.
In this presentation, Grönborg outlines the hybrid approach that helped reshape Sweden’s development model—blending structure with freedom, and discipline with creativity. With a focus on empowering players to make fast, instinctive decisions, Grönborg emphasizes a core belief: “It’s amazing what you can accomplish when the mind is free.”
This session is both practical and inspiring for coaches at all levels. Grönborg’s story highlights what’s possible when a coaching community commits to innovation, education, and putting the needs of the player first. For any coach looking to create real impact, this presentation offers lessons that transcend borders.
Grönborg has won more medals than any coach in Swedish history, and it’s not because of an earth-shattering technical scheme or some hidden secret to which the rest of the hockey world simply hasn’t yet caught on. It’s about simplicity and the enjoyment of the game.
It’s about freedom.
“We want their minds to be free. They’re making split second decisions on the ice. There’s nothing we can show them on a board that will help them make those plays. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when the mind is free.”
Grönborg helped lead a revolution in minor hockey by infusing the Swedish coaching collective with new resources to educate and inspire. They recognized change was needed.
“We needed really good coaching education. The coaches make the difference in the players’ lives,” he said.
How can we borrow that tactic on this side of the Atlantic? There’s an important cultural distinction we need to understand.
According to Grönborg, North America operates in black and white. In Sweden there’s room for discussion. Swedes want to give ownership to the players. The players and coaches don’t enter the rink through different doors. They’re on the same team. Instead of just giving the players every answer, the Swedish model asks the players to solve their problems. Coaches give their young players the tools to succeed and put them in situations that require tactical thinking and analysis.
“Give them help, but let them figure it out.”
Noteworthy Timestamps:
- 0:10 Coaching background
- 3:10 Changes for Swedish hockey
- 5:45 Structure
- 8:05 Swedish cultural differences
- 11:00 No structure/too much structure
- 13:00 Balanced structure/National team playbook
- 18:50 Practice to game situations
- 24:00 Culture
- 25:45 Coaching
- 28:50 Clear job descriptions
