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JOIN NOWHow do I motivate my Hockey Players! HELP
I have recently taken on the role involving coaching junior hockey players (aged 10-13) who mostly have never played hockey before, and are very uninterested. Their basics are not good enough to play some games. How do I motivate them, and what kind of things shall I do in my session?
Tom ManleyTeacher, England
ANSWERS
Hockey CoachCoach
Hi Paul
Kids at this age love playing games.
I would suggest running a tournament once a month or more frequently if you feel necessary, e.g. 5 or 7 a-side. Give a medal or something for something other than top goal scorer, e.g. doing something extra...
Use the games to provide coaching, e.g. how to push or hit etc...
When they are ready, then play a friendly match against a club / school team that would give a close score and be open with the opponent`s coach.
Good luck
M
Hockey CoachCoach
I found tough in the beginning as well. I make about 75% of my drills into a competition or a game. Whether it is offense against defense or a relay, I make it into a competition.
I also had a difficult time to motivate them to run, so I made a gameboard and I tracked the laps. I allowed them to run extra laps before or after practice to get ahead or caught up. I had prizes for my players who came in the top 3 places and once everybody finished, I promised them a fun day. This also heped them motivate each other.
I also set up a sticker reward system. If they did something great, they would get a sticker. I would also choose an MVP at the end of each practice or game and they would get a sticker. Once they reach 10 stickers, they get a lap off.
Hope these ideas help!
