My Hockey Training Methodology

I have been a hockey coach for the past 17 years. I went a long way in developing my methods and making sure that my methodology generated the best possible results. My methods combine European and North American ice hockey styles. The primary emphasis is made on development of strategic and logical thinking skills, technique of agility power skating, puck shooting, stick control, rapid thinking and speed/strength endurance gained as a result of specially designed off-ice training routine developed by NHL professionals.

The major characteristic of my training method is playing numerous versions of game variations including withdrawal from defensive zone, passing through neutral zone and playing in offensive zone. The attention is focused on making training exercises look as a real game as close as possible. Development of strategic skills, logical thinking, and reacting proficiency is an integral part of my training routine. Also, significant part of the training time is dedicated to the improvement of goal scoring skills. Unlike many other training techniques, my methods pay thorough attention to a team strategy combined with developing individual understanding as to the significance of each position on the ice.

My methods could be compared to chess playing, when logical combinations and group maneuvers are important. Development of logical thinking and ability to go through several game combinations in a very limited time frame are imperative for improvement of winning skills. My methods are specifically focused on players’ ability to estimate potential changes in complex positions of the opponents. My system focuses on strategic and logical abilities, on developing skills of thinking in “three-dimensional environment”. I teach my students to position and manipulate role-playing in their heads while physically moving and doing movement combinations and maneuvers that the opponents would have difficulties to anticipate.

Experience shows that the most effective results could be reached when training is focused on the development of theoretical proficiency and training of logical thinking combined with coordination of motor skills. Ability to think logically helps my students to adapt to and coordinate themselves with the surrounding environment more rapidly and successfully.