As a parent, coach, or other adult involved in youth hockey,
you undoubtedly want your young players to be the best they can be. Just
telling them to work hard or be their best, however, is pretty abstract and is
not likely to merit the results you want. If you really want your players to be
great players, it’s important to teach them what traits and characteristics
they should be striving for and then to encourage those traits in them by
focusing on them in coaching sessions and by praising
young players when they
get them right. A few attitudes, behaviors, and skills to teach your players
include:Playing is a Privilege
Many young hockey players have been playing the sport since
before they can remember. As such, they often take playing for granted. You
need to teach your players that not everyone is fortunate enough to be able to
afford to take part in a sport, and not everyone is physically able or healthy
enough to play. Teach them that playing is a privilege, not a right, and that
they should be grateful for the opportunities they have been given.
Play for the Love of the Game
Today’s players tend to get too focused on winning, but
that’s not what the sport should be all about. Teach your players that while
it’s okay to want to win, that shouldn’t be the main focus. They should play
for a love of the game. Foster that love of sports in your young athletes by
focusing on the fun parts of the sport and all of the skills and positive
attributes that playing brings, instead of just focusing on winning.
Practice Makes Perfect
Hockey players who are truly devoted to the game will
practice every chance they get. They won’t just practice during formal or
required practices either. No, they will practice at home, in their backyards,
and pretty much anywhere they get the chance. Teach your players that practice
truly does make perfect and that the more often practice takes place, the
better off they will be.
It’s Okay to Try Something New
Don’t be afraid to encourage your young players to try out
other sports. You won’t lose anyone who is truly passionate about the game.
Plus, getting involved in other sports can make hockey more fun and can build
skills that will help hockey players to improve their game.
Accept Constructive Criticism
Nobody likes getting criticized, but constructive criticism
is necessary in order for players to grow and improve. Teach your athletes to
accept constructive criticism and, even more importantly, to implement the
criticism they receive to make themselves better players.
Bounce Back
It’s impossible to win every game or to be successful at
every new thing. That means that disappointment is bound to happen to every
athlete sooner or later. Teach your players to bounce back from disappoint. Show
them that it’s okay to express their feelings and to feel sad, disappointed,
and even a little defeated as long as they can quickly brush those feelings off
and gear up for the next game with fresh, new attitudes.
If you can work to instill these skills in your young
players, they’re bound to be the absolute best they can be!
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