Description
Book SynopsisSmall-area games have been proven to increase a player’s ability to excel in tighter spaces, increase explosive speed, improve decision making, and enhance efficiency on the ice. Used with some of hockey’s most elite players, this small game methodology can now be used by coaches everywhere to develop players’ skills and put a winning team on the ice.
In
Coaching Hockey With Small-Area Games, Hockey Canada skills consultant Dave Cameron shares the games and coaching tips he uses with players ranging from pros (NHL, AHL, and ECHL) to young athletes just learning to play the game.
He breaks down more than 50 small-area games covering all major aspects of play:
- Offensive skills and tactics
- Defensive skills and tactics
- Transitions
- Face-offs
- Power plays
- Penalty killing
More than just the
how, you’ll learn the
why. Cameron explains the skills being developed, what to focus on during the games, and how to recognize and correct common player mistakes. And each game can be modified to match the skill level of the players.
For maximum effectiveness, turn to the game finder and select the games that are most applicable based on player skill and intended developmental outcome. And to allow more time for coaching instead of planning, use the ready-made practice sessions designed for practices of different lengths and for developing specific skills.
Coaching Hockey With Small-Area Games will help you create game-like situations in practice so your players can develop the skills to play smart and with precision, speed, and confidence.
Trade Review“Coaches are constantly in search of ways to replicate game conditions. Limiting time and space enhances skill development and has a positive influence on decision making. The purposeful small-area games in Coaching Hockey With Small-Area Games
are motivating and beneficial, and they ensure all players are never far from the action.”—Paul Carson, President of the Coaching Association of Canada
“I have always felt that every coach should have a bank of small-area games to use for player development at all levels. With Coaching Hockey With Small-Area Games,
one of Canada’s top coaches, Dave Cameron, has put together a resource to keep practices fun, competitive, and educational.”—Mike Johnston Sr., Vice President, General Manager, and Head Coach of Portland Winterhawks Hockey Club
Table of ContentsChapter 1. Benefits of Small-Area Games
Chapter 2. Designing Your Own Small-Area Games
Chapter 3. Warm-Up Games
Chapter 4. Offensive and Defensive Games
Chapter 5. Specialty Team Games
Chapter 6. Transition Games
Chapter 7. Face-Off Games
Chapter 8. How to Apply to Game-Like Situations
Chapter 9. Developing Practice Plans From Drills to Small-Area Games
