Team Training FAQ'S

 
DO YOU WORK WITH TEAMS OF ALL LEVELS?
Yes, I will work with any team at any level. The coach and I will determine what specific needs the team has and I will build my teaching plan to accommodate the specific age and level of players.
 
WHAT IS THE OPTIMAL NUMBER OF PLAYERS ON THE ICE? 
I have worked with very large number of players but find that 30 or less is best for keeping the flow of the practice moving and to be able to make corrections.
 
SHOULD THE COACHES BE ON THE ICE WITH THE TEAM?  I always recommend that the coaches are on the ice. It isn't so they can keep the kids in line, but to hear what is being taught and understand how to make corrections. This will help them reinforce the instruction at their practices.
 
DOES THE TEAM PROVIDE THE ICE?  The team contacts me with what ice times they have available. Full ice practices are optimal (but not mandatory), It is easier to keep players attention without another team practicing on the other end of the rink. In some cases, coaches will ask the other team about their participating at the same time which results in full ice and lower costs for each participant.  
 
IS STICK HANDLING INSTRUCTION INCLUDED?  During my sessions, instruction is given initially without pucks. As the players gain confidence in the skill, pucks are added to the drills. Specific stick handling instruction is not given during these sessions, just usage of the stick in relation to the body movement. I do have instructors available for specific stick handling instruction if needed.
 
SHOULD PLAYERS WEAR FULL EQUIPMENT? 
Yes, the game is played in full equipment. Practice should be no different. Learning a new skill requires feeling what the body does during the skill and, so the player can try and replicate that feel in practice, full equipment is essential. 
        
WHAT ABOUT GOALIES?  Goalies are encouraged to participate in the sessions in their full equipment. The work I do with balance and agility, edges and weight shift are very helpful to their becoming the best goaltender they can be. Drills are explained to accommodate movement of the pads.