One reason your players may not understand your systems
By Josh Levine
It’s a common problem coaches face every season. We get out the whiteboards, three-ring binders and handy diagrams to show our players all of our team systems. From defensive zone coverage to the power play, we harp on what needs to be done in practice, in the locker room, and maybe even in take-home assignments for our players. Yet many still don’t seem able to process what we are telling them. They still don’t properly execute our systems! There are many reasons this can happen that range from the coach not clearly explaining the system to players simply not listening.
There is one reason, however, that I think is often overlooked – for most players at all levels, the game is VERY fast. When we watch a Squirt game, it is glacially slow. From the stands or the bench, it seems so blatantly obvious where the puck should be passed or where the player should skate. For the players on the ice, the game is moving at a fast pace and they are unable to process everything in time to make the proper decisions. Often this can be because they lack the skill necessary to do so. Instead of getting their head up and reading the ice, a PeeWee skater might spend that precious second or two trying to handle the puck.
Why does it matter if this is the reason our players don’t properly execute systems? It matters and especially so for smaller or less talented associations because the solution is counterintuitive. Instead of trying to teach the breakout for 45 minutes, it probably is a better use of time to work on puckhandling skills, speed, agility and passing. If each of those skills improves, then the players will have more time and space to process the ice and execute properly.
How do you know if your players understand your system but don’t execute because a lack of skill? First, as a coach or parent, if your team is consistently losing against other squads, it is most often because of a skill deficit – not a problem with systems. Secondly, have your players teach the systems back to you. If they know how to diagram and explain it to you, then you can safely assume they understand it!
Once you identify this problem, a greater emphasis on skill development makes sense, especially at the younger ages when training gains from skills work come relatively quickly. Faster speed, quicker hands and more accurate passes just might help your players see the ice and make the right plays.
Josh Levine is the Assistant Coach of the Jefferson Girls Varsity Hockey team, owner of The Fortis Academy and founder of fortishockey.com. He provides associations with leadership training, parent seminars, skating instruction and more. Have any questions for Josh? He can be reached at joshletsplayhockey@gmail.com.
