Hockey sense – that seemingly magical ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and make smart decisions – is often considered an innate talent. However, research and experience show that this crucial skill can be developed through proper training and guidance. This comprehensive guide will explore how coaches and parents can help young players develop their hockey sense and elevate their game to new levels.
What Is Hockey Sense?
Hockey sense, often called "game IQ," encompasses a player's ability to:
Anticipate where the puck and other players will be
Make quick, effective decisions under pressure
Recognize patterns and opportunities during play
Position themselves optimally on the ice
Understand and adapt to game situations in real-time
This combination of skills separates good players from great ones, and while some athletes may have natural predispositions toward better game awareness, hockey sense can be cultivated through dedicated practice and proper guidance.
The Foundation: Teaching Game Awareness
Before diving into specific drills and exercises, it's essential to establish a foundation of basic game awareness in young players. This begins with teaching them to constantly scan their environment and process what they see.
The Three-Point Scan
Teach young players to implement a regular three-point scan:
Puck Location: Where is the puck, and who has possession?
Teammate Positions: Where are their teammates, and what options do they present?
Opposition Positions: Where are the opponents, and what threats or opportunities do they create?
This scanning pattern should become second nature, performed regularly whether the player has the puck or not. Encourage players to practice this scan during drills and scrimmages, gradually increasing the speed at which they can process this information.
Developing Anticipation Skills
Anticipation is a crucial component of hockey sense. Here are several methods to help young players improve their anticipatory abilities:
Video Analysis
One of the most effective tools for developing hockey sense is structured video analysis. Consider these approaches:
Watch game footage with players, pausing at key moments to discuss potential outcomes
Have players predict what will happen next before resuming play
Review both successful and unsuccessful plays to understand why certain decisions worked or failed
Study professional games together, focusing on players who excel at reading the game
Pattern Recognition Drills
Create practice scenarios that help players recognize common game patterns:
Two-on-One Situations
Set up repeated two-on-one drills
Vary the defensive player's positioning
Have players identify and exploit the best passing and shooting lanes
Discuss decision-making after each repetition
Small-Area Games
Implement 3-on-3 or 4-on-4 games in confined spaces
Require quick decision-making
Encourage creativity and problem-solving
Provide immediate feedback on choices made
Decision-Making Under Pressure
Hockey sense truly shines when players can make smart decisions under pressure. Here are strategies to develop this capability:
Progressive Pressure Drills
Start with basic decision-making scenarios and gradually increase the pressure:
Static Decision-Making
Begin with no defensive pressure
Allow players time to survey options
Discuss choices before execution
Limited Pressure
Add passive defenders
Introduce time constraints
Maintain focus on decision quality
Game-Speed Pressure
Implement full defensive pressure
Require quick decisions
Maintain proper technique under stress
Decision Trees
Teach players to develop mental decision trees for common situations:
When Receiving the Puck:
Is there immediate pressure?
Yes: Quick pass or chip to space
No: Proceed to next option
Can I advance the puck?
Yes: Look for passing or skating lanes
No: Protect puck and support options
Is there a scoring opportunity?
Yes: Attack the net
No: Maintain possession and reset
Off-Ice Development
Hockey sense development isn't limited to on-ice activities. Consider these off-ice approaches:
Mental Visualization
Teach players to visualize game scenarios:
Have them imagine common game situations
Ask them to mentally work through different options
Encourage visualization before games and practices
Practice mental rehearsal of successful plays
Sports Cross-Training
Encourage participation in other sports that develop similar decision-making skills:
Basketball for court awareness and spacing
Soccer for field vision and movement
Lacrosse for similar tactical concepts
Tennis for reading opponents and anticipating movements
Communication Development
Strong communication skills enhance hockey sense by helping players:
Share information with teammates
Receive and process feedback quickly
Coordinate movements and strategies
Build team awareness and cohesion
Communication Drills
Implement drills that require verbal communication:
Blind passing exercises where players must communicate locations
Position-specific callouts during scrimmages
Team movement drills with verbal coordination
Leadership exercises for on-ice direction
Measuring Progress
Track the development of hockey sense through observable metrics:
Key Performance Indicators
Successful pass completion percentage
Turnovers versus possession maintenance
Quality scoring chances created
Defensive read success rate
Transition play effectiveness
Assessment Tools
Regular video review sessions
Progress tracking charts
Feedback from multiple coaches
Self-assessment questionnaires
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When developing hockey sense in young players, be aware of these common pitfalls:
Over-Structuring Play
Don't remove all decision-making opportunities
Allow for creative problem-solving
Avoid excessive system-based play at young ages
Negative Feedback on Creative Attempts
Encourage risk-taking in appropriate situations
Maintain positive reinforcement
Focus on the decision-making process, not just outcomes
Ignoring Off-Puck Development
Emphasize movement and positioning without the puck
Teach support play and space creation
Develop awareness in all game situations
Conclusion
Developing hockey sense in young players requires patience, consistent practice, and a structured approach to training. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a long-term focus on development, coaches and parents can help players improve their game reading abilities and decision-making skills.
Remember that every player develops at their own pace, and improvement in hockey sense often comes in subtle increments rather than dramatic leaps. Stay committed to the process, celebrate small improvements, and maintain a positive learning environment that encourages creative thinking and smart decision-making.
Most importantly, keep the development process fun and engaging for young players. When players enjoy learning and practicing these skills, they're more likely to retain information and continue improving their hockey sense throughout their playing careers.
