The Ice Hockey Coach Newsletter

Individual Video Teaching Concepts

Author

Rachel & Jeff Flanagan
April 19, 2025

MUSINGS FROM THE BENCH

Video sessions are a great addition to a coach's weekly conversation with individual players.

While it is important to show team video on a weekly basis, players need individual information that is specific to their game.

Individual Video Teaching Techniques

  1. Keep the video clip count lower. This allows for more discussion time about key points.

  1. Show a selection of the players' shifts. Four to five shifts that cover the whole game in question.

  1. Use shifts from two to three games to show the player a positive progression or focus on consistent areas that need to be improved.

  1. When showing player shifts, select one overarching key point to focus on. This will help the player to remember what it is that they need to improve upon.

  1. Always follow up with the player at the end of the video session to gauge their understanding of the material and concepts that were presented. Its a good habit to ask the player to retell the coach what they learned.

Video Teaching Concepts to Consider

Microlearning

Short, focused learning sessions can be more effective than long, drawn-out ones.

Break Down Information

Divide complex information into smaller, more manageable chunks.

SYSTEM OF THE WEEK

NZ - Transition - Centre-Winger Switch

  1. Wingers and centre attacks back low towards D.

  2. D can pass D-D or look to go quick up.

  3. C swings towards boards. If pass goes D-D the opposite way, weak side winger swings to mid ice.

  4. D moves puck to D-D. Strong side D passes to middle swing or wide to board side swing forward.

DRILL OF THE WEEK

2 vs 0 Transition Warm Up

  1. F1 with puck leaves and passes to D1.

  2. F2 also leaves at same time.

  3. D1 to D2 who then hits F2 who has begun to take ice and stretch with toes north.

  4. F1 swing low through the middle and supports the transition.

  5. F1 and F2 attack 2v0, stop at net.

  6. *Switch Stretch and Middle lines halfway through. 

  7. *Can also add WSD following up play for quick shot(s) on net.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Gold medals aren’t really made of gold. They’re made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts.”

- Dan Gable

PERFORMANCE ARTICLE OF THE WEEK

Mental, tactical approach vital to coaches during playoff race | NHL.com

Boughner says message to players control what you can, focus on next game

www.nhl.com/news/coaches-room-bob-boughner-discusses-approach-to-playoff-races

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