Running a rec league team practice

[thekingsingh 0]

I'm organizing a practice for my beer league team, so we can work on a couple of offensive and defensive strategies. I've never run a practice before, and at the same time I also want to take part in the drills (that I still have to research and decide on) as well. We have an hour to work on breaking out, cycling and likely one or two other topics.

Anyone have any tips on how I should run this session in terms of process and/or what strategies I can use to try and get the stuff we work on to sink in? I'd appreciate any advice.

Thanks!

[pantherfan 0]

Bring a whistle!

Try and get your hands on a white board and don't take shit especially if these guys are your friends, maybe sit out for the first of every drill just to make sure it goes smoothly and then jump in.

[Smitty34 0]

I agree on the white board, those are a good way to draw things up and teach on the fly. Also, the good coaches that I've had at any level know how to talk to players. If someone messes up, instead of yelling at them about their mistake, tell them or show them how to fix it.

Breakouts and cycling are a good thing to practice. If you're trying to think of anything else, forechecking is a good thing to work on too.

[Jarick 5]

We hired a local high school coach to run practices for our team. We've learned a lot.

The best things were small group work in the offensive zone (3-on-2, 3-on-1, 2-on-1, etc) and breakout plays (dump in, chase, D sets up, pass to winger on the wall, break out as a line).

[Hooah4 12]

We hired a local high school coach to run practices for our team. We've learned a lot.

The best things were small group work in the offensive zone (3-on-2, 3-on-1, 2-on-1, etc) and breakout plays (dump in, chase, D sets up, pass to winger on the wall, break out as a line).

I'll second Jarick's idea. A coach who's getting paid won't take sh$t frm anyone and he'll be unbiased. It can work wonders for a team.

[chippa13 1844]

Beer leaguers having a practice.................interesting.

[dix0r 0]

i can say from working in rinks for the last few years that its not uncommon here, usually in between seasons when there's more dead ice.

they usually just do drills for half the ice slot, and scrimmage for the second half. not bag skates or anything.

[diehardfan 0]

Beer leaguers having a practice.................interesting.

at least they want to learn and play well as a team, nothing wrong with that.

Usually rinks have coaching lessons, talk to the coaches and ask them if they would be willing to coach for a hour privately. I think its best to hire a coach, rather than doing it yourself especially if you have no experience. Its not just about running drill, controlling the players and the little things each individual is doing right or wrong can be picked up by a experienced coach.

Good luck.

[thekingsingh 0]

Beer leaguers having a practice.................interesting.

Yes, I know :) But we're tired of choking in our league's playoffs, and they're fast approaching!

[Chadd 916]

Beer leaguers having a practice.................interesting.

Happens most often at the lower levels and it's just as good a developmental tool for adults as it is for anyone else.

[SidCaeser 0]

I've been playing organized, if you can call beer league organized, hockey for four years now. I have never played high school, club, etc... where practices were held. Everything I have learned is from conversation or game time experience. Running a practice or a mini camp would be beneficial. Getting the guys on the same page, understanding positioning better & other things would be great.

We had one of the high school coaches on our summer league team, and he was the center on my line. During face-offs & on the bench he would be coaching/teaching me. It was the most I learned in such a short time.

Beer leaguers still want to play hockey well. They don't want to suck all the time. Don't compare beer league play to being sent out to pasture. Beer league isn't the final step before death.

[pantherfan 0]

I find theres about a 3:1 mix of people that either want a game or nothing at all to those who just love being on the ice game or no game. I know I'm probobly in the minority here but I enjoy a good training session almost as much as a game.

[Jarick 5]

Beer leaguers having a practice.................interesting.

Happens most often at the lower levels and it's just as good a developmental tool for adults as it is for anyone else.

That's what we are. Most guys have only played a few years, and we want to get better as a team. We had a lot of great players, but we couldn't play well together. The hope is to overcome that.

I find theres about a 3:1 mix of people that either want a game or nothing at all to those who just love being on the ice game or no game. I know I'm probobly in the minority here but I enjoy a good training session almost as much as a game.

I'm the same way. With the exception of me having no endurance (maybe due to sports asthma), I enjoy learning more about the tactics. I find I have to try and outsmart my opponent since I'm usually not as fast or smooth skater.

[chippa13 1844]

Beer leaguers having a practice.................interesting.

Yes, I know :) But we're tired of choking in our league's playoffs, and they're fast approaching!

I'll chip in the first $10 if you pull a Herbie.............."AGAIN!!!".............[assistant blows whistle].

I think the idea of having a coach outside of your team running the practice is a good one. It will be a lot easier to get folks to pay attention and listen.

[Jarick 5]

Right, it's a coach teaching breakouts, drills, correcting individual mistakes, not really pushing us to perfection or doing fitness.

[nickerjones 8]

also make sure there is beer afterward =)