Here’s the number one thing I’ll be working on with my players this offseason:
The First Move Toward the Next Play
Pro hockey is so fast that the difference between fast and slow typically come down to the quality of reaction to a novel situation (a bouncing puck, a change of possession, an unexpected feint, someone falling down, etc.).
A player’s First Move Toward the Next Play is the practice-honed response to such situations.
Players such as Brad Marchand can be first on the puck and first on the backcheck even if they’re not the fleetest. The separating factor is their knack for reacting in a timely and correct manner.
Here’s the thing: As a player the best way to be late on one’s First Move is to actively think about it. As a coach, the worst to teach First Move is to yell about it from the bench.
The pro game demands unconscious competence from the player’s part. The best way to get there is with improve practice design from the coach’s part.
In the coming weeks, I’ll share insights, tips and drills I’ve come across in my years of working with minor hockey, junior and NHL players.
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