Kim McCullough
Passenger or driver
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- Last Updated on Monday, 09 July 2012 01:03
By Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS
When parents ask me which level their daughter should play, I ask them, “Do you want your daughter to be a PASSENGER or DRIVER?” Some parents think that having their daughter play at the highest level possible is the only way she’ll really improve and get better. Their theory is that their daughter will have no choice but to improve while skating with the best players in practice and games. It’s a little bit like survival of the fittest.
Will you get noticed or get better this summer?
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS
Playoff hockey is at it’s peak in rinks across the country, but the real buzz around the rinks is about tryouts and next season. Girls’ hockey has become a year-round sport, which means that more and more spring teams, summer tournaments and camps are popping up all over the place. It seems like getting to the elite levels of female hockey means more time, more money and more commitment than ever.
Back when I was an aspiring girls’ hockey player in high school, I would have gone anywhere and done anything if I thought that it would improve my chances of “getting noticed.” But “getting noticed” and “getting better” are two very different things. The truth is that going to five spring hockey tournaments or attending a five-day summer camp isn’t going to make you better.
Choosing your team for next season
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS
When it comes to deciding where you should play next season, the most critical factor is coaching. Sure, kids want to play with their friends, they want to have fun, and the logistics of getting to and from practices and games are all critical factors in your ultimate decision. But whether you are just starting elite hockey or are starting to make choices about college hockey programs, coaching should be the single biggest factor you consider when making your decision on where to play next season.
The No. 1 confidence killer in girls’ hockey
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS
No two players are the same. So why do we constantly compare ourselves to others? Comparisons are the No. 1 confidence killer in girls’ hockey. When girls compare themselves to others, they generally focus on what makes others better than they are. That makes them concentrate on their own weaknesses, which hurts their confidence.
I’m not saying that you shouldn’t look up to players who are more talented than you are and strive to get up to their level of performance. You absolutely must have that kind of drive to get to the next level. But I’m not talking about those players who are your role models and signposts for your improvement as an athlete. I’m talking about comparing yourself to your teammates and the players you play against regularly.
Three secrets to better passing
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS
Team success in hockey is all about quick and effective puck movement. We all know that the puck always moves faster than a player can skate.
To be an effective passer, you must be able to:
• Give the right pass at the right time
• Receive passes effectively
• Give and take passes at game speed and under pressure
