John Russo
Changing how we teach – Part I
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- Last Updated on Thursday, 10 January 2013 18:02
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
Note: This will be one of the articles (Chapter 4, Effective Practices) in John Russo’s soon-to-be-published new book “Best of Coaches’ Corner - 26 Years.” Watch for it in 2013.
Since the mid-1990s, I had been experimenting with an expanding set of “shinny” (small area) games that I believe should make up a substantial part of each practice for all youth teams through high school. The approach is based on creating a series of zone drills/games that allow players to discover and experience the basics of the game.
Psychology topics for coaches
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- Last Updated on Friday, 04 January 2013 17:42
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
Note: This will be one of the articles (Chapter 3: Relations, Psychology, Discipline, Attitude) in John Russo’s soon-to-be published new book “Best of Coaches Corner - 26 Years.” Watch for it in 2013.
It is actually easier to coach the physical part of the game for most coaches. It tends to be the mental part that is difficult. The coach that can put both of these together is rare indeed. It is also important to get psychological items set before the season starts and to begin implementation right away.
Top 10 important coaching priorities
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- Last Updated on Thursday, 13 December 2012 18:03
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
Note: This will be one of the articles (Chapter 1; Coaching) in John Russo’s soon-to-be published book, “Best of Coaches’ Corner – 26 Years.” Watch for it in 2013.
For a young coach with little or only a few years experience, maybe this top 10 of coaching priorities will help provide some focus. I had a hard time prioritizing the top five. They all seem pretty important. Actually, all 10 seem pretty important.
Selecting and developing position
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- Last Updated on Thursday, 20 December 2012 19:17
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
Note: This will be one of the articles (Chapter 2; Getting Ready) in John Russo’s soon-to-be published new book: “Best of Coaches’ Corner - 26 Years.” Watch for it in 2013.
Many coaches tend to accept the positions of players as they come on to their teams. Youngsters have always been defensemen or forwards, and so they are chosen and continue as such. I believe that this should not be the case all the way up through high school. While it will take a bit of effort and time to convert a forward to a defenseman at the high school varsity level, a player with good overall skills can be converted if the right frame of mind exists.
Let’s first step back, however, and look at the various positions and what coaches should expect from each. That is a good portion of the basis of how the players should be chosen for each.
An open letter to coaches: Positive coaches
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- Last Updated on Thursday, 06 December 2012 18:44
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
The following letter went out to all of the Elite League (boys and girls) and Elite Development League coaches and assistants for the 2011 season. It was one of the items identified as a “focus” for this year’s play. As you all likely know, I feel the psychological portion of the game is as important as the physical, and in fact, often controls the physical aspects.
It would be worthwhile for all associations and schools to hand the letter out to all of their coaches at all levels.
