John Russo
Speed and pace of game
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
I was recently on vacation in Florida and read an article in the Fort Myers News-Press that praised the demise of the “goon” in pro hockey. The article stressed the change to a much faster game with more skills involved. I hadn’t realized that the NHL has had a 600 minute per team, per season decrease in penalties over the past 15 years. In the minor leagues, such as the ECHL, the decrease has been over 800 minutes. That’s seven to 10 minutes of penalties per game less! Not only was there a substantial decrease in penalties, but at the same time, penalties are being called much more closely. There is little tolerance for interference or sticks on the body (hooking) any longer. This translates to a much faster game where speed and skills (at speed) really do count. That is not to say that tough, Cal Clutterbuck-kind of play no longer exists or is not important. Toughness will always be part of the game. We’ve finally moved to a place where toughness is not defined by fighting, slashing, interference and hooking. So, what does that mean to a youth or high school coach? It means that speed and pace are even more important. Coaches can help their teams become faster, in a very substantial and impactive way. Having a good in-season and off-season workout program in place and monitored is important for individuals. Making certain that players understand that the legs are the most important workout item is critical. Making certain that players understand that leg squats (or hip sled work), as well as jumping, sprinting and plyometrics, are the single most important workout item is also critical. However, without downplaying any of the above muscle, strength, agility, speed and development items, there is one thing that coaches can do to provide the most impact. That is to teach their players to put out 100 percent all the time. I have said this many times in the past and will repeat it here again. A fast player at 85 percent is not as fast as an average speed player at 100 percent – and not as determined. An average speed team, if pushing at a 100 percent pace will overwhelm most opponents. As I have watched games as a coach and mentor/consultant over the past 40-plus years (since I quit competitive hockey), it is obvious to me that teams with the best pace (higher effort) generally win. Even two exceptional teams in the finals of their divisions will have one team faster (trying harder) than the other – and generally winning. What are the characteristics of a faster/harder trying team? • Their forwards put a considerable amount of pressure on the opposition D’s when forechecking, often getting to the puck in time to disrupt breakouts or intercept passes. • They skate all the way to the puck when going after it. They do not coast in the last 15 to 30 feet; rather, they compete hard for it – all the way to the puck. • Because they skate all the way to the puck, they are much more physical in competing for the puck. They make much more body contact. • They win almost all of the short races to the puck; into corners, behind the net, in all small areas. • They win most of the skirmishes along the boards – mostly because they are a half step quicker after the puck and, at 100 percent effort, are more determined. • They seem to have more momentum at more times during the game. They are actually pushing hard all the time and when the other team lets up even a little, they take over. • They often bottle the opposition up in the offensive zone. They seem to be on the puck at all times. The other team ends up icing the puck several times during the game to end this dominance. • They get fewer penalties. The other team gets more penalties because they are trying to slow them down by hooking, holding and interference. • They don’t look tired, even though they seem to be going faster. They change often and on the fly. The players coming off and going on are full tilt. • They seem to be able to break out of their own end easily most of the time, while the opposition is struggling with their breakouts. You probably noticed that I use “fast,” “hard trying” and “high pace” all pretty interchangeably. If you think about it, they all refer to teams that have a fast pace; what for an individual is called a “fast motor.” I like fast motor players and fast motor teams. That doesn’t mean that they are literally naturally faster; I just mean they try harder. It’s the Pete Rose, the Cal Clutterbuck. And were they good as well? Certainly – but they really tried hard. Clutterbuck might well be in the minor leagues without his motor, his desire. Now, we get to the important question for youth through high school coaches. How do you create this exceptional effort, this team pace? I’ve had to look back sometimes at my practices to see what I was doing in detail because my teams always have had great pace – overwhelming pace in most cases. It mostly happens in practice. While there are some drills that need to be slower to teach; to practice power play, for example, all the rest need to be at 100 percent. It’s simply an offshoot of short interval skating training, where the drills are short but at “overspeed” –i.e., at the edge of being uncomfortable. An example might be a 3-on-0 flow drill. Just simply going down the ice 3-on-0, criss-crossing, passing, one shot at the end. For me, it is a pace drill. I want it at 100 percent, and I give my team a rating every time down the ice: 85 percent, 90 percent, 100 percent, etc. The whole “pace of drill” concept also takes care of all conditioning. It really is a matter of demanding that your players practice at 100 percent all the time – and compete fully all the time – and push their teammates all the time; in practices and in games. The players that won’t do that end up on the lower lines. They fast learn to compete for higher lines. It’s a little uncomfortable for coaches sometimes. It requires constant pushing in practice for more effort, more competition. It is also a matter of choosing drills that help create the pace – and create skills at a higher pace. It is impossible for a player to develop skills at a fast pace by practicing them at a slower pace. I’ve told a thousand players to not practice shooting on the ice standing still or by shooting easy. Practice shooting with feet moving and shooting full tilt every time, just like games. The 3-on-3 tag up drills can be great effort teachers, as can in-zone three forwards on two defense drills with time limits. Coaches need to find or create small game situation drills or competitions where they can ask the players to go 100 percent. Every drill that requires a player to try as hard as possible is a good drill for effort and pace. I like to start and end practice with simple, skill teaching but very full effort drills. The practice opener is just starting at the hash marks on the boards, coming across the top of the circle at full speed (enforced by the coaches), shooting with feet moving (enforced by coaches). The next player should start every 1-2 seconds. The practice ender is started at the blue line, 1-1/2 trips around the center circle, coming out at the same blue line on the opposite side – but three at a time and with full contact. Then the opposite direction – then backwards both ways. It’s effort, agility, balance – and fun. Coaches have to monitor 100 percent effort – and control contact (turn sticks around). I also encourage coaches to adjust their drills to be realistic and to allow 100 percent effort. It is impossible, for example, to have full-ice 3-on-2’s with full effort – and have very many rotations without tiring out the players (tired players don’t create pace). Instead, have the 3-on-2’s off the side boards (every 10 seconds), forming on the neutral zone and attacking at absolute 100 percent speed at the blue line – just like a game. Now you can do many rotations at full pace. Have the D’s also take turns passing to the three forwards at the start (hard passes!). Well, hopefully the message is clear. Coaches do have a say as to whether their teams are fast (hard trying) or not. Pace (hard trying) comes from practice. Except for the very rare fast and hard trying player, SPEED IS A CHOICE! John Russo, Ph.D., is founder and director of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League. He was a captain at the University of Wisconsin, and his Coaches’ Corner columns have appeared in LPH since 1986.
Open letter to parents
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
We are at that time of year when the youth hockey season hits its stride, when coaches are establishing the rules and relationships with players and parents. To assist coaches with the very important and sometimes difficult task of dealing honestly and sincerely with parents, but at the same time trying to keep them “at arms length” from the team process, I have composed a “letter to parents” that coaches may want to use. It first appeared in Let’s Play Hockey nearly 20 years ago. Dear Parents: Another exciting season of youth hockey is upon us for your youngster and for you. We are looking forward to a very successful season in all of the proper respects. Surely, we want to win games, but not at the expense of the enjoyment, fun and development of your child. We also do not want to win at the expense of sportsmanship, fairness and a sense of working as a team. Actually, if we can create all of those (enjoyment, sportsmanship, etc.) along with good basic skill development and team systems, we will win our share of games. My assistants and I have a dozen and a half youngsters to work with on an equal basis. We will see the team four to eight hours per week and will get to know each player pretty well as the season progresses. We will probably never know each youngster as well as you know your own, however. You will play an important role in your own child’s development this year and will directly affect how the chemistry and togetherness (critical items) of the team develops. We are asking you to help optimize individual and team development by doing the following: • Support your child in the most positive manner possible. Encouragement by parents is important to youngsters. They must know that you feel good about what they are doing. If your child is struggling, show some patience. • Come talk to the head coach if you have concerns—the earlier the better. We need to know if you are not satisfied with what is going on. We will either give you an explanation or will talk out the situation so it can be resolved. We will also approach you if we feel it is appropriate. • Try to recognize your child’s current level of ability and their “fit” within the team. Not everyone is the big goal scorer, for example. There are many key roles to be filled on every team. You will almost always overestimate your child’s abilities. • Be positive at games. Cheer for your team, not against the other team. Please do not give the referees a hard time at any time as it can hurt the team. The refs try hard to be fair and seldom affect the overall outcome of a season. Remember: the breaks go both ways. Yelling probably makes your child nervous. • Stress fairness and sportsmanship to your youngster. These are key traits that will be important for this season and for life. • Get your child to practices and games on time—and don’t let the youngster skip these activities unless other important things are happening (always call a coach). Misses are hard on the team. • Don’t interact with your child during practices and games in any manner. Interaction during performance is the sure path to poor performance and a high level of anxiety for the youngster. Try to put yourself in the other shoes. Have a good time and enjoy the season. Sincerely, Your child’s hockey coaches John Russo, Ph.D., is founder and director of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League. He was a captain at the University of Wisconsin, and his Coaches’ Corner columns have appeared in LPH since 1986.
End of season coaches’ activities
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
I haven’t spent much time on this subject in almost 20 years. So it is appropriate to talk about what coaches should do for themselves and their players to look back at the season just ended – and help prepare for the next season. For most coaches, the end of the season is a time of some sadness because it has ended, mixed with feelings of tiredness and relief, after several months of hard work. Probably the happiest people involved are the wives of coaches; but that’s another story! Starting preparation for next season is probably the last thing on most coaches’ minds. This is, however, the best time to consider several things that are critical to coaching in the following year. It is also time to look at some of the things that can help make the future season easier, for both the coaches and their players. The first thing that I have recommended for many years is that the coaches provide a “report card” for each player. Even if your team ended its play 3 or 4 weeks ago, it is not too late to sit down for 2-3 hours and help give your team members some guidance as to what they should concentrate on for improvements during the off-season. It also gives the coach a chance to think about how much improvement he has created in his players over the season. The best way to do report cards is to make notes about each player early in the season, then do some comparisons at the end. The evaluation should deal with the skill areas (skating, passing, receiving passes, shooting, stickhandling, checking and team play) plus attitude development and understanding of the game. It is important to provide good positive feedback by highlighting strengths, plus point out weaknesses that need work. For excellent evaluation forms and advice, coaches only need review the USA Hockey Coaches Manuals. The second thing that coaches should do at the end of the season is provide some solid offseason training advice to players. For older players, those already through puberty, weightlifting can be of substantial benefit and should be encouraged. It is best if youngsters lift weights in a supervised program so that injuries from improper technique and poundage do not occur. It is also recommended that any workout program first concentrates on legs, specifically the quads and hamstrings where speed, agility, quickness and cornering are “centered.” I’ve always said that if you can only do one exercise, then it must be the squat. The next concentration is center core – and overall body development. All serious players should be working out once they reach puberty. Summer rollerblading, as well as shooting pucks from smooth platforms, can go a long way towards correcting deficiencies before the next season begins. Youngsters that do not shoot in the offseason will seldom develop the kind of explosive shot they will need once they reach the high school level. It doesn’t take much offseason ice to improve; only hockey rollers and a place to shoot and stickhandle (garage floor!). Another thing for coaches is to take a good broad look at the season and determine and write down several things and answer several questions (this is your report card): • Was the season “successful” – what were the measures? • Did the team and individuals improve substantially? • What were the major contributors to satisfactory or unsatisfactory improvement? • How were coach-parent relations? • What are the 2-3 good things to expand for next year – and 2-3 things to eliminate? • What will make me, as a coach, better in the offseason? • How did the assistant coaches perform; do I want them back? • Grade yourself A,B,C,D,E (with +/-). Attendance at higher level USA Hockey coaching clinics is also good to help improve. It is also important for head coaches to ask their assistants to spend some time offseason at clinics and in reviewing publications and videos. Looking at videos together can consolidate the learning process and keep the coaching “team” on the same track. USA Hockey has many good videos and books; and there are hundreds for sale on the market. I have a library of dozens of books and videos that I have used extensively over the years. Now is the time to plan ahead as to what improvements you want to make in coaching skills for next season and to take the steps to make the improvements happen. John Russo, Ph.D., is founder and director of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League. He was a captain at the University of Wisconsin, and his Coaches’ Corner columns have appeared in LPH since 1986.
U of M Athletics goes for big money grab
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
As a season ticket holder (20+ years) for University of Minnesota men’s hockey, I recently received a letter from Athletics Director Joel Maturi notifying me that I would soon be getting surcharged for each of my two seats, beginning with the 2012-13 season. This new program is called the EXPANDED “Preferred Seating Program.” I didn’t know there even was a Preferred Seating Program. The letter went on to describe the use of “Gopher Points” to “reallocate season ticket locations at Mariucci Arena.” The Gopher Points would be used to “rank each season ticket holder.” These points being earned by: 1. How long you’ve had your seats (called “ticket history”). 2. Whether or not you graduated from the University of Minnesota. 3. Donations to U of M Athletics. 4. Donations to the University of Minnesota. Seems if you can rack up enough points, you can keep your tickets where you are or even move up to better seats — maybe replacing some poor slob who can’t pony up $500 or $1,000. I think items 3 and 4 are the real key to this new “reallocation.” It’s really just a coercion aimed at reallocating money from the pockets of season ticket holders that are already paying $35 per seat plus $10-$11 to park — to the U of M athletic department’s bank account. Gopher hockey already charges the highest ticket price in the country, not even counting the $10-$11 parking. The letter mentioned the need for more money numerous times. In one paragraph alone, they stated money needs with the following: • “...change will provide increased donations to meet the ongoing financial challenges we face.” • “...this is the best way to meet our ever increasing financial challenges...” • “...the continuing need to increase revenue....” The letter also mentions the need for more money to make “facility upgrades” and improve the “fan experience.” Monies to build Mariucci Arena and Ridder Arena were raised in the hockey community, so no cost for facility upgrades there. I’d would like to know what this improved fan experience will be, however. There might be an improved fan experience of those — with the cash — to move to better seats. Those that don’t have the cash and get moved to lesser seats, not so much. Let’s take a look at what this whole thing gets down to then. While this isn’t official, it comes from an unnamed “reliable source” — wow, I always wanted to be able to say that, just like the big time reporters! The folks that will get to pony up $500 per ticket (on top of their season ticket cost of $35/seat/game) now are in sections 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 19 plus the suites. The non-suite season tickets will go up from $747 to $1,247, a whopping 67 percent. The lesser peons in the poorer seats in sections 5, 6, 10, 16, 20 and 21 will only have a 33 percent increase of $250/seat. Then the folks like me who are in the corners (sections 3, 4, 11, 15, 22, 23) will only have to fork over $100/seat — a measly 13 percent. The three sections behind the net where the Gophers “only shoot once” (sections 1, 2, 24) will not be assessed a donation. The student section will be combined in sections 12, 13 and 14. This big money grab is estimated to produce $1.5-2 million per year. The hockey fan will get in return — well nothing, actually. The talk lately is of needing a new football coach. The estimate to attract a really good coach (like Tim Brewster was 4-5 years ago) is about — $1.5-2 million per year. Maybe that’s why they need the money. Football already has its preferred seating program. Maturi was able to coerce money out of the football faithful by giving them a new football stadium. I understand basketball is in for the same treatment; they will get a good fleecing also. It’s time that big time University athletics is reined in. President Bruininks and the other university presidents across the country ought to take an honest look at what’s going on. Just like professional sports, the owners (or athletic director/presidents) want more money, so they can build better facilities, so they can attract more fans, so they can make more money, so they can .... So they can what? It’s all out of control. Hockey at the University of Minnesota makes a substantial surplus every year — in the millions. This money is then used to subsidize other sports that can’t get enough interest to attract fans or money donations. The women’s crew team, for example. Many of the sports are there to balance the men’s and women’s opportunities for Title IX. Maybe it’s time that the University presidents get control again. Then again, most of them make less salary than their football coaches. So-called “scholarships” ought to be based on need only. Preseason trips like the basketball team’s foray to Canada for games ought to be curtailed. Maybe it’s time to finally take an honest look at what university athletics has turned into. At the U of M, it’s money-grubbing and coercive; and not even currently successful in the sports where they are trying to milk more money. Maturi, in his letter to hockey season ticket holders, said, “We are sensitive to the fact that changes of this magnitude will affect many of our loyal supporters, and that this is certainly an emotional issue. However, the continually need to increase revenue cannot be ignored.” Excuse me, Joel, but you are not sensitive to how this will affect your loyal hockey supporters, many of whom are blue collar, and many of whom have had season tickets for decades. You are sensitive to getting more money. I recently talked to a friend who has three boys in college or shortly to be there — and has taken a drop in pay due to the economy. After 25 years as a season ticket holder, he doesn’t see how he will be able to afford $1,247 per ticket per year. He will have to move to the “cheap seats” to afford hockey (and maybe only get a 13 percent increase). The U of M’s athletic director and president are willing to tick off their hockey fan base, one of the best in the country that is currently paying the highest ticket prices in the country, to squeeze another $1.5-2 million out of them. WOW, what a concept! These guys are tough. They are brutally tough! Wait a minute. Maybe they ought to be the new football coaches — tougher football team AND they could each make football coach salaries. It’s a win-win!
Team unity and performance
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- Last Updated on Sunday, 27 May 2012 23:31
By John Russo
Let’s Play Hockey Columnist
Team unity may be the single most important item (short of talent) that influences team performance. I have seen many teams that have great player talent, but almost never perform up to that talent level, most of the time losing when the key games are on the line. Often, the cause is lack of team unity. Every hockey team is made up of 15-20 INDIVIDUALS that must operate as a whole to get the best performance. As all coaches know, this is not automatic nor is it easy to attain. Some teams (such as high school) have players that have been together at least every other year for 6 to 10 years. Sometimes this helps unity, sometimes it hurts. On the negative side, old “cliques” sometimes evolve that can create walls between groups of players. On the positive side, the players get to know each other well and can become much like a family that will pull together in important situations. The enemies of team unity are: • Weak leadership from the coaches. Coaches have to work for and encourage team togetherness. Lack of close scrutiny and influence by coaches leaves too high a likelihood of problems through “natural” process. Working on team unity is a part of coaching. It is a “life skill.” • Weak leadership from the captains. Sometimes this problem is due to having the wrong captains. Players don’t always vote with good sense as to who would be the best leaders. Often it is a popularity contest. If coaches pick captains, they may not realize who the real or best leaders are, or are not. • The older/better players have bad or negative attitudes or they have bad habits (alcohol, drugs, etc.). The younger players can be strongly influenced by these elders. I have seen coaches literally cut groups of high school seniors because their attitudes were very bad and made team unity impossible. Bad attitudes are contagious, especially when the older/better players are spreading them.Younger/lesser players are susceptible. • Having a history of losing. Winning and losing aren’t everything, as we have all tried to convince ourselves and others for years. Consistent losing over a period of time, however, makes for a not very enjoyable atmosphere. As a wise coach told me many years ago: “No matter how you establish your goals, losing most of your games kills the fun.” Scheduling needs to de done intelligently so enough successes exist for team unity to grow. • Lack of well defined goals or lack of focus on goals. Most youngsters (and adults) will do better and will pull together when there is some well defined “thing” to be accomplished. It could even be having a .500 season; or winning the league championship; or beating your biggest rival that you haven’t beaten in 2-3 years. This is the reason that dynasties are hard to maintain over a period of time. It gets harder to define important goals. “Win the state” when it has already been done two years in a row is not as big a challenge. Other teams also use winners to challenge and focus themselves to “knock off” the big guys. Coaches need to find these challenges and use them to build team unity. • Lack of well defined rules. A good, well-understood set of rules keeps it even for everybody. Nobody should be able to take advantage. Coaches have to keep an eye out for who the natural leaders are that will provide POSITIVE leadership, which players are at the nucleus and make the team tick. Coaches then need to provide support and focus to help these positive leaders create POSITIVE followers. The unstable, self centered players need guidance. You can spot them easily because they are more interested in their statistics and being able to do what they want. Team rules are a nuisance to the unstable players and they come before the team. It is especially important that the new players, the sophomores on the high school teams, the first-year PeeWees and Bantams, be co-opted to the positive side as soon as possible. A “border line” player in skills with a great attitude and team feeling can be a valuable team member. A good player with poor team attitude can be a negative influence on the team’s success. Some coaches like to set themselves against the team members to create team unity. I would rather see coaches get along with their team players and build unity with communications, teaching and rapport, etc. Every player has to have some reasonable concern for self or skills, or learning would not happen. However, being together as a team is a must for success in this wonderful game of hockey. Coaches need to plan ahead and make certain that unity is established early, then monitored through out the season, especially during any trying times. John Russo, Ph.D., is founder and director of the Upper Midwest High School Elite League. He was a captain at the University of Wisconsin, and his Coaches’ Corner columns have appeared in LPH since 1986.
