I’m not afraid to say it. I have been outcoached at every Micro Ice game for the past four years. I don’t run systems. I don’t match lines. I don’t adjust in game. I don’t pull kids who mess up. I don’t even own a white board. I remind the players to skate fast and pass the puck. That’s it. The vast majority of the time I don’t even go to the games.
I’m 0-5 in the playoffs.
I don’t care.
Why?
I coach at practice.
I limit the number of kids on teams to maximize reps and limit down time. I do races, chases, battles, games, and competitions all practice long. The kids touch the puck more, pass more, shoot more, race more, skate more, and compete more. Could I make more money and bring on more kids? Sure. But that’s not what I’m about.
I’m about development.
We work on scenarios, not drills, that are important for the growth and development of players. Try and make a move, see what happens when you stickhandle through 1, 2, 3 people. See what works. See what doesn’t. I provide feedback, I provide guidance, and I provide a positive environment. The players learn from failures, learn from mistakes, and learn from successes.