Skill Learning

During practice, it can be difficult to know that the players are learning proper techniques.  Here is a four-step process to help ensure your players are learning the right skills:

1. Explain the skill to players

  • NAME the skill and describe it
  • EXPLAIN why it’s important and when it is used – highlight the key teaching points

2. Show players how it is done

  • DEMONSTRATE
  • RESTATE key points again

3. Give players time to practice

  • Get players to PRACTICE THE SKILL RIGHT AWAY
  • INVOLVE EVERY PLAYER

4. Tell players how they’re doing

  • MOVE AROUND to each player
  • Give INDIVIDUAL FEEDBACK
  • Get HELP FROM ASSISTANTS
KEY INSTRUCTOR:

Malcolm Sutherland – Director of coaching and technical director stopconcussions.com

(HBPHE, MSc. Kin., Ch. P.C.)

  • Head trainer for all stopconcussions.com on-ice clinics
  • MSc.,Kin. Masters of Science Kinesiology specializing in behavioural psychology, human motivation, sport education and coaching, high performance, practice and skill acquisition/development
  • Researcher, consultant and author on numerous scientific journals on concussion and injury prevention for ice hockey
  • Completed Advanced II – Hockey Canada certification
  • Canadian National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) Level III certified
  • Member of the Positive Coach Alliance
  • Author of publications on ice hockey and presenter at numerous conferences and symposia on sport, coaching, leadership and hockey
  • Author of “Practice Playing Teaching Hockey Through Games” Manual
  • A sought after presenter having offered unique concepts (technical, tactical and conceptual) at hockey seminars and sport science symposia such as the Toronto Maple Leafs “Coaches Helping Coaches” event and the CSRO’s Hockey Summit
  • Holds credentials as an Advanced Toastmaster and Competent Leader with Toastmasters International
  • Created, produced and directed hockey video projects including The Hockey Skills Video, Hockey Hints for Player’s and Coaches and has collaborated on many other player and coach development initiatives working with Hockey Canada and other hockey organizations in Canada and the USA
  • Former member of Hockey Canada Research and Development Committee
  • Former Director and owner of Superior Hockey Schools offering hockey development camps regionally, provincially and internationally for youth to professional players
  • A member of Coaches Association of Canada (now Coaches Canada) for eleven years and is an accredited Chartered Professional Coach (Ch. P.C.)

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