Using the soccer ball to emphasize upper body control and keep hands up and out (and ready) through our slides

The arm extension and the “condition” of the puck pre-shot are the biggest challenges I notice in shooting for younger (and older) players. Well explained in this clip.

Even the pros use Small Area Games.

I led an athletic program for 14 years that often practiced with on makeshift fields and spaces and had to be creative with resources. We were very successful and I believe our adaptability was a key factor.

Fascinating new study on what makes a tennis Grand Slam champion? Early engagement, late specialization and timely transition from having fun to dedication frontiersin.org/articles/10.33…

A little box tag to work on balance, edges, and evasiveness…and harness the natural energy of munchkins

At the end of the drill on the shot note a “defender” in the high slot. This is great in making the shot more game like for both shooter and goalie. A player > cones as well.

Hunters vs Protectors Hunters (not red jerseys) try and steal the puck from the protectors (red jerseys) and shoot it in a net. Each goal is a point. Alternate roles every 90 seconds. Team with the most points wins!

I find the difference of the pace of learning between just playing SAGs and playing SAGs combined with “cognitive nudging” and asking questions to fuel reflection simply immense. Half of the learning process could very well be asking the right questions at the right time.

Hear USA Hockey's Ken Martel share his thoughts on improving a player's decision making and effectively using small area games. LISTEN: hubs.la/Q01ZsTXf0

Watch the goal scorers head. He takes advantage of positioning and influences the defenders and goalie to bite on the fake shot and drag. Right solution at the right time. Doing this against a cone doesn’t give kids the info they need to use it at the right time.

One we do a lot at practice. Excellent PP/PK vibes and the guys really enjoy it

Our last podcast guest Zach Metsa went from not getting drafted in the USHL to captaining a national championship Quinnipiac Men's Ice Hockey team and signing a pro contract. This is a clip EVERY KID should watch and take to heart. Full episode: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/epi…

St. Johnsbury Little League set for first-ever game in Bristol. Vermont state champ taking on Canton, Mass., here in Bristol, Conn.

"Who is going to be on your bus?" A question my dad asked me at 18 years old. You see, my dad was a man of few words but when he spoke you listened. At 18, I was getting my first taste of success. •Drafted 9th overall •Signed the big contract •Being told I was going to

A big focus for coaches when working with athletes/students/players who compete in sport is to prepare them for the constant cycle of (co-)adaptability, individually and collectively (as a team). Developing thinking players, a 3-step (continuous) process:

When adapting a task, coaches are only limited by their own creativity, as long as they are guided by a clear task intention. Sample progression below. Depending on the intention of a task, some progressions may be suitable, others may not. Full post: skilledathleticism.com/post/learning-…

This should be required watching for everybody involved in youth hockey.