Coaching Information
EYHA Coaches 2009-10
Essex youth hockey is blessed with the finest cadre of youth coaches imaginable.
Squirt A/B: There are multiple qualified hockey folks working on a plan for the squirt A/Bs. We expect to be naming a Head and Assoc. Head very soon.
2009-10 Coaching Applications Available
Follow the link below to complete the 2009-10 coaching application. An application and a completed background check are mandatory for all prospective coaches.
"Never lose sight that we coach for the players ~ not for the parents or for ourselves." Dennis Freed
EYHA Coaching Application
All new and returning coaches must complete the coaching application.
Fun is the Winner Article
Link to Toronto Sun Article about youth hockey.
Coaching Resources
Our friends in Minnesota have compiled perhaps the best Youth Hockey resources on the web ... all in one place.
Small Area Games for FUN Practices
Small area games are all the rage in youth hockey. For good reason as they develop game skills and are FUN! This free printable guide is an excellent resource.
Game by game stats
Hey coach -- what is your team's record? Use this document to make your record more than about only wins and losses.
EYHA Shot Chart
A great way for peewee and above coaches to track player shots and help players understand the importance of shooting angles and protecting the net.
Rink Zones
Ever tell a player to, "go up the boards, through the red zone and break for the slot...." only to have them look even more confused. This diagram shows Rink Zones by their common names.
Hockey Positions Diagram
A coach's plea for players to "play their POSITION" can fall on deaf ears if the players do not understand the basics of each position. This diagram shows common areas covered by each position.
Developmental Characteristics of Youth: Implications for Coaches
As coaches prepare to work with kids around the experiential learning process (playing hockey), they must consider the age group involved and tailor the steps of the experiential learning process accordingly.
They must utilize teaching and learning strategies consistent with the developmental characteristics of their learners.
Since our levels (mites, squirts, etc) are by age group characteristics of the age groups involved should dictate appropriate and effective coaching and teaching strategies to use.
Developmental research (from the University of California) suggests that certain types of learning activities are best suited for certain children's capabilities.
At the coaches meeting each coach was given developmental infomation about the players on their team. The work is educational and intended for teachers -- but is it echoed by USA Hockey's ACE Program. Introducing players to concepts and skills when they are ready for them is important. There are links below to helpful resources and suggestions for each age group. [Source: Univ. of California]
Coaching Feedback Released
Linked file below: EYHA Parent to Coach Feedback form
Coaches rating in organization skills:
Commendations:
- No parents disagreed that our coaches “had the ability to treat minor injuries and (all coaches) exhibited reasonable conduct in handling accidents.”
- Only one parent disagreed with the statement that “the coach shows concern about the health and safety of the athletes…”
Areas for consideration of coaching development:
- 12.3 % of parents (a total of 10 parents) felt that coaches could have done better to challenge all athletes
- 7.6% of the parents (a total of 6) felt that coaches need to improve their use of assistant coaches.
Coaches ratings in instructional skills:
- A significant number of parents felt that coaches had the ability to “demonstrate skills properly” and “ensure the activities were suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness of the athletes”
- 11.6% of the parents (a total of 9 parents) felt that coaches needed help in developing “short and long term goals for the individual athletes on the team.”
- 100% of the parents believed that the coaches were dedicated to the sport and team they coached.
- 92.5% of parents reported that their coach was patient and tolerant.
Areas for consideration of coaching development:
- 15% of parents (a total of 12 parents) thought that coaches could better find ways to make all athletes feel good about themselves.
- 11.4% of the parents (a total of 9 parents) felt that coaches didn’t know when to use discipline and when not to.
Limitations: Some of the parents’ specific comments (which are not part of this report, but were part of the individual coach’s reports) were helpful to coaches in seeking to understand their strengths and possible areas for improvement. Some comments reflected situations that may have been better been addressed directly and at the time of occurrence.
