More Games to Teach the Game

The only way to teach a game is through small game play. This is why it's integral to USA Hockey's new American Development Model (ADM), where small games and cutting the ice down are crucial to making the game more fun to learn.

Many players - children through adults - develop a bad habit of treating the game of hockey as a series of footraces, breakaways, and highlight reel 1-on-0s. To reach higher levels of hockey play, the ability to master small ice, confined play and the 10-ft game is essential.

Jamie Rice follows up his best-selling Games to Teach the Game video with 12 more small area games to build skills that will transition into a competitive game environment. These games are an ideal and effective way of dividing the ice into small, specific zones that put players into situations that mimic tight, game-like environments. You'll be able to put your players into real world scenarios where quick passes, fast feet, and puck control are essential.

Learn how to effectively use small area games, with guidelines or restrictions to develop and enhance your practices. Through Coach Rice's games, you will learn how to use small area games to improve:

• Skating, puck handling, puck protection and defensive skills. Competition naturally forces players into "overspeed" situations where they are uncomfortable. Spending time practicing outside their comfort zone will result in more rapid skill gains.
• Puck support skills. Many repetitions in a competitive environment quickly illustrates to your players which areas of the ice they can move to in order to successfully support their teammates and create good scoring chances.
• Quick shooting and rebound hunting skills. Most goals are scored by quickly reacting to a moving puck from either a pass or a rebound.
• Passing skills. Many players want to throw the puck to an area without thinking, rather than making a direct pass. Rewarding direct passes in a competitive environment will both improve your players' passing and receiving skills and positively reinforce the benefits of tape-to-tape passing.
• On-ice awareness and hockey sense. In hockey, the difference between advanced and elite players is the ability to THINK. When players can anticipate where the puck is likely to go next and understand where the "good" areas of the ice are located, they have an advantage over their opponents and can create good offensive opportunities without taking unnecessary defensive risks.

Featured games in his video include:

• Possession 4 v 2 - This drill works on man advantage, puck protection, ability to possess the puck, and two players defending against four. Your players must pay attention and react to the ever-changing pace of the game as situations constantly move from offense to defense and back to offense in mere seconds.
• Crosby/Kane Drill - This drill teaches how to keep control for shots, ensuring your players hit the net all while maintaining control of the puck within an 8-foot radius around the net. Your players will become a real threat by maintaining possession of the puck through multiple defenders and finding opportunities to score from less than ideal angles, coverage and spaces.

The game has changed drastically in the past five years. Paced and calculated play relying on size and muscle has taken a back seat to a game of speed, skill and reflexive situational play. By further constraining the situation and incorporating a repertoire of fun and educational games, your team can win more games through improved individual skills and team cooperation while having a blast in practice!

"I loved this video! Without a question it's a 5 of 5 for me. It is filled with great games that are competitive and fun. Watching this will allow me to create more engaging practice plans that will result in more intense practices, will build team camaraderie, and have the players excited to be at the rink every day." - Customer Review

101 minutes. 2016.