Coaches Corner
Never Hand Out the Toys Too Soon

By: Dr. Vern Stenlund

Picture this! You've spent all week creating the practice of all practices, an absolute masterpiece. As this Rembrant gets under way you begin to feel your blood pressure rise. After all the work you've done in preparation, those disrespectful brats won't listen! Why, they're more interested in shooting those stupid, little, round black objects against the boards than they are in listening to my grand plans!

Coaches, be forwarned. Whenever you hand a child a "toy", in this case, a puck, expect that they will want to play with it. And extend the word "child" right through to adult, as even the most grown up of people will revert to being a child once they see those little round objects of delight. Remember that it is YOUR call as to when they get to play. Understand that once they get their toys it becomes increasingly difficult to keep their attention...even for older players. As such, whenever you need to give instruction, make sure that YOU are their focus, not the toy. If it means collecting the toys, then do it. Or, if it means scheduling drills so that most of your key teaching is done away from puck locations around the ice, do it. Whatever it takes, remember that once that horse leaves the barn it is difficult to close the door again.

Hand out the toys when YOU ARE READY. It'll save you a lot of frustration and needless delay.