Coaches Corner
The 40 Second Clock

By: Dr. Vern Stenlund

To add variety and fun to practice using minigame format.

To reinforce goalie movement and puck location behind them. In some minor hockey games I've watched players stay on the ice for 2 and a half or 3 minutes when there is no automatic change going on. Wow...they must be in absolutely fantastic shape, as both anaerobic systems are basically shot in about 25 seconds.

Well coach, you can affect this with a very simple little tactic that begins early in your season (remember this one for next year's training camps!) Several years ago as I watched a bunch of junior players at a training camp I noticed that the session was starting to drag...the pace was very slow! It wasn't pretty, and players were hanging on the ice for 1 and a half minutes, and generally it looked more like curling than hockey after a while. One of my coaches had a suggestion, so at the break I went into the dressing rooms and said the following:

"Beginning with this period, you are going to hear a horn sound every 40 seconds. It doesn't mean that you have to get off the ice, but it should alert you to your shift time."

I couldn't believe the next period! The pace was fantastic, as players started to realize what we expected. Thereafter, I would use this idea in practice from time to time, always with the same effect. It's amazing what a little gentle persuasion can accomplish! By doing this at the beginning of the year you establish some shift time expectations.

Try it and I think you'll agree that it works like a charm.