Coaching insights & hockey tips
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2-1-2 Forecheck
The 2-1-2 is an aggressive-style forechecking system designed to place pressure on the puck carrier. Its name comes from the pressure-style being used where the first two players aggressively pursue the puck, one player stays slightly higher for middle support, and the defense hold their regular positions on the blue line.
10,000 Pucks Contest Winners - 2009
Winners from the 2009 - 10,000 Pucks Contest.
Favorite Players
If you've ever heard a coach (in any sport) tell you they don't have favorite players, there's a pretty good chance they're lying to you. I believe every coach has favorite players.
NHL and Youth Hockey Rule Differences
There are several subtle differences between the playing rules in the NHL and USA Hockey. This article outlines some of the more notable differences.
Two Bad Hits - Two Good Learning Opportunities
Two recent dirty hits in the NHL provide a great learning opportunity for players and coaches of all levels.
Share Your Hockey Drills
Share your hockey drills with the community - regardless of how you have them saved.
Scoring on a Butterfly Goalie
When a butterfly goaltender goes down early, new holes open up in their stance. Find out where to shoot.
Allowing Post Season Recovery Time
USA Hockey recognizes the number one reason for players dropping out of the sport is because they aren't having any fun. If hockey becomes a mundane task, it's no fun. Time off from the rink is healthy - it helps keep the game special.
February / March 2010 Practice Plans
Practice plans for February and March, 2010.
5 Small Areas of Focus to Improve Practice
Minor areas of focus can greatly improve what your players are getting out of their hockey practice.
Hockey Is... - Contest Winners
Winners of the 2010 Hockey Is... Contest.
USA vs. Canada Final Goal - Lessons for a Youth Hockey Coach
Sid's goal provided an excellent glimpse of just how quickly defensive break-downs can happen. The same mistakes youth players make happen at the pro level.