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I'm looking for good ways to improve a kid's on-ice awareness and knowledge of the game (for PeeWees/Bantams.)

It seems the best players aren't always the most skilled kid or best skater on the ice, but usually they are the ones that are in the right spot at the right time and they have a knack for making the right plays with the puck. They also seem to always know where the puck is, and where all the other players are as well. They find the open ice areas and open lanes and can anticipate plays before they happen.

Obviously this is something that should improve with time and increase as a kid gets more experience in games. Once the player's fundamental skill set is in place what are some things they can do to improve in this area?

Also, if anyone has found any good clinics, videos, or books that have helped their kid improve in this area please list them.

Thanks in advance for any helpful advice.

You would think that this would improve as the kids get older but most of the time it gets worse. The player's seem to be moving too fast...lose their ice and run into trouble faster.

It's usually not the players fault. Too many coach's yelling at the kids to move their feet faster...FASter...FASTER. Ask your kid if he has ever heard the phase, "Slow down and save your ice".

I wish there was a video. Hockey IQ grows from exposure to many things...right now it could be from your kid watching the NHL playoffs. Have him put the ISOCAM on the oldest & slowest player on the ice. He has got to be the smartest and have the highest IQ to still be playing.

Thanks for the advice. This would work even better seeing a game live, since it is easier to focus on one player and see what he does without the puck. Too bad the Wild didn't make it this year.

If anyone else has any good ideas they would be appreciated.

Playing other sports, like lacrosse, soccer, or basketball, might help spatial awareness.

A couple suggestions:

* Watch hockey games, in person, on tv. People can learn from watching and get mental images of how things are supposed to be done. If you want to take it a step further record a hockey game, doesn't need to be an hour film session but watch it together pointing out a few times where players move to open ice or support eachother. Helps with anticipating plays, stop the tape before a player makes a decision and go over the options the player has and try to predict which option they will choose. A small dry erase board, or just pen and paper can help too for drawing quick illustrations.

* Try to watch a recording of your game. It never fails when a player watches a recording of their game I can always hear them say "Is that me," "Did I do that," and "I didn't know I looked like that." The way they play, and how they THINK they play are often totally different. No need to tear the kid apart, just try to focus on 2-3 things they can try to do better next time.

* Play open hockey or shinny. Indoors/outdoors doesn't matter. Any place a young player can try new moves, learn from their mistakes, what works and what doesn't work, develop creativity, and build confidence. Many times a player has skills to make a certain play but they don't have the confidence to attempt the play even though it could be the right decision.

* Play in a 3-3 league. Score usually is not kept, 3-3 means the puck is on your stick more or you are directly involved in the play. Continuous possibilities for 2 on 1's, 3 on 2's, getting open, etc.

* Small area games is very helpful. Helps to make quick decisions, and be able to function in tight spaces.

More good suggestions, thanks. We've recorded his games before and that does seem to help. It does help him realize what his other options were each time he made a decision with the puck. We may need to do this more often, not just for big games or tournaments.

It would be nice if coaches would have a film session with their teams once in a while. I'm sure it happens at the high school level, but almost all kids would benefit from it. If the kids were focused, I would think an hour of film a week would improve a team more than that hour on the ice. Like you mentioned, the key would be to keep it positive and not single anyone out.

My kid is training at Acceleration South in Apple Valley and I just spoke with them about this very topic and they said they are doing a program this summer to address this issue...on and off ice training.
Here is the number if you want to call for more info...
952-997-7456

This very concern has driven youth coaches crazy since the game was invented. In most cases you can help a developing player improve. The tougher issue is the difference in what some call hockey IQ. The innate ability to process information quickly and then act on it differs greatly in youth players. We've all seen the unstoppable mite who just never seems to figure it out. I agree with the suggestions offered, particularly watching advanced levels..NHL Olympics etc. Get the kids to realize how short a period of time players actually possess the puck, even at the professional level, can help them understand how important it is to play well without it. Its the combination of all required skills that make great players what they are. Gretzky was not the physical talent of many of his peers but had a Einstein like hockey IQ. Bottom line..Can't coach hockey sense..us coaches just kill ourselves trying.

You are probably right, there is only so much a parent or coach can do to help in this area. We'll just try to stay positive and keep it fun. Hopefully the light bulb will go on soon .