Welcome
I hope you enjoy this first installment of the USA Hockey/flexxCOACH online newsletter “Inside the Game.” It is our goal to publish topics applicable to coaching players and teams of all ages and classifications. The CEP ACE Clip Board will be merged into this newsletter. Newsletter topics will vary and cover a broad range of coaching competencies. We will draw on the expertise of a number of contributing writers from various backgrounds. Topics will cover on-ice as well as off-ice concepts. We will address team management, coaching philosophy, technical coaching skills, communication, goaltending and many other topics.
 As we continue to develop this online information center — look for the launch of the USA Hockey Learning Center in partnership with flexxCOACH — the content will be interesting; pertinent and current. Our goal is excellence in coaching utilizing this venue to expose our coaches to broad based information and experiences.
To paraphrase Scotty Bowman who spoke at the 2005 USA Hockey Level 5 Masters Symposium: “When a coach ceases to learn and develop their coaching skills, they will be surpassed by those that continue learning and improving everyday”
Al Bloomer
National Coach in Chief
USA Hockey |
Behind The Bench
Coaching is an art that needs to be developed over time and with some serious thought. Successful coaches all seem to have common view points understanding about teaching the game and development processes. “Coaching is Teaching” discusses the teaching aspects of coaching. “Coaching to Develop Players” takes the idea a bit further and discusses the concepts of individual player development. Youth coaches should develop a point of view in regards to their roles as coaches. USA Hockey recommends a skills development and positive environment so players may enjoy their hockey experience as they move down the road to skill mastery.
 In the Crease
Renowned Goalie Coach Joe Bertagna and Director of Bertagna Goaltending Schools brings you his insights on “When and Why” Goaltenders should drop in responding to a shot.
Read More
 Off Ice Athlete Development
Jay Dawes, the Director of Education for the National Strength and Conditioning Association has authored this informative article on “Balance Beam Drills for Mites and Squirts.” Read More
 Skills & Tactics
Ken Martel, the Director of USA Hockey’s American Development Model talks about the importance of developing good Passing and Receiving Skills in your players. Read More
From USA Hockey
USA Hockey and flexxCOACH have teamed up to bring you the latest in on-line learning for Coaches and Players — the USA Hockey Learning Center. Access the “Learning Center” and learn from the best coaches in the game — NHL; Collegiate and Amateur! View a full range of animated drills; articles; video “tips and lessons” that will help make you a better coach or player. You will be able to enjoy both FREE and Premium (Paid) Content all in one easy to navigate location.
Check out the Hockey Learning Center in order to learn the best Skills; Tactics; Drills; Rules and Strategies of the Game!!
 X’s & O’s
flexxCOACH is redefining Coaching through innovation and technology! flexxCOACH brings you unprecedented access to Drills & Animations and the “tools” to use them properly. Try the FREE flexxCOACH Practice Planner here:
• See this month's Featured Drill.
• See this month's Featured Practice Plan.
• FREE Planner
• flexxCOACH.com
Winning isn’t Everything!
Winning is certainly an important part of any athletic contest and it certainly should be one of the objectives. However with you hockey there is many other aspects and benefits to playing the game. Mike Sullivan shares his perspectives on winning in his article “The Youth Hockey Experience.”
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