The characteristics of a “Hockey Coach” reach as far back as the history of hockey itself. There was once a certain mentality, temperament and persona associated with a “hockey coach” that arguably had a negative impact on our youth.
History shows it was the norm for coaches (and parents) to yell at players to enforce teaching strategies. “SKATE HARDER!” “WORK HARDER!” “PLAY TO WIN!” Coaches may have kicked garbage cans in the dressing room, screamed negativity, and demanded misguided respect from our youth. Many players would leave the rink feeling ashamed of their game.
Only in more recent years have players, parents and media brought attention to the sometimes negative impact of coaches’ behaviour on our youth.
Coaching today is becoming much more in tune with player relationships and promoting positive team environments. Coaches have realized that getting to know their players as individuals and treating them with respect and integrity is more impactful to player development and team success.
This is a wonderful and welcomed change.
But what about the differences between coaching boys and girls?
Many coaches do not consider the differences between coaching boys and girls or the individual challenge of each. Coaches must be in tune to the mental and physical characteristics that each group represents. Coaching females, particularly in their formative years, can be a tangled web to master.
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Sarah Crowther
Sarah Crowther has almost 30 years combined playing and coaching experience in hockey. She is the Owner/Operator of Kawartha Kodiak Elite Hockey Development, as well as a Head Coach, Hockey Instructor, and Former OUA Athlete.
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I love this article. Having not coached girls in several years, and jumping back in this year, it has given perspective on how to connect with them and understand the emotional side of their game.