Total Female Hockey CLUB is jam-packed with tips and advice how you can take your game to the next level and become the best girls hockey player possible. Well, I am going to let you in on a little secret. One of the best ways to take your individual game to the next level has nothing to do with you at all.
You will become a better girls hockey player by making your teammates better.
Here are a few tips on how to make it happen:
Stop being a “broken record”
Think about the message you are sending if you simply say “Good job” every time your teammates come to the bench. Let’s say one of your teammates goes out and scores an awesome goal and you tell them, “Good job”. And then their next shift is horrible and you say, “Good job”. Aren’t you sending them mixed messages? I am as guilty as the next person of doing this. It is a lot easier to just say “Good job” and get back to focusing on the game.
Get rid of “Good Job”
But if you want to improve as a team and as an individual, you have to focus on helping those around you improve. So instead of mindlessly saying “Good job” each time your teammates come off the ice, take the time and make the effort to give out a few personalized positive comments throughout the course of the game. It doesn’t have to be a deep moment where you stare them straight in the eye and tell them how wonderful they are. But, if they made an awesome break-out pass under pressure, say so. If you notice that they have really improved their patience on the forecheck, tell them. It will show them that you are really paying attention, instead of just mindlessly saying “Good job”.
The better your teammates play, the better you will play and the better the team will perform. Do everything you can to help boost your teammates’ confidence and their performance, as well as your performance, will go through the roof.
And always remember - “Good job” isn’t good enough.
Take a minute at your next game or practice to help your teammates get better by giving them some personal positive feedback.
What could you say to a teammate after they have a great shift to keep them on that high? What could you say to a teammate that is struggling to help them play their best?
Share your thoughts below.
Your friend and coach,
~ Coach Kim
I’m usualy not talking to my teammates because I stay in the net for most of the game. Between periods Coach is talking. So I usually give my compliments after the game and before the next game. Tonight I practiced outside where it was really, really cold. I’m off tomorrow so I’ll do my TFH workout and prepare for my next tournament on Saturday and Sunday. We’re playing against some really good Twin Cities A teams. I think this will be my toughest test yet. My goal is to prepare well enough to get another shut-out.
See ya!
Amy
During a recent game we were pinned in our zone and when I finally got the chance I passed hard to the boards trying to get a clear only to have my pass intercepted. That mistake wound up being a shot on goal. I felt horrible but I stayed with the play. A rebound came whizzinig by just out of my reach. The other team picked it up again for another shot on goal but this time I got in front of the shot and deflected it out of our zone. I finished my shift, just grateful things worked out and I wasn’t the “worst player”
After the game our goalie came over to me and made a special point of thanking me for my clear and said “I was so out of position, that clear really kept me from looking stupid” That one genuine compliment meant more to me than all the “good jobs” I’ve heard this entire season.