Last week, I was at a six-day Hockey Canada high performance coaching course that involved evaluating players trying out for Team Ontario Under 17. I have to admit it’s been a long time since I sat and evaluated a boys’ game, but it didn’t surprise me that the coaches in the men’s game were looking for the exact same things from these young players as we do in women’s hockey (except in a 6 foot 2, 220 lb package). Players were evaluated on all sorts of criteria on and off the ice, but I want to focus on what I believe are the 4 most crucial attributes all elite players need.
Here are my top 4 - in order of importance:
1. SKILLS: Skating, Shooting, Stickhandling, Passing, Checking
2. SPEED: Can You Do All Of The Above At Top Speed?
3. SMARTS: Can You Make The Right Decisions With & Without The Puck?
4. HEART: Are You Willing To Do Whatever It Takes?
You might argue that heart is the most critical because it’s the one that’s hardest to teach. Smarts are crucial too because that’s what separates good practice players from the true “gamers”. Speed kills - but only if you have a strong foundation of skill first.
When it comes to skills, your ability to skate the game with and without the puck is the first thing scouts at the college and national team level are looking for. The reality is that if you can’t skate the game, there aren’t going to be many opportunities for you at the next level.
The next most important thing after skating is your INDIVIDUAL SKILL WITH THE PUCK.
Having elite shooting and stickhandling skills gives you a serious advantage over the competition. The truth is most female players only have average individual puck skills. If you have a great shot and great 1-on-1 moves, it will make you standout.
Most girls’ don’t go out and work on their stickhandling and shooting in the off-season. And if they do, it’s usually just firing a bunch of random pucks without any sort of plan.
To become an elite player, you need to practice with a purpose. To develop those elite shooting and stickhandling skills that will get you noticed out on the ice, you need to have a plan.
To help you get started with taking your individual puck skills to the next level, I have created the brand-new Total Female Hockey Elite Shooting & Stickhandling Video Series. This is an 8 week step-by-step personal plan for taking your stick skills to the next level without having to step on the ice. And with the start of the season only 8 weeks away, now is the time to gain every advantage you can get over the competition.
With the Elite Shooting & Stickhandling Video Series, you will learn the TECHNIQUES & TRICKS I teach to all the players I coach at the elite level - all in the comfort of your home.
You’ll get 16 different videos covering everything from:
:: Wrist Shot - the most critical shot to perfect at a young age
:: In Tight Stickhandling - the key to coming out with the puck in battles
:: Snap Shot - the quick release you need to score more goals
:: Toe Drags - making you a “shifty” and “slippery” out on the ice
:: Backhand - the most dreaded shot for goalies to stop
:: Feet To Stick Skills - the key to winning 1v1 battles on the boards
:: Slapshot - the most powerful shot in your shooting arsenal
:: Fakes - the ability to beat players and goalies 1-on-1
Not only do you get 2 training videos from me every week, but you get a step-by-step training plan that shows you the exact exercises to do to make sure you stay on track. After using this 8 week video series, you’ll have the confidence to know that you’ve got the shots and moves to excel in every situation on the ice.
You can get the Elite Shooting & Stickhandling Video Series for the low introductory price of $27 - but only until Friday July 16th at midnight. After Friday, the price goes up permanently.
Click on the link below to get started with taking your skills to the next level:
http://totalfemalehockeyclub.com/products/elite_shooting_stickhandling/
You’ve got 8 more weeks to gain a serious edge on the competition. Take advantage of it. Work Hard, Dream BIG, Take Action.
Your friend and coach,
Kim
Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS
Director, Total Female Hockey
Girls’ Hockey Director, PEAC School For Elite Athletes





