Jr Grizz Skills Videos
Message from Coach Leeb
Click the link to ProAdvantage Hockey and you will find a link to a page that will contain short videos identifying the same skills worked on in practice also being performed in NHL games. These videos are created in an effort to demonstrate that the skills we are working on can be relevant to game situations, even at the highest level, and are fundamental to each player's hockey development. Providing a visual example of skills performed in actual games will hopefully provide yet another method of teaching and developing skill. At the very least, I hope that it may inspire some players and pique their interest for the skills being worked on.
PUCK PROTECTION
In this video highlight you will see Nyquist using several of the skating and puck handling skills we have been working on in the past couple of weeks. You will see how these skills can be used at all levels of hockey including at the NHL level. Use this video as a visual example to help you improve your skill level with each of the skills that are pointed out.
DEFLECTIONS
There are actually 3 highlights in this video clip and they are, of course, all regarding deflections. With the older Jr. Grizz teams we have been working on deflecting pucks which have been shot along the ice and in the air. The most common error seen in practice has been players moving their stick too much in order to direct the puck towards the net. Instead, players should let the angle of their stick blade have more of an influence on the puck's redirection. Especially with pucks that are shot in the air, many players in practice would motion their stick downward as if to "bat" the puck down and towards the lower part of the net. Notice in the second and third highlights how there is very little downward motion, if any, of the players' sticks as they make contact with the puck. It is the positioning of the stick and the angle of the blade that allows them to have a better chance of making contact with the puck and thus redirecting it. Also, just as baseball players are instructed to "watch the ball hit the bat" when batting, hockey players, too, can watch the puck all the way to their stick blade to increase their chances of getting a stick on the shot.
TIGHT TURNS
In these two clips you will see how Tavares and Crosby do a great job to maintain momentum and stability while performing tight turns. This allows them to evade their defenders and to keep a half stride advantage on them. Both result in good scoring opportunities and even a goal. Notice the positioning of their feet and how they explode out of the turn, which leads to more time and space for them to follow up with a great play by making a good pass (Crosby) or by being a good passing option for their teammate (Tavares). Keep these visual images in your mind when practicing this skill and with practice you should become a more evasive and dynamic player.
MOHAWK SKATING TECHNIQUE
The mohawk skating technique can be a very versatile skill as you will see in this video. Jeff Skinner, from the Carolina Hurricanes, uses this skill often and uses it in different situations, including receiving passes, protecting the puck and getting into better scoring and passing positions. You will also see Crosby and the Penguins working on this skill in practice. Very similar to the drills we have been practicing in our sessions, Crosby is shown working on a skill that he has practically mastered but is still working on and maintaining the coordination and skill to perform this in game situations without thinking about too much. If it is challenging for you now, make it a goal to push beyond your comfort zone and beyond that barrier of skill development and reach another skill level that will lead you to performing this technique in situations both in practice and games more naturally.
CROSBY SKATING HIGHLIGHTS
In this video you will see a compilation of highlights showing Crosby both practicing and using some of the skills we have been working on in our sessions. Notice when and how he uses the tight turn and mohawk techniques to evade defenders, protect the puck and get himself into good passing and scoring positions.
WIDE PUCK-HANDLING
This collection of highlights showcase puck-handling skills in which the puck carrier quickly moves the puck laterally from one side of the body to the other, in other words, wide puck-handling. This is done in order to evade opponents as well as gain better scoring and shooting positions in relation to the goalie's positioning. Players should also note that they can be very deceptive with this skill by utilizing techniques to fake opponents or goalies. Using head and shoulder fakes and combining these with wide, quick lateral puck and stick movements will aid in the deception. It is also important to note that both forwards and defensemen can use this skill in many different game situations.
SHOOTING IN STRIDE
Shooting in stride is an important skill to improve on as it will allow a player to be a more dynamic shooter and will also help you become a better passer. Footwork and puck position are key to "disguising" when the shot will be released. Proper footwork and transfer of weight will also help to generate increased velocity and power. Be patient as you work on this particular skill as it will pay dividends once you do become proficient.
Showdown Hockey with Coach Brereton
Off-Ice training videos that feature drills your player can do at home to improve their hockey skills.