There are a few different ways of watching the game – whether live or on TV – and if you want to get to (and excel at) the next level, there is a better way to watch.

Here are the 3 most common ways of watching hockey:

1.  Just following the play:  that’s what most of us do.  We just follow the play and pay slightly more attention when one of our favorite players has the puck or when there is an offensive chance by either team.

2.  Just following your favorite player:  if you’re at the rink watching a good friend play, this is more than likely what you’re doing.  And when you watch on TV, odds are you are doing the same thing.  You still follow the play, but you stare at the screen when your favorite player has the puck.

3.  Watching one player – and what they do without the puck:  This is the most effective way of watching the game, especially if you want to take all aspects of your game to the next level.

Watching one player who plays the same position as you all game long is hard to do. It’s much easier (and maybe even more fun) to just follow the play or watch your favorite player when they’ve got the puck.   But watching a player who plays the same position as you when they DON’T have the puck is really critical.

Let’s say you are watching an NHL game on TV.

You already know that all of those players have amazing individual skills or else they wouldn’t be out there with the best in the world.  And while their individual abilities played a big part in them getting to that level, they would have never stayed there if they hadn’t developed the ability to play effectively
without the puck.

When you are able to make the jump from playing as an individual to knowing how to find open ice, support your teammates when they’ve got the puck and how to use timing and space to your advantage, you have really taken your game up to the next level.  Knowing what to do and where to be when you don’t have the puck is a tough thing to learn – and it is absolutely critical to your success as a player and as a teammate.

So the next time you are watching a high-level game, pick one player on one team who plays the same position as you and watch them (and only them) the entire game.  Keep in mind – this is really hard to do, which is why most players don’t do it.

Notice what your player does when they’ve got the puck to create time and space for themselves and how they do the same when their teammates have the puck.  Watch how they support their teammates in the defensive, neutral and offensive zone.  Even watch how they interact with teammates and line-mates in between whistles on the ice and on the bench between shifts.

Getting to, staying at and excelling at the next level takes a lot more than just your ability to play with the puck on your stick or when you are directly involved with the puck.  What you do away from the “action” will not only help you to get noticed, but will make you an even more valuable member of your team as we get into the regular season.

So watch with intent.  Watch with purpose.  Take every opportunity you can to make yourself better.
 

Keep Working Hard, Dreaming BIG and Taking Action.

Your friend and coach,
Kim

Kim McCullough, MSc, YCS

Director, Total Female Hockey

Girls Hockey Director, PEAC School For Elite Athletes