This is part of the many ideas that I’ve wanted to address with the Youth hockey team that I coach but either just simply ran out of time or there were bigger issues to address.

post is still in progress

This next idea that I wanted to talk to you guys about is about the importance of meaningful and intentional practice.

The steps to mastery is: First you learn the rules, then you break the rules, then you make the rules.

No one who learns to paint or learns an instrument starts off creating master pieces or composing concertos. You start off by copying existing works of art or simple pieces and learning the rules of the colour wheel or scales. Then you start adding variances to the pieces and your own touch. Then you start making your own work.

This applies to so many aspects in life including Hockey. Everyone wants to do a one-timer highlight reel goal, but first you need to learn the basics of shooting a proper strong wrister, until it becomes second nature. Then you need to learn the variances. Observe what works and what doesn’t. I could outline the rest of the steps but it’s pretty straight forward, the main issue is that we are often impatient or we don’t observe our effect with an objective eye.

You may not reach the last step of Mastery, but it often comes with an eponym. I can simply mention the Matthews/Bedard shot and we immediately have this mental picture of a drag shot. I can say Zegras and we all know that pass. I can mention the Crosby, and you will understand that I am mentioning the skating skill that he is known for.