Overview on how to become a hockey coach
Learn what it takes to become a hockey coach today! Come explore my journey, as I share what I have learned through this process over the last three years.
Coaching in sports is a gateway for an individual to find out who they really are. Being a sports coach is a tremendous way for a person to develop personal character traits, and connections that could last a lifetime. I am excited to share with you how to become a hockey coach, and the process needed to maintain proper status. Coaching hockey has become a rewarding part of my life for the last three years. I am excited to share with you my journey on how I became a hockey coach. As a whole, I have learned many character values including proper communicating, respect, trustworthiness, etc. The biggest value that can be said, is that I have gained many life skills that I will be able to hold for the rest of my life because of coaching hockey.
How Can You Become a Hockey Coach?
In order to become a hockey coach, you need to have a basic understanding of the game in its entirety. You will find out that there is a large difference with how you view the game as a player compared to a coach. I started coaching at the age of 18, and from personal experience, coaching at this young of an age was really eye opening. You view the way the game is played differently as a coach, it’s seen through a whole new lens. One of the first things I realized is that you will see things that the players don’t, and the players will see things that you won’t. I have provided what I think are the most essential steps in becoming a hockey coach.
Step 1: Know The Game
As mentioned above, you need to know the ins and outs of the game. Aspects of the game include systems, physicality, skating, positioning, play away from and with the puck, and of course rules and regulations. Your hockey IQ needs to be much more elevated from when you were a player in order to remain one step ahead of your own players and the competition. Being able to think at a fast pace in order to adapt to the speed of the game is of the utmost importance. Understanding the rules and regulations on a coaching level will put you levels above others, and make your job that much easier.
Step 2: Get Certified
This step is by far the most important when it comes to the technical and logistical side of coaching. USA Hockey has done a great job when it comes to coaching education. Getting certified will take up some of your time, but it’s required in order to become a hockey coach no matter the age range.
No matter the age group, whether you’re coaching high school students like myself, or kids just learning how to play, you will start at CEP Level 1. This clinic is an 8 hour event that covers a variety of topics. As you progress, you will expand your knowledge each year by leveling up to CEP levels 2,3,4 and 5 if you desire. Aside from getting certified, you must have an active USA Hockey registration number that must be renewed each year, as well as Safesport training and background screening.
You will be able to find more information by going to the USA Hockey and Safesport websites.
Step 3: Prepare Appropriately
As a coach, you need to be able to plan accordingly with many different factors. For example, you may have a certain age group that you have to tailor your practice plans to. Altering your language in terms of how you explain the game is important when it comes to explaining drills and systems. It will become clear to you as a coach if and when you will need to break the game down into its simplest form. Knowing your audience will make you a better coach even if you don’t notice it. The constant preparation, as with anything in life will allow for much benefit in your coaching career.
How To Be Successful in Coaching Hockey
The biggest thing that I would emphasize when it comes to success is the acceptance that you will fail. We have all heard in some form that we will learn from our mistakes. Within coaching, if you accept that mistakes are part of the job, your job will become easier. Why is this? Because the game is constantly changing, and you need to be able to change with it. Remembering a past event that happened within a game will help you make a better decision when a similar situation comes up again. There have been countless times where I would remember an event that happened seasons prior that would help justify my decision. The success aspect is all of what you make of it, your attitude and planning is what will translate to your team.
What Skills Are Needed To Be a Hockey Coach?
When talking about the skills needed to be a hockey coach, but also just a coach in general, it all comes down to the individual. You will find that there are certain values and qualities that will be more comfortable to you compared to someone else. A coach doesn’t need to explain their methods when it comes to how they get the best out of their players. A great skill to acquire is knowing your audience. You have to fully understand the generation that you’re coaching, and how the players respond to criticism. Sports and its players today are much different compared to even ten years ago. The same motivation and disciplinary tactics that worked over a decade ago will most likely not work with the players to today.
You will never know what coaching can do for you as an individual if you don’t jump in with an open mind. You will begin to learn with each time you’re on the ice what it takes to be great.
Frequently Asked Questions about How To Become a Hockey Coach
How do you become a hockey coach?
In the United States, you must register through USA Hockey. You will need to become a USA Hockey member, complete your SafeSport training, go through the necessary CEP Level training starting at Level 1, and complete a background check screening.
Do you need a degree to coach college hockey?
You don’t absolutely need a college degree; however, like most jobs a college degree can only help you. Aside from the degree itself, you will be more looked at for your ice hockey experience, your knowledge of the game, and your leadership qualities.
Do USA Hockey coaches get paid?
Coaching positions within the U.S. can be paid and unpaid no matter the level of age your coaching.
What skills do you need to be a hockey coach?
As a coach, you need to know how to communicate with your players, as well as having the knowledge to teach the game to them. As for yourself, you need to have extensive knowledge of the game that can translate to your players game.
