Coach Joey — Even in the NHL: Coach the Next Play
Choose your age-specific lesson
Coach Joey’s NHL example is adapted into five separate lessons. Each has its own Coach–Player and Coach–Parent exchange, practice steps and Parent quiz.
U5–U7 — Shoot and Find the Puck
U8–U10 — Stay Ready After a Shot
U11–U14 — Choose the Useful Chance
Junior — Review Chance and Execution
Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. This lesson uses that perspective to improve the conversation after a chance does not score. The goal is a useful exchange between Coach and Player, and a clear explanation between Coach and Parent.
All conversations are suggested THTR language, not quotes from NHL Coaches. Return to the series guide for the full approach.
Start with the NHL example
Alex Ovechkin recorded 65 goals on 446 shots on goal in 2007–08. That leaves 381 shots on goal that did not score. Capitals statistical record.
Those 381 were not 381 missed nets or proven bad decisions. Shots on goal include goals and saved shots; missed and blocked attempts are different categories. Evaluate the chance before correcting the shooter.
Coach Q&A: a recommended response
Question: How should I respond when a young Player’s good shot does not score?
Coach: “Johnny, even great NHL scorers have shots stopped. You found a good chance. Stay ready for the next puck.”
Johnny: “I should have scored.”
Coach: “You had a useful chance, and the Goalie stopped it. Let’s look at where you aimed and what you did afterward. Stay involved for the next puck.”
This is an example exchange. Listen to the real Player’s explanation and adjust the instruction to the actual play. The NHL example puts the setback in perspective; the teaching gives the Player something to do.
Coach to Player: adapt the words by age
| Age group | Suggested exchange |
|---|---|
| U5–U7 | “Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. Johnny, good try. Find the puck again.” |
| U8–U10 | “Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. Johnny, follow your shot when it is safe.” |
| U11–U14 | “Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. Johnny, that was an open chance. Where could the rebound go?” |
| U15–U18 | “Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. Johnny, assess the lane and our support. Choose a shot that gives us a useful next play.” |
| Junior | “Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. Johnny, judge the chance and execution separately. What would improve that same opportunity?” |
Use the short cue during a game and demonstrate it at practice. Age is a starting point: experience, readiness and the program’s purpose also matter.
Coach to Parent: explain the same lesson
Parent: “Johnny had three chances and no goals. Does he need to shoot harder?”
Coach: “Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. We’ll review the chances before deciding. Shot selection, accuracy, the Goalie and available teammates all matter. We are working on one detail, then staying involved after the shot.”
Coach, on support at home: “You can recognize the courage to take a useful chance. He does not need to score to earn a positive ride home.”
| Age group | What the Coach can explain to the Parent |
|---|---|
| U5–U7 | Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. We want enjoyable attempts and continued play. Goals are a bonus. |
| U8–U10 | Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. We are teaching Johnny to find a useful chance and stay ready afterward. |
| U11–U14 | Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. Johnny will compare the shot and pass options, then work on one decision or skill. |
| U15–U18 | Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. We will assess chance quality and execution within the Team’s attacking plan. |
| Junior | Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. The Player and Coach will review relevant opportunities and agree on a measurable practice focus. |
For older Players, involve the Player in the conversation and let them explain their learning goal. A Junior Player should lead their own performance discussion.
Change the exchange
| Common phrase | A more useful exchange |
|---|---|
| “You have to score from there.” | Johnny, even great NHL scorers have shots stopped. You found a good chance. Stay ready for the next puck. |
| “He just isn’t a scorer.” | Even NHL scorers have good shots stopped. We’ll review the chances before deciding. Shot selection, accuracy, the Goalie and available teammates all matter. We are working on one detail, then staying involved after the shot. |
Practice the recovery
1. Create an age-appropriate chance with a visible target and an active Goalie.
2. After each shot, let the play continue briefly so the shooter can react to the next puck.
3. Discuss the choice and execution separately. Repeat one adjustment rather than demanding a goal.
What progress looks like: The Player recognizes useful chances and follows the agreed action after the shot. Track the chosen skill over several attempts.
Keep the expectation clear: The NHL comparison does not mean every shot is a good shot. If a better passing option was clearly available, teach that read.
What the Parent can say to the Player
“I liked seeing you take that chance. How did it feel?”
The Parent’s role is to listen, encourage and support the agreed learning goal. In House League, keep the primary objective—having fun—visible in the conversation. Competitive development programs should explain their expectations honestly.
Even in the NHL, mistakes and setbacks happen. Put the play in perspective. Teach one adjustment. Practice the recovery.
Explore all eight lessons in Even in the NHL: Coach the Next Play.
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