Secret to Success - 2nd and 3rd Effort!

The importance of winning the small battles that occur along the boards in various areas around the surface should NEVER be underestimated.

In fact, over 75 percent of the games I’ve coached, my team has won or at the very least tied the contest, IF we ended up winning the larger percentage of documented “board battles.”

So how do we define “board battles?”

It really is not very complicated...

Anytime the puck squirts loose along the boards and possession is clearly undetermined, you have a scrum situation. Keep in mind that it only takes one representative from each team to create a battle situation. (This would be known as the classic “one-on-one” confrontation). It should also be noted that the prototypical battle occurs with both players (or both “sets” of players) primarily in stationary positions.

Okay, now that we have defined the phrase “little battle” and have emphasized the importance of working hard to outright win each and every one, just how do we go about trying?

First of all, we must begin with the premises that you, as a player, are without fear and are filled with tenacity. Those are two traits that ALL hockey players must have to compete successfully. You see, regardless of your size and strength, you must barge into the corner as if you alone OWN the biscuit and you ALONE have the right to lay claim to it.

So, assuming that we’ve installed the appropriate mental framework, what are the physical tools required to leave the battle with sole ownership of the puck?

Strong hands, arms, midsection, rear-end, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and feet are all required, and it definitely doesn’t hurt if you combine those strength’s with quickness. Because once you establish possession, it helps to be able to move as quickly as possible to an area that will allow for increased options or maneuverability.

Can you practice winning the small battles?

You bet! And as coach or player, you MUST. It is fairly easy to manufacture situations in practice that call for one-on-one or two-on-two board battles. By the way, verbal communication becomes vital when the battles feature two or more players from each team, so force your team/teammates to work in tandem by talking to each other.

I am often asked if there is an area on the surface that is more important than another when it comes to winning/losing the small battles ... and my answer is always an unwavering – NO!

You see, losing a battle anywhere on the ice is dangerous, simply because it means you have lost possession. And generally speaking, the other team can only score when THEY HAVE ownership of the puck!

And ...

Especially so at the younger levels, players smaller in stature must be made to understand the concept of leverage and how it can be harnessed to flat-out win battles against much larger competitors.

That can only be accomplished by getting in the trenches and demonstrating what leverage actually means. If you, as a coach are not capable of illustrating this technique, you must find someone who can.

BONUS TIP

Coaches, consider adding a line item on your statistical tracking form that includes board battles won/lost. Single out the champion “board battle winners” on your club and award them a trophy. You will be surprised at how aware your team will become of the importance of winning the small battles if YOU honor the winners on your team consistently.