Hockey Player: Behaviour

Article is from The Hockey Source! A player will act in a situation based on what he is taught. If he is shown to push others around to avoid being pushed around himself, then he will be aggressive and a bully. If he is shown not to bother anyone, then he will be passive and stay low key.

The role of a hockey team in a player's life is to teach:

Social skills

• Respecting people and property
• Interacting with others
• Learning from others
• Speaking to others

Participation in a group environment

• Playing with others to help them
• Performing individually for the group

Appreciation

• Of others
• Of himself

Players need to learn at a young age how to get along with other people. They will learn different skills in the different age groups.

5 to 8 years old: Get exposed to team attitude. The wants of the team outweigh the wants of the one player.

9 to 13 years old: Get exposed to "how actions have consequences" with officials, coaches and opponents. Players are shown how to take pride in themselves and in their team. For example, they learn how to properly take care of their equipment and about having pride in the uniform they wear.

14 and up years old: Get exposed to "how to act" towards external people from the game, for example, scouts and other coaches. Players are shown how to prioritize events to reach an outcome. They are taught that having the proper attitude will help them in their future.

In the heat of a battle in a game, it is quite common to see actions such as the slamming of a door, a yell or a shove by players. If a player is not taught that there are other ways of taking out their frustration, then these actions will turn into more severe acts that could result in property damage or bodily harm.

Here are 3 methods you can share with any young hockey player that will enhance their experience in the game:

• Smile when times seem tough.
• Take 3 deep breaths and hold each one for 2 seconds.
• Spray water in your face.

In all cases, this will immediately change their focus or disrupt their thoughts. It will allow them to calm down and focus on the task at hand.

If you don't think this is important, consider this:

Have you ever seen a hockey player get a 'dumb" penalty at the end of a game, resulting in the opposing team getting a power play goal and tie or win a game?

Player behaviour can change the outcome of a game.