Hockey coaches play a crucial role in guiding and developing players. To perform effectively, they need specific gear and equipment. Investing in quality gear not only enhances the coaching experience but also contributes significantly to the overall development of the players and the team.
The Importance of Coaching Boards
Coaching boards are vital tools for hockey coaches, used to visually communicate strategies, drills, and plays to players. Available in various sizes and configurations, these boards are essential for drawing up plays and strategies.
Types of Coaching Boards
- Dry Erase Boards: Essential for drawing plays and strategies.
- Magnetic Boards: Some coaches prefer magnetic boards with movable player pieces and pucks.
- Tablet Apps: Tablet apps that simulate a coaching board offer features like animation, saving plays, and can be shared with the entire team.
Here are some popular coaching board options:
- The SportWrite Hockey Coaches Board 29" x 16" gives you all the space you need to diagram winning plays and keep your team organized.
- The SportWrite Hockey Coaches Board 16.5" x 12.5" delivers everything a coach needs in a streamlined, easy-to-carry design.
- The Fox 40 SmartCoach Pro Rigid Carry Board is a go-to for coaches and trainers who want to showcase in-depth drills and plays for the whole team.
- The Fox 40 SmartCoach Pro Clipboard is perfect for coaches and trainers who need to get a play or drill drawn up for the team.
- The Fox 40 SmartCoach Pro Pocket Board is perfect for situations where convenience, speed, and mobility are key.
- The A&R Hockey Dry Erase Coaches Board 16" x 22" is built for clear communication and quick strategy adjustments, giving coaches a large, full-color rink diagram that the entire team can see.
- The A&R Hockey Dry Erase Coaches Clipboard 9" x 13" delivers the perfect balance of portability and functionality for coaches on the go.
After drawing up plays and drills, the Stick Syrup Board Baud Coaching Board Assistant is a coach's best friend when it's time to get the team situated around the coaching board. After drawing up plays and drills, the Board Baud microfiber towel is the perfect choice to have on hand to quickly erase the board for the next drill.
Essential Features of a Coaching Board
In my opinion this is the ideal board. I’ve had this exact one since about 2004, and it’s still going strong. I’m doing this post in 2023 so we’re over 19 years that I’ve been using the same board!
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- TWO STRAPS! This is the main reason I must have this board. The two straps hook over the glass and keep the board stable when drawing. Single strap boards don’t stay balanced, and my experience with suction cup boards has been less than stellar. They don’t keep their hold, they can become deformed in your bag, and they can get lost.
- ADJUSTABLE STRAP LENGTHS - Super useful for different glass heights from rink to rink. You’ll always be able to make sure your board is at the perfect height for you.
- SOLID CONSTRUCTION - The material is thick, dense particle board that has withstood heavy use for nearly two decades of rigorous use.
- IDEAL SURFACE - The drawing surface is smooth and erases well still. The lines have not worn off as is typical with many lower quality boards.
So that is the practice whiteboard that I recommend. By the end of this you’ll have seen everything I use in my coaching, and the reasons why I’m using each item. Hope it helps!
How to be a Hockey Coach - Philosophy, Drills, Board Talk, Motivation, Favoritism, Shifts
Other Essential Equipment for Hockey Coaches
Besides coaching boards, several other pieces of equipment are crucial for hockey coaches.
Whistles
Whistles are essential for managing practices and games. Here are some options:
- The Blue Sports Electronic Whistle is a hand-operated whistle, making this a sanitary choice for sharing amongst multiple users.
- The Fox 40 Superforce CMG Whistle with Breakaway Lanyard is crafted from nickel-plated brass for a non-corrosive, lead-free design, ensuring longevity and resistance to harsh conditions.
- The Fox 40 Classic CMG Whistle with Breakaway Lanyard is built for the referee or coach who needs to hold their whistle in their mouth for extended periods.
- The Fox 40 Coach Whistle with Glove Grip is a coach's best friend when it comes to controlling practices while being able to keep the hands free.
- The Fox 40 Force Official NHL Referee Whistle with Fingergrip offers a technically superior design that is preferred by professional NHL referees.
- The Fox 40 Official NHL Caul Whistle with Fingergrip is a revolutionary pealess whistle named in honor of the late John McCauley.
- Acme Thunderer Whistles are known for their reliability and loud, clear sound.
Training Aids
Cones and training aids are essential tools for hockey coaches to develop players' skills, improve conditioning, and create structured practice drills.
- The A&R Hockey Scrimmage Vests are the perfect solution for organizing fast, efficient practices and scrimmages.
- The A&R Agility Cones are a fun and simple way to improve your stickhandling and skating abilities.
- The A&R Orange Practice Weighted Sports Cone comes in two sizes, 6" and 12", perfect for all sorts of skating and stickhandling drills or off-ice activity.
Safety Gear
Ensuring the safety of both players and coaches is paramount. Essential safety gear includes:
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- Even coaches should wear helmets during practices, especially when on the ice with players.
- Hockey gloves protect hands against falls and while handling pucks and equipment.
- Coaches need comfortable and supportive skates to effectively demonstrate drills and participate in on-ice activities.
- Neck and shin guards are also essential for any hockey coach’s bag.
- Comprehensive first aid kits include essential medical supplies like gauze rolls, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and cold packs to handle any minor injuries on the spot.
Video Equipment
Video equipment is crucial for hockey coaches to analyze game footage, review practice sessions, and develop player skills through visual feedback.
- For recording practices and games to analyze player performance and team strategies, a high-quality camera is a great tool for any coach.
- A tripod is essential to ensure stable and clear recordings in a fixed position.
- Portable hard drives are useful for storing and transporting large video files without relying on a specific laptop or computer.
Table: Essential Hockey Coaching Equipment
| Equipment Category | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Coaching Boards | Dry Erase Board | For drawing plays and strategies |
| Magnetic Board | With movable player pieces and pucks | |
| Tablet Apps | Digital coaching board with animation | |
| Whistles | Fox 40 Classic | Reliable whistle for practices and games |
| Electronic Whistle | Sanitary and easy to use | |
| Training Aids | Agility Cones | For improving stickhandling and skating |
| Scrimmage Vests | For organizing practices | |
| Safety Gear | Helmet | Protection during on-ice activities |
| Hockey Gloves | Protect hands against falls | |
| Video Equipment | Camera | Recording practices and games |
| Tripod | Stable recordings |
By equipping themselves with these essential items, hockey coaches can create a productive and safe environment that fosters player growth and team success.
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