What it
takes to be
a usa coach
What does it take to be a coach? It can't be that difficult? Play some
fun games and work on some skills, that's easy enough. Well, that
couldn't be further from the truth because coaching is no easy task!
The role of the coach is a vital one. The
coach is an instrumental part of a player's
development and attitude towards the sport.
The primary goal of a coach should be to
guide and improve players' hockey skills as
well as their personal development on and off
the ice. Players will mirror the coach's behavior,
whether it is positive or negative. Therefore,
coaches must lead by example, maintain their
composure, act professionally at all times
and learn the game and the skills required
www.USAHockeyParents.com
for ice hockey. A coach must be a leader, a
communicator, a teacher and an organizer.
To ensure that coaches in ice hockey are
adequately trained and prepared, USA Hockey
has developed a comprehensive Coaching
Education Program. The first step a coach
must take is to attend an annual coaching
clinic. These coaching clinics are typically
held in the fall and range from Level 1 to Level
5. Each coaching level builds upon what was
learned at the last level and coaches must
