The difference between good and great often comes down to how consistent you are in your effort and execution, whether it’s practice or a game. The habits formed in practice will naturally carry over to games.

Developing elite practice habits is a great first step to becoming an elite player.

NOTE FOR COACHES: It is important that we teach and model these practice habits at practice. We want these habits to become the norm, not the exception. All of the coaches on your staff should be continually reminding players about these habits and acknowledging when players are exhibiting them.

1. Project POSITIVE energy. Have FUN doing it!

• Love being on the ice.
• Enjoy the process of training and practice.
• Positive body language
• Celebrate success and make some noise.

2. Be Ready and Prepared

• Develop consistent and systematic habits and rituals for mental and physical readiness.
• Be ready to go and warmed up BEFORE the ice is ready.
• Check your equipment BEFORE going to the rink. Sharp skates. Taped sticks.
• Be ready when it is your turn for a drill.

3. Don’t waste time

• Don’t waste the first 5 minutes! Practice a skill you are weak at.
• 5 seconds back to coach when called.
• 5 seconds to get to the next drill.
• Bring water to the coaching board.

4. Challenge yourself to get better EVERY rep

• Have purpose in every action.
• Compete to win every drill.
• Create disadvantages for yourself.
• Strategically position yourself to face specific players who challenge you in areas you want to improve.

5. Sprint all out and execute with maximum tempo

• Win every shift. Win every battle.

6. Pay attention to instructions and Go First!

• Strive to be the first in drills, demonstrating readiness and engagement.
• Taking responsibility early on enhances focus and understanding.

7. Great PASSING Habits

• Deliver passes with precision and appropriate weight for the situation.
• Catch every pass
• Work on a great FIRST TOUCH. Catch passes in stride. Use your body to protect the puck after the catch.
• Minimize stick handles after the catch.
• Experiment with different passing techniques during practice. Be courageous.
• Recognize the handedness of receiving players and adjust passes accordingly.

8. Great SHOOTING Habits

• Always shoot to score.
• Practice varied shooting routes and shot types.
• Make the goalie move BEFORE you shoot.
• Focus on practical shooting scenarios to improve scoring outcomes in games.
• Shoot LOW, just above the pads.

9. Finish every drill STRONG

• Focus on completing each play and transitioning smoothly to the next.
• Push yourself to work hard right to the end. No quitting.
• Don’t wreck the drill.
• Start the next play like you would in a game at the end of each drill.

10. Leverage Waiting-In-Line Time

• Review your last rep. What could you have done better?
• Visualize and feel your next rep.
• Ask questions. Request feedback from coaches, when appropriate.