I have an opportunity that many coaches don't ever get to have.  I am a parent that sits on the outside of the glass that understands the Coach's mind set.

As a parent of a youth Athlete that excels in Hockey and Lacrosse, I am quick to tell folks that HOCKEY might be the worse Parent/Spectator.

I think part of the issue is that the monetary investment in a young hockey player is un real!

There is payment to the league for the opportunity to play

Then there is the Equipment costs that never goes down and as the youth outgrows their stuff rather quickly, the items are mostly considered "consumables", unless you have a thankful person to send your "hand me downs" to.  (Thank you Lee Zimmerman for all of Sam's pristine, but well worked equipment you've sent Hunter over the years!)

There is the EXTRA skating lessons, stick handling lessons, and ice time.  The TIME commitment can't be forgotten because after all...time is money.

Then the tournaments and out of town travel.  Each weekend can be a four digit investment.

So it's easy to say that the PARENT has a great interest in the programs their young Wayne Gretzky's are participating in.

Here's the divide...SOME parent in one breath will tell you they don't care about Banners, Trophies, or the Win/Loss column and in their next and by their actions THAT is ALL they want.

Now you know me!  Show me a gracious loser and I'll show you a loser.  Second place is first loser!  BUT...THAT stuff happens at the High School level and beyond.

I sit on the outside of the glass to SUPPORT my son's love of a game!

Get it?  A GAME!

He loves to play, he loves the atmosphere and (this is big) HE LOVES to improve his skill sets.  Yes, he likes to win but not at the loss of being a good person.

Example, we played against a rival this past Sunday.  My son had three opportunities to score for his local club.  The kid that plays Goalie on the other team is also the goalie on Hunter's "All California" team.  When the play was stopped, and it was INTENSE, Hunter slid over to the Goalie and fist bumped his efforts.  They were SPORTSMEN not Combatants.

We did end of dropping this game to the San Francisco kids, but it was a nail biting game.  In other words, it was EXCITING!

I cheered the efforts of BOTH teams.  I was watching some GREAT youth Hockey.  Well coached, well played, and FAIR!

I shook my head on a couple instances when I heard a Mom rant about how GREAT her son is.  That he is playing for a team that WINS banners, trophies and that the kid's self esteem is off the charts because of the Victories. (By the way...the boy doesn't play for either of the teams I have been discussing, but one that we will meet in the near future)

My rebuttal to this was calm and non threatening although I am certain had I given her the full brunt of my sharp tongue, she'd still have open wounds.

I asked her one question..."How much did "Little Wayne Gretzky's" skill set improve with all those wins?"

(enter the cricket's chirp)

Yea...I thought so.  At this age, I am more concerned about my son's skill IMPROVEMENTS.  I'm not only talking about the physical one's that are hockey related like his skating, stick handling, and shooting or defending abilities.  I want to see the psychological ones get better too.

How does he handle pressure?

How does he handle adversity?

How does he handle disappointment?

How does he handle WINNIG graciously?

How is he as a leader?

How is he as a teammate?

How is he as a COACHABLE ATHLETE and hockey player?

How does he interact with Authority (Coaches, his and his opponents AND Referees)?

Does he RESPECT the traditions of the games he plays?

THESE are all more important, RIGHT NOW to me than a stinking banner or a medal or a trophy.

I'd say Hunter is in a good spot right now.

I admire his current coaches and their approach.  They work well with all the boys and especially my son.

By the way, the ride home is much more fun, when you can talk about individual plays the kid made, and NOT have to do damage control because your son's (or daughter's) team lost.

"For the LOVE of the game...Please your Creator!"

 

Today's Super Slow Training

Move the weight throughout the range of motion as SLOW as you can without it stopping and jerking along the path.  I'm calling this the Ti Chi of weightlifting.  Great if you have an injury or want to work MENTAL toughness into your program.

IF you get less than TWO reps, go down in weight.

Getting more than FIVE reps allows for an increase of weight.

Do NO MORE than TWO sets per exercise!

Chest Supported Row

Lat Pulldown to the chest

Straight Arm Pulldowns

45 degree back extension

Prowler: (these were as fast as we could) 10x40 yards

Barbell Curl

Rope Tricep Extension Push Down

Dips

Dumbbell Curl

Preacher Curl with Dumbbell

Over Head Tricep Cable Extension