Dallas Ice Jets

“Players can’t improve their individual skills during games because there’s simply not enough time, which makes constructive, structured on- and off-ice skills development exercises taught by competent coaches and instructors that much more important. “We’ve been saying this over and over. The more quality repetitions you get with any given skill, the easier it will be to turn that skill into instinct.”

- Kevin McLaughlin, USA Hockey director of player development

To improve your hockey skills, you have to practice effectively. Anyone can have basic hockey skills, but elite players have exceptional hockey skills because they put in the extra effort - they did things other hockey players didn't want to do and they trained intelligently. Many players and coaches rely heavily on scrimmages or playing games to build skill development. But research has proven that players do not get the necessary skill development in just playing a bunch of games. A well-executed practice is of far greater benefit to the overall development of the athlete.

Fun practices with a purpose
The Ice Jets Hockey Association offers players fun and innovative on-ice practices. All practices may look similar from a distance but for those who understand hockey development they are not at all alike. The strength of our practices is found within our system of training and our outstanding coaches. We use proven scientific training techniques in our practices that will identify player weaknesses and enhance performance. Our drills are purpose-driven and we emphasize teaching a skilled game to our players.

Our program understands firsthand the necessary mechanics that are needed to perform each skill to its fullest function and how to communicate that teaching to our students. We believe that knowing both theoretical and practical aspects of hockey skills training is essential for successful hockey game performance. It is our aim to convey the theoretical knowledge that we have accumulated over decades of work in coaching and playing the sport and to demonstrate the practical applications of those concepts in the development of our players. Technique and biomechanics of skill in any kind of sport, especially in such a complicated game as hockey, is very important as there is a right way and a wrong way to execute skill movements.

Mastery of skills for stability of results
A youth hockey player trains for the purpose to be great in games. He does not train for the sole purpose of training and he does not become proficient in the game all at once. It is required that he has solid coaching and that he has patience multiplied by time, persistence, and repetition. This is the recipe for long-term individual on-ice success. Without being equipped with an arsenal of skills, it is impossible to become a great player and useful to his team. Mastery of skills also influences stability of results. If the performing skill of hockey players is high, so too will be the stability of their play. But if the athletes do not have a proper command of game skills, they will play very unevenly. There is much to learn in hockey and plenty of skills to master compared to other sports. In soccer there is a “foot” technique, in basketball and volleyball a “hand” technique; but in hockey there are both “foot” and “hand” techniques to conquer.

Efficient practice environments
We believe excellent hockey players are formed through consistent and correct implementation of skills through organized and efficient practice environments Drills that are challenging and centered around skating, passing, puck control and shooting are the cornerstones for effective game performance and team play. We often separate athletes into small groups of six to 12 players and practice specific skills until it becomes second nature. It is repetition, repetition, repetition done in a fun, creative way. We also teach our players so they can learn how, when, where and why certain skills make them a better player while developing excellent training habits.

Dedication to individual and team development
Our mission is to create high spirited, well organized, fast paced, intense and competitive practice session each and every day. We want our players to be able to participate in challenging progressive drills that push them to move out of their comfort zone while simultaneously moving their feet and handling a puck, forcing them to also work on their vision skills. Our on-ice practices are dedicated to individual and team development. It is our belief that the better we can develop each individual player, the more success our teams will have. We have no interest in watching our players and teams work hour upon hour to maintain their present skill level. We're talking about a plan of action that fuels improvement and skill acceleration.

Critical ingredients for skill improvement
Our practice design is not built on random guesswork that leads athletes nowhere. Players receive numerous purpose driven repetitions and correct teaching within each drill and concept and are forced to perform at maximum intensity. Three critical ingredients for on-ice skill improvement are

1. Quality repetition
2. Raising comfort zone levels
3. Applying learned skills in game situations.

We teach players to practice skills at an uncomfortably fast pace with quality repetitions for many hours and many months and then bring those skills to games.

Players have the opportunity during our practices to combine skill training with game competition so they can transfer learned skills into actual game performance. Each and every practice session is designed with purpose and a “practice theme.” We emphasize building a deep and wide skill and knowledge base to create exciting and dynamic hockey players who can optimize performance potential.

Our coaches understand that their greatest value and function on the ice lies in their ability to teach. Part of teaching includes explaining skills and correcting players through proper feedback. Ice Jets coaches work to develop a player’s individual skill by bringing the player to a level that is comfortable enough for him to be effective and challenging him to have the desire to improve. Demonstration of proper technique is vital. Evaluating step-by-step progress is essential to every player. As coaches we put a demand on ourselves to be clear in our communication with players in what we want and how we want it done.

How committed are you?
So how committed are you? How far do you really want to go? Your level of commitment is directly proportional to how far you want to go. Remember, the difference between an elite player and an average player is commitment + coaching + repetition + time. If you’re willing to partake in this proven sports development formula, then the Ice Jets have the practice recipe you’re searching for.