The Hockey Play Book: Teaching Hockey Systems (Paperback)

by Michael A. Smith (Author) "FORECHECKING IS THE PROCESS OF ATTACKING THE OPPOSITION IN THE offensive zone and doing so in a way that leads to disruption, which leads to..." (more)
Key Phrases: play normal positions, defensemen play, two forecheckers, Basic Pattern, Board Play, John Wooden They Call Me Coach (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The bible for hockey coaches at all levels of competition.

The Hockey Play Book is a practical handbook for coaches seeking better players and better team-play.

The book features systems for defensive, offensive and special-team situations, all accompanied by annotated, easy-to-understand diagrams. The systems range from conservative to aggressive -- some are intended for big, physical teams; others for fast-skating and highly skilled teams; and some work for both. Also included are teaching methods and drills for honing specific skills.

The first challenge for every coach is to determine the abilities of each skater. The approach in The Hockey Play Book is effective with players of all ages and levels of ability. Coaches can match systems with team strategy, bringing a special creative magic to one of the fastest team sports in the world.

The Hockey Play Book includes: - 500 step-by-step diagrams - Dozens of plays and skill-building drills - Conservative and aggressive systems - Teaching strategies for all levels of play

About the Author
Michael A. Smith has been involved in hockey for over 40 years as a player, as a coach and as general manager of the New York Rangers, Colorado Rockies, Chicago Blackhawks and Team USA. He was an adviser for the National Hockey League and has traveled extensively as a lecturer and studied European training methods in Russia and Sweden. The author of six books on hockey, he lives in West Tisbury, Massachusetts.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books; 1st edition (January 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552090507
• ISBN-13: 978-1552090503
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #166,370 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for learning and teaching special teams and systems., December 30, 1998

By	[e-mail] (USA) - See all my reviews

This book is laid out in a well organized easy to read format that explains and describes systems and special teams options for every zone on the ice.

I was dissappointed that 5 on 3's were not spoken of from a power play and a penalty killing perspective. These can win and lose you hockey games. Overall though, it is and will be a good referance book for coaching.

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Coach's Manual, December 7, 2001

By	"delcophan" (West Chester, PA USA) - See all my reviews

My son is the head coach of a Tier 1 girls hockey team. This manual has been invaluable for developing plays, systems and a players manual. I highly recommend this to any serious coach.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Learning Hockey movements....organizing the Chaos, March 20, 2007

By	Emmett Pennington "Stepdads101.com" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I remember learning basketball as a kid...watching it on TV was boring, one team scored, the other scored and not much looked different.

Then I learned about offense and defense and it all changed...became a lot more enjoyable and to this day I can watch a game and get involved.

Well, I'm learning Hockey now...as an adult. I don't have coaches around me to teach me...this book gives a good insight on what to look out for in a game...Offense and defense.

After one reading I went to a game....and it was a different experience. More enjoyable...a deeper connection with the game.

I didn't know exactly what was happeneing on the ice, but knew the basics and was able to more fully follow what the guys were trying to do.

I look forward to a few more readings through this book...and getting ready to watch the playoffs this year....with a more tuned in eye.