dagies Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 On the radio before last night's MN/SCSU game they interviewed coach Dahl. They were asking him what might have been the key to the recent good play by SCSU. He said that they weren't doing a lot of the same old drills, but playing a lot of "small area games" and keeping score. The guys were apparently responding well to this, really enjoying it, and they've been having good success since that time. Dahl went on to say that Gwoz said last year Denver did these "small area games" end of January and all of Feb (a time Denver was very very hot) and he credited those games for their hot streak. Dahl said he decided he'd do the same in the future. So, my question is, what are "small area games". From the interview, it sounded like these are things more commonly used with kids, not college players. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwing77 Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 On the radio before last night's MN/SCSU game they interviewed coach Dahl. They were asking him what might have been the key to the recent good play by SCSU. He said that they weren't doing a lot of the same old drills, but playing a lot of "small area games" and keeping score. The guys were apparently responding well to this, really enjoying it, and they've been having good success since that time. Dahl went on to say that Gwoz said last year Denver did these "small area games" end of January and all of Feb (a time Denver was very very hot) and he credited those games for their hot streak. Dahl said he decided he'd do the same in the future. So, my question is, what are "small area games". From the interview, it sounded like these are things more commonly used with kids, not college players. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> SCSU probably hired the local high school and squirt teams to come in and play the Huskies so they can feel good about actually dominating a game Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAR Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 The Hussies are horrible so obviously Dahl can play these small games all he wants but that will only help morale when the Hussies practice against each other. That team is BAD! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyeagle Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 I assume you're looking for a serious answer. Pick a situation and turn it into a game in a small area. The NJD are probably the organization that most popularized the concept. In fact, one of the games we use is called New Jersey. Basically, it's 1-1, 2-1, 2-2 keep-a-way in an area about 10X10 or so along the boards. The theory is everything a player needs to be successful needs to be done in a small area. You can also think organized shinny hockey, to coin an oxymoron. For example, we will put the net against the end boards or in the corner and have the guys play 2X2 inside the goal line. We also add conditions like a team has to make a pass to a coach/player playing outside the area to go on offense, or the must make two passes or make a bounce pass off the boards before the can shoot. We sometimes add a player in a "safe zone" and the team on offense has to work a give and go with him before a shot can be made. The variations, once you think about it, are endless. Another great one is put two nets back-to-back between the blue line & goal line. Play 3X3 with one goalie and the goalie has to go back and forth between the nets. They hate that one. The key is to 1) keep feeding pucks as goals are scored or pucks leave the area, 2) keep the times short (we do 30-45 seconds to simulate shifts), 3) make it situational, and 4) make it fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwing77 Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 The key is to 1) keep feeding pucks as goals are scored or pucks leave the area, 2) keep the times short (we do 30-45 seconds to simulate shifts), 3) make it situational, and 4) make it fun. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> They might as well. It's not as though they have anything else to practice for at this point. EDIT: Too bad for some of thos players. Some of them really do try hard. Oh well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyeagle Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 For the record: I am NOT Craig Dahl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwing77 Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 For the record: I am NOT Craig Dahl. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Oh? Prove it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dagies Posted February 27, 2005 Author Share Posted February 27, 2005 Greyeagle, thanks a bunch. Now to learn how to skate.... My money is on Spirko in those games in tight spaces. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwing77 Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 Greyeagle, thanks a bunch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyeagle Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redwing77 Posted February 27, 2005 Share Posted February 27, 2005 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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