"It takes 10 years of extensive training to excel in anything"

Since Hockey, in my opinion, requires the most multi-tasking of skills and at a high speed, of any other Team sport, it is imperative that muscle memory Skills Training be done. This is the boring type of training for some, because it requires a player to constantly repeat the proper execution of any given skill, over and over and over again. The problem that we have sometimes in minor hockey, is that the coaches on the ice are simply flooded with large masses of players (especially at the younger ages), and simply cannot correct wrong execution of skills when they are being trained. This in turn, causes the player to basically develop bad execution habits of skills. The longer the bad habit, the harder to break. Smaller groups, or more coaches are needed to ensure that skill execution is done properly, corrections are constantly being made, and that good habits are promoted.

Scientific research has concluded that it takes 8-12 years of properly executed training in order for a high-end athlete to play at an elite level. This is because that is how long it takes to totally develop muscle memory of skills (Individual and Team skills and Tactics), including Hockey IQ, so that they become automatic, and executed at the highest tempo possible. That is the biggest difference between levels of hockey, and achieving that next level. Can a player still execute his skills properly, but at a higher Tempo? If a player has not developed his skills to the point of being automatic in a game situation, then he will be forced to think about them, and when he does that he will be over run with the higher pace at the next levels. However, when a player doesn't have to think about passing the puck properly, or his edges during a tight turn, or his shooting techniques, or even his checking techniques, he will be able to adapt to that 1 second quicker reaction time at the next level because his brain is not bogged up with other thoughts. It will allow the player to now be able to think about "when" to execute these skills, and not "how" to execute them. A player who knows "when" to execute an Individual or Team Skill during a game, is a player with a good "Hockey IQ". A good "Hockey IQ" is the A-B-C's of playing at the next, and highest levels. It all starts with muscle memory training of proper execution of Individual skills…..over and over and over and over…….. This is commonly referred to as the "10 thousand hour Rule", and the earlier a player starts, the more beneficial it is, and the earlier he will get "it"….. That is how long it takes, period. No magic Pill, just long-term dedication and proper execution!

Here is a paragraph out of the BC Hockey Training Manual:

"A specific and well-planned practice, training, competition, and recovery regime ensures optimum development through an athlete's career. Ultimately, sustained success comes from training and performing well over the long-term rather than just winning in the short-term. There are no short-cuts to success in athletic preparations. Rushing completion will always result in shortcomings in physical, technical, mental, personal, and lifestyle capabilities"

Remember:

"…Luck is simply the combination of Preparation meeting Opportunity…"

- Jamie McKinley