Sport development Tips 4
Hockey
Hockey
Mindset
Guide
Written by Zaius
CONTENT
1. Taking the Leap
2. Finding Passion — The
YouTube Phase
3. Setbacks and Bounce Backs
4. The Breakthrough — Doing the
Basics Right
5. Lessons from the Journey
6. Bonus: Drills & Mindset Toolkit
Chapter 1: Taking the Leap
I’d never played hockey before high school. My
background was football — and honestly, I thought
hockey wasn’t for me.
But my school and parents had this rule: you have to do
a sport each term. So, I signed up — nervous, uncertain,
and not too excited.
The first week felt awkward. Everyone else looked
confident while I was still figuring out how to hold the
stick. But after a week, something clicked.
That’s when I realized:
> Sometimes, the things we’re forced to try become the
things we love most.
---
💡 Take the Leap Tips
Don’t be afraid to try something new.
Everyone starts as a beginner — just focus on progress.
Say yes to opportunities, even if you’re unsure at first.
2
Chapter 2: Finding Passion — The YouTube Phase
About a month in, I started getting curious. I wanted to
improve faster.
That’s when I stumbled upon Hertzberger TV on YouTube. I
searched “how to ___ in hockey,” and suddenly I was
hooked.
Those videos taught me everything — from V-drags and
yardsticks to overheads and 3D skills. But the biggest
lesson was this:
> You don’t need to know every skill. Mastering one move
can make you stand out.
That year, my move was the squeeze — a little hit that
bounces the ball just enough to beat a tackle. I used it
once in a match, it worked perfectly, and it became my
signature.
---
💡 Practical Takeaways
YouTube can be your best coach — if you apply what you
watch.
Focus on one skill at a time and master it.
Watch the game like a student — study movement,
timing, and positioning.
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Chapter 3: Setbacks and Bounce Backs
My second year started strong — I made the B team out of six.
But after one week, I got dropped to the C team.
It stung. I felt embarrassed walking into that first C team
session. But instead of quitting, I used it.
I went back to the basics — backyard training, wall passes, v-
drags in my room. I backed myself, trusted my teammates
more, and focused on improving.
By the end of the season, I was being asked to sub for the B
team almost every week.
That’s when I realized:
> A step back isn’t failure — it’s preparation for your
comeback.
---
💡 Mindset Notes
Don’t let being dropped define you.
Confidence grows when you back yourself.
Lower levels give you time to develop — use that time wisely.
4
Chapter 4: The Breakthrough — Doing the Basics Right
Next season, I made the High Performance squad and the B
side again — but started on the bench.
It was frustrating, but I stayed patient. Then, at a big
tournament, everything changed.
I got subbed on — in a position I didn’t normally play —
against one of the best teams there.
I got the ball, beat one player, looked up, passed, and made
a run. Simple. Effective.
From that moment on, I played almost every minute of every
game.
> The turning point came when I stopped trying to impress —
and started doing the basics right.
---
💡 Tips for Consistency
Execution > flash.
Be ready when your moment comes.
Patience and preparation pay off.
Basics win games. Always.
5
Chapter 5: Lessons from the Journey
After a few years of ups and downs, these lessons stuck:
Observe and Learn: Study how higher level players move and
make decisions.
Listen to Advice: You never know whose words will change
your game.
Bounce Back: Every setback builds mental strength.
Master the Basics: Consistency beats flash every time.
Train with Purpose: Every session should have a goal.
Trust Yourself: Once you’ve done the work, let your confidence
flow.
---
🧠 Quotes to Remember
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”
“Success is no accident — it’s preparation, focus, and
perseverance.”
“Small improvements every day lead to big results.”
“Your only competition is the person you were yesterday.”
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Bonus: Drills & Mindset Toolkit
1. Backyard Wall Pass Drill
Purpose: Improve first touch and passing accuracy.
Find a wall or rebound board.
Pass the ball, receive, control, and pass again.
Repeat with both forehand and backhand.
Goal: 100 clean passes without losing control.
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2. V-Drag Mastery Drill
Purpose: Build stick control and agility.
Set up two cones 1 meter apart.
Pull the ball in a V-shape between them.
Stay low, soft hands, eyes up.
Goal: 10 clean sets in a row without losing the ball.
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3. Squeeze Flick Practice
Purpose: Learn how to lift the ball subtly past tackles.
Roll the ball toward yourself.
Squeeze the stick down quickly to make it pop up slightly.
Tip: Perfect for dodging late tackles — keep control after the
flick.
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The Bounce Back Formula
When you have a bad game or get dropped:
1. Reflect — what went wrong?
2. Reset — focus on the next session, not the last mistake.
3. Rebuild — work on one thing you can improve right away.
4. Repeat — consistency turns comebacks into habits.
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⚡ Final Message
You don’t need to be the most talented.
You just need to keep showing up.
Start. Keep learning. Master the basics.
Believe in yourself and play with purpose.
> Because every great player started exactly where you are
— a beginner who decided to try.
